Monastery of the Order of Christ

The Monastery of the Order of Christ was founded in 1160. Its construction continued for five centuries. This monastery has been repeatedly attacked. Significant damage to the monastery was brought by Napoleon’s army, which turned the building into a barracks. But, no matter what, the monastery continues to delight visitors with its majesty of original architecture.

In many corners of the monastery you can see the insignia of the Order of the Templars. The central building of the monastery was built with strict observance of symmetry. In ancient times, there were rooms in which the legendary warriors-monks lived. Meetings of the brothers of the Order were held in the Hall of the Capitulum, one of the windows of which is a real work of art. Looking more closely, you can consider the engraved symbolism of maritime affairs: interlaced ropes, knots, nautical appliances, sails, figurines of sailors ... Very interesting Manueline stone engravings stored in the monastery.

The castle is surrounded by a picturesque park, decorated in the style of late romanticism, combining open green lawns and hidden corners in the shade of trees. Since 1983, the monastery has been included in the UNESCO list.