São Martinho de Tibães Monastery

Founded at the end of the 11th century, the São Martinho de Tibães Benedictine Monastery was granted a Charter in 1110 by Count D. Henrique and Count D. Teresa, the parents of D. Afonso Henriques, who would become the first king of Portugal.

Silence, obedience, poverty, prayer and work were part of the Benedictine Order followed by the monks. The Monastery grew in privileges and power until the 14th century and was chosen after the Council of Trent, in 1567, to be the house of Congregation of São Bento dos Reinos de Portugal.

It reached its maximum splendour in the 17th and 18th centuries, when it was transformed into one of the largest monastic collections of Portuguese Baroque.

The São Martinho de Tibães Monastery, consisting of the church, convent wings and the outer space enclosed by the cloistered enclosure, closed in 1834, the date that marked the extinction of Religious Orders in Portugal. With practically all the property and the building sold in public auction, in 1986 the Portuguese State began its study and restoration.

Today it is possible to see and feel the spaces and their history, in a “Monument-Museum" and in a Historical Garden that extends over some 40 hectares, right up to the fence. In this space, the Benedictine monks sought subsistence, but also a place for meditation, leisure and experimentation.

Come discover and enjoy this incredible space. We look forward to your visit!

Knowing that we can be part of your memories is an enormous pride for us.

Find creations designed to embody the spaces that inspired them and, at the same time, distinguished in what makes them unique. Browse our books, catalogues and several Art and Cultural Heritage collections.