Convento de São João de Tarouca

The monastery exhibits architectural elements spanning multiple periods, with a three-nave church, solid buttresses, and a prominent rose window on its facade.

King Afonso Henriques established this first Cistercian monastery in Portugal during 1154, marking the beginning of the order's presence in the country.

The church interior contains elaborate gilded woodwork altarpieces, 18th-century tiles depicting monastery foundation scenes, and a granite tomb of Count Barcelos.

The monastery complex remains open to visitors, with guided tours available through advance arrangements at the cultural heritage office in São João de Tarouca.

The monastery features an unusual dedication to Saint John rather than Virgin Mary, departing from traditional Cistercian monastery naming conventions.

Location: São João de Tarouca

Inception: 1140

GPS coordinates: 40.99472,-7.74583

Latest update: March 5, 2025 06:21