Monuments

This site's religious origins date back to the 10th century when a mixed convent for both nuns and monks was founded by the Order of St. Benedict and dedicated to Salvador. In the 12th century, the monastery was donated to the Order of the Hospital by queen Teresa simultaneously acquiring hunting rights. These were subsequently confirmed by king Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, and his successors.

Major construction work was carried out in the 14th century by Brother Estevão Vasques Pimentel resulting in the monastery that has survived until today. Its gothic appearance takes on a defensive nature given the battlements and the tall, quadrangular tower representing a good example of artistic transition from Romanesque to Gothic. After this rebuilding, the church was rededicated to Our Lady of Incarnation. In 1372, the church hosted the royal wedding between king Fernando and Leonor Teles.

Inside, the imposing impact of the stone is maintained throughout the three naves containing a wonderful heritage of medieval tombs. Of the contents, highlights include the graves unmarked apart from the coats of arms of the Almeida and Vasconcelos families in the main chapel, the recumbent tomb of Brother João Coelho, grand-master of the Order of the Hospital, carried out by Diogo Pires o Moço (the young), who also completed the Baptismal Font located in the lateral apse and the unmarked grave of founder Brother Estevão Vasques (1336). The latter features an unusual depiction of the Annunciation where the Boy Jesus "flies" from the Eternal Father to the embrace of Mary.

Outside, a Cross dated back to 1513 is also well worth a look over.