São Gonçalo Monastery, Amarante

Visit the church and monastery of São Gonçalo in Amarante, Portugal.

São Gonçalo Monastery
© Câmara Municipal de Amarante

The Monastery of São Gonçalo was established in 1543 by João II in the town of Amarante , Portugal. Both the church and monastery were finished during the year 1620.

Igreja de São Gonçalo Church
© Câmara Municipal de Amarante

This monumental architectonic complex stands out for its photogenic and tiered lateral portico in Italian Renaissance style. Just above the portico, you can see a 30 meter high vaulted gallery, decorated with statues from the 17th century of João II and other kings who ruled during the building of the monastery, such as Sebastião, Henrique, and Felipe I. Said sculptures can be seen from a steep trail west of the main entrance.

Inside you will find an impressing gilded baroque altar, and an organ sustained by some giants with fishtails and the tomb of Gonçalo, located in a small chapel.

Legend relates that people who come here to find love have their wish fulfilled at the end of the year if they touch the statue just above the tomb.

The bell tower was added during the 18th century.

In one of the cloisters of the monastery houses the Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Museum.

More information:

Location:

Alameda Teixeira de Pascoaes, Amarante, Portugal.

Opening hours:

From 8:00 to 18:00.

Mapa Interactivo:

Amarante

What to see:

Other worth-visiting nearby towns and cities:

Why "Portugal Travel"?

Portugal Travel is an organization of Portuguese agencies whose objectives are:

✓ To make Portugal, its culture and its heritage known.
✓ To promote sustainable tourism.

In collaboration with:

Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril

Turismo de Portugal