Monastery of Pombeiro

Category: Religious Architecture > Monastery

District: Porto > Felgueiras > Pombeiro de Ribavizela > Casais

Location

The Monastery of Pombeiro is located in Pombeiro de Ribavizela, in the municipality of Felgueiras, Portugal. It is one of the stops on the Route of the Romanesque, ideal for those who want to learn about the history and architecture of this region.

Origin and History

The presence of a monastic community in this location is recorded since the year 853, but it was in 1059 that the construction of the monastery began on the current site. The building we see today began to be erected in the 12th century, under the direction of the Order of Saint Benedict.

Medieval Architecture

Although the alterations over the centuries have been significant, one can still observe elements of the original Romanesque construction, such as the axial portal and the apsidoles. These details are among the few vestiges that remain from the medieval period.

Baroque Transformations

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the monastery was greatly altered, especially in the Baroque style. At that time, the towers were added to the facade, the high choir, the main chapel, and several works of gilded woodcarving, which gave the interior of the church its richer appearance.

Neoclassicism and Decline

In the early 19th century, the cloister was redesigned in neoclassical style, but in 1834, with the extinction of religious orders in Portugal, the monastery was abandoned. Much of its stone was reused in other buildings in the region.

Classification and Protection

In 1910, the Monastery of Pombeiro was classified as a National Monument. This classification ensures its preservation and is part of the cultural and tourist route of the Route of the Romanesque.

Curiosities

D. Gonçalo Mendes de Sousa, known as "The Good", was one of the main benefactors of the monastery. In addition, in 1770, under the guidance of the architect Frei José de Santo António Vilaça, major renovations were carried out in the interior, such as the construction of altars in gilded woodcarving.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosteiro_de_Pombeiro

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