Portugal / Região Norte

The settlement of Amarante became famous through the work of St. Gonçalo de Amarante (also known as São Gonçalo, 1187-1259). The Dominican friar settled here after his pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Rome. He was instrumental in the development of the region, with many local structures attributed to his efforts, including the construction of the stone bridge across the Tâmega River. Following his death, Amarante became the destination of pilgrimages and grew substantially. In the 16th century, D. João III ordered the construction of the São Gonçalo monastery above the chapel where, according to tradition, São Gonçalo lived and was buried.

The settlement of Amarante became famous through the work of St. Gonçalo de Amarante (also known as São Gonçalo, 1187-1259). The Dominican friar settled here after his pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Rome. He was instrumental in the development of the region, with many local structures attributed to his efforts, including the construction of the stone bridge across the Tâmega River. Following his death, Amarante became the destination of pilgrimages and grew substantially. In the 16th century, D. João III ordered the construction of the São Gonçalo monastery above the chapel where, according to tradition, São Gonçalo lived and was buried.

It was pouring down, when we reached Paço de Sousa. A monastery was founded here mid 10th century. Records exist from 994 on. Egas Moniz o Aio, teacher (= o Aio) and guardian of Afonso I , the first King of Portugal, bequeasted half of his wealth against the promise to be buried here. Between 1088 and 1106 Benedictine monks from Cluny settled here. The church of today was probably erected in the first half of the 13th century, but later lots of modifications were done. The monks kept the promise, when Egas Moniz o Aio died in 1146, he was buried here - and got a fantastic tomb. Unfortunately the church was locked - and I could not see it.

It was pouring down, when we reached Paço de Sousa. A monastery was founded here mid 10th century. Records exist from 994 on. Egas Moniz o Aio, teacher (= o Aio) and guardian of Afonso I , the first King of Portugal, bequeasted half of his wealth against the promise to be buried here. Between 1088 and 1106 Benedictine monks from Cluny settled here. The church of today was probably erected in the first half of the 13th century, but later lots of modifications were done. The monks kept the promise, when Egas Moniz o Aio died in 1146, he was buried here - and got a fantastic tomb. Unfortunately the church was locked - and I could not see it. Here is the western portal.

A monastery was founded here mid 10th century. Records exist from 994 on. Egas Moniz o Aio, teacher (= o Aio) and guardian of Afonso I , the first King of Portugal, bequeasted half of his wealth against the promise to be buried here. Between 1088 and 1106 Benedictine monks from Cluny settled here. The church of today was probably erected in the first half of the 13th century, but later lots of modifications were done. The monks kept the promise, when Egas Moniz o Aio died in 1146, he was buried here - and got a fantastic tomb. Unfortunately the church was locked - and I could not see it. As the inscription is not readable any longer, so it is not clear, what "moon" and "sun" stand for.

A monastery was founded here mid 10th century. Records exist from 994 on. Egas Moniz o Aio, teacher (= o Aio) and guardian of Afonso I , the first King of Portugal, bequeasted half of his wealth against the promise to be buried here. Between 1088 and 1106 Benedictine monks from Cluny settled here. The church of today was probably erected in the first half of the 13th century, but later lots of modifications were done. The monks kept the promise, when Egas Moniz o Aio died in 1146, he was buried here - and got a fantastic tomb. Unfortunately the church was locked - and I could not see it. The head of a bull, supporting the tympanum, is just - perfect. I found a couple of such heads on churches in this area.

A monastery was founded here mid 10th century. Records exist from 994 on. Egas Moniz o Aio, teacher (= o Aio) and guardian of Afonso I , the first King of Portugal, bequeasted half of his wealth against the promise to be buried here. Between 1088 and 1106 Benedictine monks from Cluny settled here. The church of today was probably erected in the first half of the 13th century, but later lots of modifications were done. The monks kept the promise, when Egas Moniz o Aio died in 1146, he was buried here - and got a fantastic tomb. Unfortunately the church was locked - and I could not see it. On the side of the former convent´s church is the most unique medieval carving I have seen in a long time. A person climbing out of a small round window (oculus). Probably a dangerous climb, as the guy lost his head.

A monastery was founded here mid 10th century. Records exist from 994 on. Egas Moniz o Aio, teacher (= o Aio) and guardian of Afonso I , the first King of Portugal, bequeasted half of his wealth against the promise to be buried here. Between 1088 and 1106 Benedictine monks from Cluny settled here. The church of today was probably erected in the first half of the 13th century, but later lots of modifications were done. The monks kept the promise, when Egas Moniz o Aio died in 1146, he was buried here - and got a fantastic tomb. Unfortunately the church was locked - and I could not see it. A large graveyard along the church. Here are the tools, that can only be stored here, as the little guy under the roof keeps an eye on them (see prev. photo). No subtle thief would dare to steal them.

