Municipal Museum of Setúbal/Convent of Jesus

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Setúbal

Location:

The Setúbal Municipal Museum occupies the premises of the historic Convent of Jesus. The building is located in the Montalvão area, which is part of the oldest core of Setúbal city. Its position allows visitors to discover this important monument while exploring the city's historic center.

Historical Roots

The construction of this remarkable convent began in 1490, initiated by Justa Rodrigues Pereira, a figure connected to the royal family as she was the wet nurse of King Manuel I. The works were mostly completed around the year 1500, marking the emergence of the Manueline style in Portugal.

An Architectural Landmark

The Convent of Jesus is considered a symbol of the Manueline style and an early example of a type of construction known as a "hall church". In this configuration, the side aisles of the temple have a similar height to that of the central nave, creating a vast and unified interior space, distinct from earlier medieval churches.

Artistic and Architectural Treasures

Upon visiting the interior of the convent, one's gaze is naturally drawn to some key elements. The main portal, carved from local stone known as Arrábida breccia, features rich decoration with symbols reflecting both the religious devotion of the era and Franciscan emblems, given that the convent was founded for this order.

The Chancel, in turn, stands out for its tile cladding. It was in this space that one of the most important sets of Renaissance painting produced in Portugal was located: an altarpiece composed of fourteen panels, known as the "Setúbal Primitives". This artistic ensemble, dating from the early 16th century, is of inestimable value to the history of Portuguese art.

The Cross and Its History

Outside the convent, in front of the church entrance, stands a monumental cross. This stone piece is attributed to Master Boitaca, the renowned architect responsible, among other works, for the initial conception of the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon. The cross was commissioned by D. Jorge de Lencastre, who was Duke of Aveiro and Coimbra and Master of the important Order of Santiago.

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