Monastery of São Salvador de Grijó

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Vila Nova de Gaia > Grijó > Grijó e Sermonde

Location:

The Monastery of S. Salvador de Grijó is located in the town of Grijó, part of the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia. The monastic complex is situated in a relatively isolated area within the urban zone, preceded by a large courtyard surrounded by a wall.

Entrance to this space is through a notable portal, marked by an arch framed by pilasters. In the center of this courtyard, before reaching the church directly, there is a simple cross. The church also has a distinct, square-plan bell tower separate from the main body.

Origins and Main Construction:

The history of Grijó Monastery dates back to very ancient times, with its initial foundation recorded in the year 922. Although it was founded in another location, the religious community transferred to the current site in 1112.

The building we observe today is largely the result of a profound reconstruction that began in 1574, under the direction of the architect Francisco Velasquez. The works were lengthy, with the dormitory, refectory, and part of the cloister completed by 1600, but the church was only fully enclosed in 1629.

Church Architecture:

The church features an imposing main façade in the Mannerist style, which stands out for its verticality and its visual resemblance to a large altarpiece. This façade is divided into floors, with a portico at the base opened by three arches.

Inside, the church has a single nave covered by a coffered ceiling. On the side walls, which communicate with each other, there are six chapels with gilded altarpieces, predominantly in the Mannerist style. The chancel, clad in tiles, is crowned by a large Baroque carved altarpiece, which includes a painting representing the Transfiguration of Christ.

The Cloister: A Space for Contemplation:

An essential part of the monastic complex is the cloister, an inner courtyard of square plan surrounded by two-story galleries. The lower floor features a Ionic colonnade, while the upper floor uses Corinthian colonnettes, covered by a wooden ceiling.

The walls of the galleries are decorated with polychrome tile panels illustrating religious figures. In the center of the cloister, a two-tiered fountain stands out, whose style, decorated with grotesques, points to Flemish artistic influences.

The Tomb of D. Rodrigo Sanches:

One of the most prominent elements in Grijó Monastery is the tomb of D. Rodrigo Sanches. The illegitimate son of King D. Sancho I, D. Rodrigo died near the monastery in the 13th century and was buried here.

His tomb, classified as a National Monument, is a remarkable work of Gothic stone sculpture, distinguished by being one of the earliest known examples in Portugal to feature the recumbent effigy of the deceased carved on the lid of the sarcophagus. The funerary chest is decorated with various figurative reliefs.

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