Convento de São Francisco, Medieval monastery in Santarém, Portugal.
Convento de São Francisco is a Gothic church building in Santarém with three naves, a pronounced transept, and a choir with five chapels arranged in a cross-shaped plan. The spatial layout shows classic medieval church architecture, with each chapel displaying different decorations and artistic features.
The convent was founded in 1242 by King Sancho II as a Franciscan monastery and was an important religious center from the start. King Fernando I later contributed to its expansion by adding a lower choir and a large cloister.
The convent displays the different architectural styles that shaped Portugal over centuries, with elements from Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline periods visible throughout its spaces. Visitors can experience these stylistic layers directly while walking through the various chapels and areas of the building.
The site is located in downtown Santarém and is easily accessible on foot, with access available through the main entrances. Visitors should allow time to explore all the chapels and areas thoroughly.
The burial chapel of the Menezes family displays Mannerist decorations that stand apart from the original Gothic design. The Santa Ana Chapel houses a Renaissance arch with elaborate decorative elements that show how artistic tastes changed over time.
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