Convent of the Franciscan Sisters of Calais (Gondomar, 1962-71)

Category: Religious Architecture > Convent

District: Porto > Gondomar > Taralhão

Location

Located in the area of Taralhão, in the municipality of Gondomar, district of Porto, the Convent of the Franciscan Sisters of Calais benefits from a setting that evokes tranquility. Its location offers surroundings that blend the quietness of a more secluded area with the convenience of proximity to the surrounding urban hubs.

Its position allows one to feel the calm atmosphere of the area, punctuated by green spaces and a lower population density, creating a space for retreat and serenity, while remaining accessible from the main routes of the Porto Metropolitan Area.

Architecture and Period of Construction

Built between 1962 and 1971, the Convent of the Franciscan Sisters of Calais represents a distinctive approach to the architecture of its time. It stands apart from the more ornate and traditional styles of historic convents, presenting an architectural language that reflects the modernist trends of the second half of the 20th century in Portugal.

Its lines are generally clean, with geometric volumes and an emphasis on functionality and integration with the surrounding environment. The building's design prioritized the entry of natural light and the creation of large, open spaces, designed for community and contemplative life, reflecting a sobriety that aligns with the values of the congregation that inhabited it.

The Spiritual and Community Legacy

This convent served as a home and center of activity for the Franciscan Sisters of Calais, a congregation whose life was guided by the precepts of Saint Francis of Assisi, namely humility, simplicity, and service to others. Their presence in Gondomar marked a chapter in local religious history, with the sisters dedicating themselves to prayer and community life.

The building itself, in its formal simplicity, stands as a silent testament to the sisters' vocation for a stripped-down life focused on the essential. It thus represents a link between contemporary architecture and Franciscan spirituality, inviting introspection on the role of faith and community in a context of social modernization.

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