Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Viseu > Tarouca > São João de Tarouca > Couto
Situated in the tranquility of Couto, in the parish of São João de Tarouca, municipality of Tarouca, this church is nestled in a serene landscape. It stands on the slopes of the Serra de Leomil (Leomil Mountain Range), offering views over the valley where the Varosa river flows. Its churchyard, carefully delimited by a low wall and railings, hosts flowerbeds with ornamental plants, creating an inviting and peaceful atmosphere for visitors.
The Church of São João de Tarouca is what remains of the Royal Monastery of São João de Tarouca, which was established around 1140, becoming the first Cistercian Order monastery in Portuguese territory. This foundation is intimately linked to the beginnings of the Portuguese nation and the support of King D. Afonso Henriques, who in 1152 ordered the laying of the first stone of the conventual church. Its consecration, which took place in 1169, was an event of great relevance, witnessed by high Church dignitaries.
The church building reveals a fascinating superposition of eras. Although it retains a medieval foundational structure, with Romanesque and Gothic elements such as ogival arches and a rose window on the facade, it underwent significant transformations. In the 17th century, the main facade was reformed, and the side naves were converted into communicating chapels, reflecting an adaptation to Mannerist and Baroque styles. Its cruciform plan, with three stepped naves, is a notable example of the monastic architecture of the Cistercian Order.
Upon entering the church, visitors are enveloped by an environment of great artistic richness. The altars display the magnificence of the gilded carved wood, framing 16th-century paintings. Notable among these are works attributed to Gaspar Vaz, a disciple of Grão Vasco, including the remarkable panel of Saint Peter. In the central nave, the impressive rosewood choir stalls of the monks and a Baroque organ, with the peculiar sculpted figure of a bearded man marking the musical tempo, capture attention. The sacristy houses valuable historiated tiles, and the main chapel is clad with blue and white figurative tile panels that narrate episodes of the monastery's foundation, such as the legend of its origin and the vision of Saint Bernard.
This church houses a treasure of great historical and cultural value: the Gothic tomb of D. Pedro Afonso, Count of Barcelos, illegitimate son of D. Dinis. D. Pedro Afonso was a prominent figure in Portuguese medieval culture, author of important literary works. His sarcophagus is adorned with boar hunting scenes and a recumbent effigy. Furthermore, recent archaeological interventions on the site have revealed important vestiges of the ancient monastery, including parts of the colossal dormitories and hydraulic systems, as well as the discovery of a prayer ring, making it a unique site on the international stage.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.9943986,-7.7463061
Coordinates DMS: 40°59'39.8"N 07°44'46.7"W
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