A monastery was founded here mid 10th century. Records exist from 994 on. Egas Moniz o Aio, teacher (= o Aio) and guardian of Afonso I , the first King of Portugal, bequeasted half of his wealth against the promise to be buried here. Between 1088 and 1106 Benedictine monks from Cluny settled here. The church of today was probably erected in the first half of the 13th century, but later lots of modifications were done. The monks kept the promise, when Egas Moniz o Aio died in 1146, he was buried here - and got a fantastic tomb. Unfortunately the church was locked - and I could not see it. A large graveyard along the church. On the other side of the church is a cloister, that was locked like the church.

A monastery was founded here mid 10th century. Records exist from 994 on. Egas Moniz o Aio, teacher (= o Aio) and guardian of Afonso I , the first King of Portugal, bequeasted half of his wealth against the promise to be buried here. Between 1088 and 1106 Benedictine monks from Cluny settled here. The church of today was probably erected in the first half of the 13th century, but later lots of modifications were done. The monks kept the promise, when Egas Moniz o Aio died in 1146, he was buried here - and got a fantastic tomb. Unfortunately the church was locked - and I could not see it. A large graveyard along the church. The little guy under the roof keeps an eye on this graveyard. He is the guardian, his main task since some years is to watch the tools against subtle thief, who may try steal them. See next photo!.

The monastery, that once existed here may have been founded by Benedictine monks. In later days Augustine canons lived here, before the church became a parish church. Due to an inscription, found during restauration works, it is clear, that 1180 this church existed already, though smaller than it is today, as it got enlarged at least twice. First time within the 13th century. The complete western front is probably from the first construction phase of the church. There are strong parallels to Paço de Sousa (previous uploads), only about 20kms west.

A church was known here already in 1131, but todays church was obviously erected mid 13th century. The church may have been a convent church of the Knight Templars, that was later used by Augustine canons. The church has a strange bell-gable and by now is serves the parish. Here just like in Vila Boa de Quires are strong parallels to Paço de Sousa. Here are just - again - perfect bulls heads.

Another church under reconstruction! A church was known here already in 1131, but todays church was obviously erected mid 13th century. The church may have been a convent church of the Knights Templar, that was later used by Augustine canons. The church has a strange bell-gable and by now is serves the parish. Here just like in Vila Boa de Quires are strong parallels to Paço de Sousa.

The monastery, that once existed here may have been founded by Benedictine monks. In later days Augustine canons lived here, before the church became a parish church. Due to an inscription, found during restauration works, it is clear, that 1180 this church existed already, though smaller than it is today, as it got enlarged at least twice. First time within the 13th century. The complete western front is probably from the first construction phase of the church. There are strong parallels to Paço de Sousa (previous uploads), only about 20kms west. The side portal of the church is carved even more skilful. The lion´s head, opposite the head of the bull, was probably carved by the same artist. Here as well the head looks "modern" - like the symbol of a lion´s head.

The monastery, that once existed here may have been founded by Benedictine monks. In later days Augustine canons lived here, before the church became a parish church. Due to an inscription, found during restauration works, it is clear, that 1180 this church existed already, though smaller than it is today, as it got enlarged at least twice. First time within the 13th century. The complete western front is probably from the first construction phase of the church. There are strong parallels to Paço de Sousa (previous uploads), only about 20kms west. The side portal of the church is carved even more skilful. The head of the bull here looks really "modern" with his straight horns - and the two lions seem to share a lollipop.

The monastery, that once existed here may have been founded by Benedictine monks. In later days Augustine canons lived here, before the church became a parish church. Due to an inscription, found during restauration works, it is clear, that 1180 this church existed already, though smaller than it is today, as it got enlarged at least twice. First time within the 13th century. The complete western front is probably from the first construction phase of the church. There are strong parallels to Paço de Sousa (previous uploads), only about 20kms west. The side portal of the church is carved even more skilful. Here a bull and a lion flank the door.

The monastery, that once existed here may have been founded by Benedictine monks. In later days Augustine canons lived here, before the church became a parish church. Due to an inscription, found during restauration works, it is clear, that 1180 this church existed already, though smaller than it is today, as it got enlarged at least twice. First time within the 13th century. The complete western front is probably from the first construction phase of the church. There are strong parallels to Paço de Sousa (previous uploads), only about 20kms west. Just like in Paço de Sousa here are "perfect bulls", flanking the main portal.

The monastery, that once existed here may have been founded by Benedictine monks. In later days Augustine canons lived here, before the church became a parish church. Due to an inscription, found during restauration works, it is clear, that 1180 this church existed already, though smaller than it is today, as it got enlarged at least twice. First time within the 13th century. The complete western front is probably from the first construction phase of the church. There are strong parallels to Paço de Sousa (previous uploads), only about 20kms west. Where in Paço de Sousa is a rose window, here are small windows, flanked by pillars.