Mosteiro de Bustelo, Benedictine monastery and church in Bustelo, Portugal
Mosteiro de Bustelo is a former Benedictine monastery and church featuring two bell towers crowned with a cross on the gable, while the interior follows a cruciform layout with a cylindrical dome overhead. The architectural details inside were designed by André Soares and contribute to the overall composition of the sacred space.
The monastery was founded in the 10th century and documented in 1065, showing its deep roots in the medieval period. A major rebuilding began in August 1633 that reshaped its original Romanesque character.
The high choir displays eleven oil paintings showing scenes from the lives of Saint Benedict and his sister Scholastica. These works reveal how the community used art to honor their spiritual traditions.
The site is open on specific days with different hours each day, so planning your visit in advance is helpful. Check the schedule before arriving to make sure you visit when it is open to the public.
The cloister is centered around a statue of Hercules and features a sundial on its northern wing. These elements blend classical references with practical tools that helped mark the passage of time within monastic life.
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