LEÇA DO BALIO MONASTERY (MONASTEIRO)

The Leça do Balio monastery stands on the remains of a Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter. There has been a Christian place of worship on this site since the 10th Century, founded by the Order of St. Benedict. It was a mixed institution for both monks and nuns. Sadly there's little remaining of this original Romanesque construction.

Queen Teresa donated the monastery to the Knights Hospitaller between 1112 - 1185 AD, an act later upheld by her son Afonso Henriques. The Hospitallers set about fortifying the building. The tower, with arrow slits and crenellation, was added. As with their role in Jerusalem, the Knight's sole aim at Leça do Balio was to protect pilgrims on the way to Compostela de Santiago.

The monastery acquired a more Gothic appearance in the 14th Century during remodelling and enlargement work commissioned by Brother Estevão Vasques Pimentel. Following the work's completion, the church was rededicated to Our Lady of Incarnation. In 1372 the Leça do Balio Monastery hoasted the marriage between D. Fernando, the ninth king of Portugal and D. Leonor Teles.

The interior is stark by Portuguese standards. Vast, imposing stone arches divide the inside into three naves. Housed inside are graves. They are mostly unmarked, apart from the coat of arms of the Almeida and Vasconcelos families in the main chapel. Here too is the recumbent tomb of Brother João Coelho, grand-master of the Order of the Hospital. It was created by Diogo Pires o Moço (the younger), 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 infant Jesus "flies" from the Eternal Father to the embrace of Mary. Tuesday: 14h00 – 17h30, Wednesday – Sunday: 09h30h – 12h30/14h00 – 17h30, Monday: CLOSED

Each year in early September, the land surrounding the monastery is given up to host a Medieval Fair. The exploits of the Knights Hospitaller are brought back to life during this four-day celebration. Visitors are treated to such spectacles as jousting, large feasts, minstrels, period costume and re-enactments. The merriment is fuelled by makeshift taverns and eateries errected in the grounds. Festivities last for an extended weekend and on Fridays and Saturdays the fair opens at midday and continues until 1 am. One day's festivities take place on the Caminho de Santiago. A large procession follows a part of the route before arriving at the monastery. Entrance for one night is usually as low as one Euro. Website

Portugal's best-selling beer has its main Production Plant in Leca do Balio, Matosinhos, and the brewery includes an excellent visitor centre. Immerse yourself in the brewing process of this classic, world-famous brand. Learn how the raw ingredients are transformed into this iconic beer. Follow the production from fermentation through to bottling. Learn the history of Superbock and its affiliated labels, how manufacturing technique has evolved and modernised, see the marketing campaigns that have helped shape this brand and enjoy a tasting at the end of your tour – Saúde! More About [ ► ]

Getting There

Contact Details
Rua do Mosteiro 4465-703, Leça do Balio, Matosinhos, Portugal. | 41° 12' 36.4" N | 08° 37' 24.6" W
+351 229 010 153