São Salvador de Vilar de Frades Convent
Open: Summer - Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m-6 p.m | Winter - Friday to Sunday 10 a.m-6 p.m
Closed: Monday; Tuesday; Wednesday (Winter and Summer); Friday (Winter); 1st January; Easter Sunday; Labour Day (1st May); 25th December; 3rd May (municipal holiday)
Located in Barcelos, Braga, the Vilar de Frades Convent was founded in the 6th century by the bishop São Martinho de Dume. Its total ruin, following the Moorish invasions, led to its reconstruction five hundred years later, remaining Benedictine until 1425.
From the 16th century onwards, the Convent underwent various expansion and remodelling works that substantially changed the appearance of the old Romanesque monastery and all the convent fencing, with the construction of a second tower, the dormitories, refectory, kitchen, library and cloister. The high choir or the church organ, from the same period also deserve mention.
An excellent example of conventual architecture, the Convent of Vilar de Frades underwent a thorough restoration process in the 21st century, under the responsibility of the Regional Directorate of Northern Culture.
Besides the building and its exquisite church, the tile panels and the paintings in the sacristy by the painter Pedro Alexandrino also deserve mention.
Don’t miss it. See you soon!