Monastery of Saint Augustine of Serra do Pilar

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Porto > Vila Nova de Gaia > Santa Marinha > Serra do Pilar

Location

The Serra do Pilar Monastery is located in Vila Nova de Gaia, with a spectacular view over the Douro River, the Luís I Bridge, and the Historical Center of Porto.

History

The construction of the monastery began in 1538 and was made to house the community of the Order of Saint Augustine. The site was chosen for its strategic position and religious importance.

Architecture

The monastery is famous for its remarkable architecture, with a circular church and cloister, a rarity in monastic buildings. The cloister is surrounded by Ionic columns and has a central courtyard with a fountain.

Classification

In 1910, the Church and Cloister were classified as a National Monument. In 1996, the monastery was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, recognizing its historical and cultural importance.

Visit

From 2012, the monastery opened to the public, offering exhibitions that promote the heritage of the region. Visitors can learn about other UNESCO-listed sites in the area, such as Guimarães and the Douro Wine Region.

Cultural Importance

The monastery is not only a place of worship but also a cultural and military space. During wars, it played an important role due to its location.

Activities

Tourists can explore the church, the cloister, and other monastery dependencies, as well as participate in annual events and fairs that celebrate the devotion to the Virgin of the Pillar.

Access

A visit to the monastery provides a unique experience of discovering the history and architecture of one of Portugal's most emblematic monuments.

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

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