Church of the Chagas - Lamego

Convento das Chagas de Lamego was founded in 1588 and consecrated in 1590, making it the first female religious house in Lamego .

It belonged to the Order of Saint Clare (better known as the "Clares") and was intended to house the daughters of the noble families of the city. With the extinction of religious orders in Portugal, the convent was closed in 1910 and handed over to the local government.

Today, only the Chagas Church and the Latino Coelho High School remain on the site. The building with its Mannerist appearance is the only one that survives today. It is one of the most beautiful jewels of architectural heritage in the Douro region.

Built next to Jardim do Campo, the exterior features a Renaissance-style portico flanked by two Ionic columns . At the top of the arch is the majestic coat of arms of the founding bishop . On the right side, three crosses were placed, representing Golgotha .

Upon entering through the main entrance, visitors can admire the beautiful wooden ceiling painting of the central vault, with a trompe l'oeil effect , and the beautiful 17th-century tiles that cover the side walls.

Next to it, the exuberance of the altar of S. João Baptista , a perfect example of national baroque, attracts attention. Visitors can also marvel at the main chapel, the altar and the founder's tombstone.

Willem Vandenameele