Monastery of Pombeiro

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Porto > Felgueiras > Pombeiro de Ribavizela

Location

The Monastery of Pombeiro is located in the locality of the same name, Pombeiro de Ribavizela, belonging to the municipality of Felgueiras. It is set in a valley, in a rural environment that lends tranquility to the visit. Its position stands out in the surrounding landscape, surrounded by fields.

Its Origins

The presence of a monastic community in Pombeiro dates back to very ancient times, with records pointing to the year 853. However, the construction of the current building, following the design of the great Benedictine monasteries, began in the second half of the 12th century. This long history makes the Monastery of Pombeiro one of the oldest monastic foundations in Portuguese territory.

Architectural Styles

The Monastery of Pombeiro exhibits a fascinating combination of styles. Its original structure is distinctly Romanesque, characteristic of the period of its initial construction in the 12th and 13th centuries. However, during the Modern Age, especially in the Baroque period, the monastery underwent extensive renovations that profoundly altered its appearance. Decorative elements and new structures were added, coexisting with the medieval parts.

What to Observe

When visiting the monastery, note the main facade, where the original Romanesque portal, rich in carved details, and the large rose window above it still stand out. This facade is flanked by the two bell towers added in later periods.

Inside the church, with its three-nave plan, elements from the Romanesque phase remain, such as the apsidioles and some funerary arks containing recumbent figures and ancient inscriptions. Attention is drawn to the magnificent main chapel and the side altars, notable examples of the Baroque period, decorated with rich gilded woodcarving and the imposing high choir with its choir stalls.

Although part of the original monastery no longer exists, a portion of the cloister facade is still visible, with its gallery of arches on the ground floor and windows on the upper floor, revealing the different phases of construction and remodelling of the monastic complex.

History and Legacy

For centuries, the Monastery of Pombeiro played a central role in the region, not only as a religious centre but also as an economic and social hub. It benefited from the protection of important noble families, such as the Sousas, who chose to be buried here. In the Middle Ages, its influence extended significantly.

The dissolution of the religious orders in 1834 marked the end of monastic life on the site, leading to a period of abandonment and significant damage. However, its historical and architectural importance was recognized with its classification as a National Monument in the early 20th century.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt