Category: Religious Architecture > Monastery
District: Porto > Amarante > Travanca > Barral
The Travanca Monastery is located in the parish of Travanca, in the municipality of Amarante, in Portugal.
This monastery, founded in the 12th century, has been classified as a National Monument since 1916.
The construction of the monastery began in the 11th century, on land donated in the 10th century. It was founded by descendants of D. Mumio Viegas and belonged to the Benedictine Order.
The monastery church is one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Portugal. Much of its original structure, dating from the 13th century, remains preserved.
The church has a basilica format, with three naves separated by arches and a wooden roof. The chancel and the apsidioles are also points of interest, highlighting the Romanesque elements.
On the facade, the axial portal draws attention with four archivolts and a smooth tympanum. The sculpted capitals are a showcase of the decorative work typical of the Romanesque style.
The tower, in the Gothic style, was added in the 14th century. This military element contrasts with the remaining Romanesque style, but includes decorative elements such as the Agnus Dei on the tympanum of the door.
In the 17th century, significant works were carried out, including the expansion of the chancel and the reconstruction of the cloister.
In addition to being an important example of medieval religious architecture in Portugal, the monastic complex has historical and artistic relevance, with emphasis on the fusion of Romanesque and Gothic styles.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosteiro_de_Travanca
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.277665332096475,-8.192772357222333
Coordinates DMS: 41°16'39.6"N 08°11'34.0"W