Category: Religious Architecture > Ensemble
District: Viseu > Sernancelhe > Freixinho > Penso e Freixinho
The Convent of Nossa Senhora do Carmo is located in the peaceful village of Freixinho, part of the union of parishes of Penso and Freixinho, in the municipality of Sernancelhe. Its position, right in the heart of the village, grants it a striking presence, while also fitting into an environment of rural serenity. The surroundings are characterized by a natural landscape, with the proximity of the Távora River adding to the idyllic atmosphere of the location.
This convent, classified as a Monument of Public Interest, was founded in the 17th century, more precisely in 1663. Its construction was due to the initiative of João de Gouveia Couto, with the purpose of housing young noblewomen facing financial difficulties. It served as a women's retreat under the Order of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Carmelites, dedicating itself to religious life and education. Its founder, João de Gouveia Couto, was buried in the convent church in 1704, a testament to his deep connection to the place. Throughout history, the convent underwent periods of transformation, including the expulsion of the nuns and the confiscation of its assets after 1910.
The Convent of Nossa Senhora do Carmo is a notable example of 17th-century religious architecture. Its structure, built predominantly with masonry and granite ashlar, is now plastered and painted, yet maintaining its original solidity and imposing character. On the exterior, its well-preserved fence, the numerous barred windows that evoke its monastic past, and the two main entrances, adorned with pyramidal pinnacles crowned by spheres, stand out. One of the most distinctive elements is the viewing tower, an elegant structure with four windows and a dome, offering a unique perspective over the complex. Inside, the two-story cloister forms a harmonious quadrangle. The lower floor is supported by a series of Tuscan-style columns, while the upper one features wooden balconies, providing a space for tranquility and reflection.
Beyond its historical and architectural significance, the convent has a special connection to the local gastronomic tradition. It was in this place that the famous Cavacas de Freixinho were developed. This sweet, made from a wheat bread base with eggs and subsequently soaked in sugar, is a cultural legacy that evokes convent life and its daily practices, keeping alive a part of the region's identity and flavor.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.937755,-7.52912
Coordinates DMS: 40°56'15.9"N 07°31'44.8"W
Weather Freixinho
On-duty Pharmacy Freixinho
