Convent and Church of Sao Francisco (Convento e Igreja de Sao Francisco) description and photos - Portugal: Guimaraes (Topic)

Convento e Igreja de Sao Francisco, description and photos - Portugal: Guimaraes. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Convento e Igreja de Sao Francisco.

Photo and description

The monastery and church of Sao Francisco are located in the parish of Sao Sebastian in Guimaraes. This architectural complex is considered one of the most prominent monuments in the city.

The construction of the church began in the 13th century, during the reign of King Afonso III, when representatives of the Franciscan monastic order first appeared in Guimaraes. The monks were accommodated in the hotel, which was located next to the city walls. They decided to build a monastery nearby. However, the authorities of the city of Guimaraes were against this construction, since conflicts periodically arose between them and the Franciscans. The monastery did not last long. In 1325, the building of the monastery was demolished by order of King Dinish under the pretext that that such a structure endangered the safety of the inhabitants in the event of an attack on Guimaraes. The monks moved to shacks and lived there until 1400. That year, the monastery building began to be restored by order of King Joao I, who was also called Joao the Good or Joao the Great.

The restoration of the monastery buildings lasted almost until the 15th century. The apse of the church was completed in 1461 and retains the original features of the Gothic style. A covered gallery was built in the 16th century in the Mannerist style. The biggest changes in the architecture of the church took place in the 1740s: the arches and columns of the nave were removed, and one large monumental arch was installed between the transept and the nave. The altarpiece was installed, on which Miguel Francisco da Silva and Manuel da Costa Andrade worked. Also, engravings appeared inside the church,

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Topic: Convent and Church of Sao Francisco (Convento e Igreja de Sao Francisco) description and photos - Portugal: Guimaraes.