Convent of the Capuchins or Convent of the Retreat of the Third Order Capuchins

Category: Religious Architecture > Convent

District: Santarém > Santarém > Santarém > Alfange

Location and Historical Importance

Located in the center of Santarém, in the block formed by Rua das Esteiras, Miguel Bombarda, and Travessa das Capuchas, this convent is an old building that combines a hospital and a shelter. Founded in 1677, it holds a prominent place in local history and has been classified as a Property of Municipal Interest since 1996.

Origin and Evolution

It was erected on the site of a medieval hospital founded in 1321 by Queen Saint Isabel, dedicated to sheltering the needy and abandoned children. In the 17th century, Friar António de São Diogo requested Queen D. Maria Francisca de Sabóia to establish the convent, which was then occupied by the Capuchin Sisters.

Transformations Through the Centuries

Throughout the 18th century, it underwent various expansion works, such as the construction of the main portal and improvements to the cloister. In the 19th century, with the extinction of religious orders, the convent was closed and sold, but in 1924, Mother Andaluz transformed the space into a social support institution that still exists today.

Architecture and Art

The building combines Mannerist and Rococo styles. It includes the old Church of Our Lady of the Innocents, the cloister, and well-preserved conventual dependencies.

Facades

with decorative elements such as religious images and coats of arms.

Church Interior

with typical Portuguese tiles, a wooden ceiling, and altars integrated into an arch.

Cloister and Dependencies

organized around a courtyard with pillars and arches. The refectory retains tiles and a pulpit from 1756.

- Highlight for the foundlings' wheel, used to welcome abandoned children, marking the social role of the convent.

Historical Curiosities

In the convent, there is the tombstone of D. Leonor de Menezes e Ataíde, Marquise of Fronteira, dated 1731. Furthermore, one of the most prominent works of art is a 17th-century Castilian school painting, The Child Jesus, Savior of the World.

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

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