Nuns' Arch

Category: Civil Architecture > Arch

District: Santarém > Tomar > Tomar > Colégio Nuno Álvares

History and Location

The Arco das Freiras (Arch of the Nuns) is an arch located over Rua de Santa Iria, in Tomar. This arch, built in the 16th century, was a passage that connected the Convent of Santa Iria to the Palace of Frei António de Lisboa, on the other side of the street.

Religious Origin

Its designation comes from the Clarisse Nuns of the Convent of Santa Iria, founded in the 16th century. The convent has a strong connection to the history of Santa Iria, a young devout woman who was killed in this place, according to legend.

Architecture

The arch is large, with a stone structure and round arches. The building is reinforced by lateral buttresses and has a gabled roof.

Historical Function

The Arco das Freiras was a passage that connected two buildings of religious importance. The Convent of Santa Iria represented the cloister and the Palace of Frei António de Lisboa was associated with the religious expansion of the Order of Christ.

Heritage

In 1946, the Arco das Freiras was classified as a Property of Public Interest due to its historical and architectural value.

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