It was in its shadow that Arouca was born and grew. Considered the largest granite monument in Portugal, the Monastery of Arouca was a refuge for the daughters of kings and nobles. Built in the 10th century, it was bequeathed to D. Mafalda in 1200 by D. Sancho I, her father and king of Portugal. It was during her patronage that the Monastery left the Order of S. Bento and became a Cistercian monastery, becoming one of the most important convents in the Iberian Peninsula. D. Mafalda died in 1256 and is buried here. Her urn, made of ebony and silver and richly adorned with precious stones, can be seen in the Monastery church.
In the 18th century, the first fire destroyed the Monastery, destroying the church and some of the dormitories. Due to the damages caused by the violence of the flames, it underwent important works. The current building dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The church, the Nuns' Cloister, the refectory and the kitchen are worthy of mention. Mention should also be made of the Museum of Sacred Art, considered one of the best of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula and belonging to the Royal Brotherhood of the Queen Saint Mafalda.
The Museum of Sacred Art occupies part of the former monastic dependencies.
Its collection is extraordinarily varied and consists of the works of art which belonged to the monastery's Cistercian community, as well as a few others of diverse provenance. The main collections are sculpture, painting, goldsmithery and furniture. The items are grouped into numerous rooms, magnificently arranged and duly catalogued.
Opening hours
Open to the public
Morning 09:30 - 12:00
Afternoon 14:00 - 17:00
Closed on Mondays
Prices
Adults - 2.50
Senior Citizens - EUR 1.25
Students (up to 24 years) - 1.25