Monuments

The Convent was founded in 1459 on the initiative of princes Fernando and Brites, parents of king Manuel I, for a group of Claris nuns (the feminine branch of the Order of Saint Francis) and dedicated to Our Lady of Conception. Although the nuns arrived in 1473, construction was to continue throughout the reigns of kings João II (1481-95) and Manuel I (1495-1521). Both the extent of royal patronage and taste is more than clear in the wealth of artistic heritage on display.

This place of worship takes on particular importance within the history of art in the south of Portugal as it is considered to be one of the great examples of the late-Gothic architectural style to be found across the Alentejo. The building features examples of the late-Gothic style, as used in the Batalha Monastery, and the first national interpretation of a style that would become known as the "Manueline style". The influence of Batalha is reflected in the vegetal motifs on the main entrance (the Northern lateral façade, in accordance with the rules of this closed order) and in the laced fascia that runs horizontally around the entire building. The early Manueline influence is found in the carved roping, in the form of the spires and the dining hall entranceway, located in the one of the cloisters.

In the cloisters, on the south side of the church, there are some fine examples of 16th century tiling from Seville, as well as from the 17th and 18th centuries. Together, they represent an educational insight into the development of this decorative form in Portugal.

Furthermore, attention should be paid to the alterations carried out in the 17th and 18th centuries, in particular, the gold-leafed, carved altars and the impressive finishings in the Capital Room.

The entire convent is currently given over to the Rainha D. Leonor Regional Museum.

Image by Rainha D. Leonor Regional Museum - Capital Room