Serra do Pilar Monastery

1538

Work on the first monastery began in 1538 under the Order of St. Augustine

Construction of the first monastery began in 1538 by the Order of St. Augustine. The initiative dates to 1527 under orders of João III, as a larger residence for monks from the Monastery of Grijó, which had deteriorated.

Round

The church and the cloister are both circular, with the same diameter

The monastery is notable for its church and cloister, both circular with identical diameters. The church in the west and the cloister in the east are separated by a rectangular choir and chapel.

The new church

The new circular church was inaugurated on 17 July 1672

The first monastery was quickly rendered obsolete, as the facilities were too small for the number of monks. Work began on the new church in 1597, and the circular church was inaugurated on 17 July 1672.

36 mtall, the church dominates the skyline across the Douro

The wars

A military position in the Peninsular War and the Siege of Porto

General Arthur Wellesley used the monastery to launch a surprise attack on the French across the Douro and retake Porto. During the Siege of Porto it was the only Liberal stronghold on the south side of the Douro.

Now

Rebuilding after the wars began in 1927, and a barracks remains on the grounds

Reconstruction of portions destroyed by successive wars began in 1927. In 1947 some of the grounds were converted into a military barracks, which remains there. The church continues to hold Sunday Mass.