Convento da Tomina, 17th-century convent in Santo Aleixo da Restauração, Portugal
Convento da Tomina is a 17th-century convent located near the Portuguese-Spanish border in the area of Safara. The structure preserves stone walls and religious architectural elements from its building period.
A priest named Manuel de Jesus Maria founded the convent in 1686, with local residents helping to clear the rocky terrain. The royal household later connected with the site through a symbolic gift of precious objects.
The convent is closely tied to a venerated religious image that local people have honored for generations. This object shaped the spiritual identity of the surrounding community.
The convent sits in a remote area near the border and requires planning for a visit. The site is best reached on foot, but access roads may vary depending on the season.
King Pedro II gifted the convent special liturgical vestments made in China as a gesture following initial plans for its destruction. These valuable textiles reveal an unexpected connection between the European royal court and this remote location.
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