Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Viseu > Tarouca > São João de Tarouca > Couto

Location:

Located in the municipality of Tarouca, in the locality that gives it its name, this monastery is situated in the area known as Couto. Its implantation takes advantage of the slope of the Leomil mountain range, offering a perspective over the Varosa River valley. It is characteristic of the Cistercian Order to seek locations near water courses, and here this connection to the Varosa River is present in the surrounding landscape.

Origins and Historical Importance:

This monastery holds a special place in the history of Portugal. It is considered the first monastery of the Cistercian Order to be established in the country, around 1140. Its foundation is intimately linked to the early days of the kingdom and had the support of D. Afonso Henriques, as a way to settle populations and consolidate the territory. The construction of the conventual church began in 1152.

Throughout the centuries, the monastery grew and prospered, reflecting the importance of the Order and its heritage. However, after the extinction of Religious Orders in 1834, much of the monastic construction was lost, with the buildings being used as a quarry. The church was adapted for parish use. Later, the complex was recognized as a National Monument, safeguarding its importance.

Architecture and Evolution:

The architecture of the Monastery of S. João de Tarouca reveals the different periods it went through. It began with the simpler and more austere lines of the Cistercian Romanesque style, originating in Burgundy. Over time, the building received additions and modifications, incorporating Gothic elements and, later, a Renaissance portal. The main facade, as we see it today, was altered in the 17th century, featuring a volumetric composition. Inside, the church maintains its three-nave structure, with the central nave being higher.

Part of the monastic complex includes a large dormitory built in the 18th century, notable for its size. Although most of the original constructions have not survived, the vestiges and ruins give an idea of the vast area the monastery once occupied.

Treasures Inside:

Upon entering the church, one discovers a space that holds important artistic elements. The altars are crafted in gilded woodcarving, and various altarpieces contain paintings on wood. Notable works attributed to Gaspar Vaz, an important 16th-century painter, include the remarkable panel of Saint Peter.

Also visible is the choir stall where the monks sat, also crafted in gilded woodcarving. In the sacristy, one can observe historic tile panels illustrating moments from the monastery's foundation. One of the points of greatest historical and artistic relevance is the Gothic tomb of D. Pedro Afonso, son of D. Dinis and a cultured figure of the Portuguese Middle Ages. His stone sarcophagus is adorned with reliefs, including hunting scenes, and is topped by his effigy.

The Monastic Site and Discoveries:

Although the buildings that comprised the daily life of the monks, such as the refectory and the chapter house, were largely demolished after the extinction of the Religious Orders, the site was subjected to extensive archaeological work. These excavations allowed for a better understanding of the structure and daily life of the Cistercian monastery.

The old monastic granary, known as Casa da Tulha, was recovered and transformed into an interpretative center. Here, visitors can see part of the artifacts found during the archaeological campaigns and deepen their knowledge about the history of the site and the Cistercian Order in Portugal. Among the discoveries is a unique prayer ring, considered one-of-a-kind in the world.

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