Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro

The Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro is a Romanesque building near Ribavizela with a church featuring three naves arranged in its layout. The structure includes semicircular arches separating spaces, painted wooden ceilings in the side sections, and a rounded chancel that defines the interior arrangement.

The monastery was founded in 1102 by D. Gomes Echiegues and Gontroda, and received special privileges from King Afonso I in 1155 for its importance. This early royal support helped establish it as a significant religious center in the region.

The name Pombeiro comes from the Latin word for apple tree, reflecting the rural character of this region's past. The carved stone capitals and tomb decorations inside show ties to noble families who were buried here and shaped the monastery's role in local life.

The monastery is located on Rua do Mosteiro and is open Wednesday through Sunday, making it a good destination for weekend visits. The surrounding area has parking and paths to walk, though some sections inside have stairs to be aware of when moving around.

Inside the monastery, mural paintings in the apses depict holy figures such as Saint Blaise and feature gilded details added by friar Jose Vilaca. These decorations are an often-overlooked artistic layer that gives the interior a subtle richness in color and detail.