Category: Religious Architecture > Convent
District: Porto > Vila Nova de Gaia > Lugar do Castelo > Santa Marinha e São Pedro da Afurada
The Convent of Corpus Christi, also known as the Monastery of São Domingos das Donas, is located next to Cais de Gaia, in the parish of Santa Marinha, in Vila Nova de Gaia, in the District of Porto.
Founded in 1345 by D. Maria Mendes Petite, the convent has a rich history linked to the local nobility. D. Maria, widow of a troubadour, dedicated the monastery to the worship of the Eucharist and faced difficulties in its foundation due to a conflict with the Bishop of Porto. The monastery was officially inaugurated in 1354. Over the centuries, the structure suffered damage due to Douro floods and was remodeled, including the construction of a new church in the 17th century and a baroque facade in the 18th century. Convent functions ceased in 1894, but in 1930 the building began to be managed by the sisters of the Institute of the Good Shepherd.
The convent features an octagonal-plan church with an impressive nave and a dome. The artistic decoration is rich, with four side altars and a high choir in Baroque style. The coffered ceilings are adorned with oil paintings, and the choir stalls are particularly interesting, featuring unique grimaces and influences from the art of the Overseas Empire.
The convent houses notable tombs, including those of D. Leonor de Alvim and D. Maria Mendes Aboim, the founder. Also present is the tomb of Álvaro Anes de Cernache, an important historical figure. Currently, the site has been rehabilitated and serves as a cultural space, the Espaço Corpus Christi, and a master's pole of the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Porto.
The Convent of Corpus Christi has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 2012, standing out not only for its history and architecture, but also as an important cultural center in the region.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convento_de_Corpus_Christi
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.13632134911401,-8.617556673980149
Coordinates DMS: 41°08'10.8"N 08°37'3.2"W