Category: Religious Architecture > Monastery
District: Viana do Castelo > Ponte de Lima > Refóios do Lima
The Monastery of Refóios do Lima is located in the parish of Refóios do Lima, in the municipality of Ponte de Lima. It stands in a remarkable setting, about seven kilometers from the village, on the right bank of the Lima River, prominently featured in the surrounding rural landscape. In front of the church, a wide square extends, where a stone cross is located. The ocher color of the building, surrounded by a wall with railings, highlights its presence in this tranquil area.
With roots in the 12th century, the Monastery of Refóios do Lima was founded by Afonso Ansemondes. For centuries, it was home to the Order of Canons Regular of Saint Augustine, playing a significant role in the religious and social life of the region. It benefited from a unique status, having been declared "immediate to the Holy See," which exempted it from local episcopal authority. Its long monastic history came to an end in 1834, with the extinction of religious orders in Portugal. Recognized for its importance and value, the monastery has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1939.
The Monastery of Refóios do Lima is a testament to the passage of time and artistic trends, showcasing a wealth of architectural styles. Over the centuries, the building underwent renovations and expansions that incorporated elements of the Renaissance, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles. Its main facade, though with sober lines, reveals a Renaissance-inspired portico. The bell tower, which punctuates the complex's silhouette, was rebuilt in the 19th century after being damaged.
Inside the church, one of the most prominent features is the magnificent Renaissance altarpiece of the main altar, a 17th-century work of art. The side chapels captivate with the opulence of their gilded carving. In the area that once constituted the convent, and which currently houses the Escola Superior Agrária (Higher School of Agrarian Studies), one can glimpse the cloister, dating from the late 16th century, with its elegant colonnade and a central fountain from 1683. Equally notable are the Joanine tiles of the former kitchen, with curious representations of gastronomic elements, and the stucco work adorning the music room, which reveal attention to decorative detail throughout different eras.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.793023,-8.54136
Coordinates DMS: 41°47'34.9"N 08°32'28.9"W
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