Convento da Cartuxa, 16th century Carthusian monastery in Evora, Portugal
Chartreuse de Scala Coeli is a 16th century Carthusian monastery near Evora featuring a grand cloister measuring around 98 by 98 meters. Individual monk cells are arranged in complete isolation around this central courtyard, reflecting the order's strict discipline.
The monastery was founded in 1587 by Archbishop Teotonio de Braganca and suffered severe damage during the 1663 Spanish invasion. King Pedro II later financed its restoration.
The monastery maintained strong ties to wine production, housing the cellar where celebrated Pera Manca wines aged for centuries. Visitors today can observe the traces of this connection between spiritual life and winemaking.
The site is located in a rural area outside Evora and is best reached by private transport as public transit options are limited. Visitors should allow plenty of time to explore the extensive complex with its multiple courtyards and wings.
This was Portugal's only Carthusian monastery and housed monks continuously until 2019 when the last community departed. Today visitors can explore the spaces that were shaped for centuries by this strict and silent order.
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