Convento de Nossa Senhora da Arrábida

Whether with or without religious interest, it’s a special place in a magnificent location. Register online in advance!

Nestled in the slopes of the Serra lies a monastery, a beautiful setting steeped in ancient legend: the London merchant Hildebrand sails towards Lisbon when he encounters a dark storm threatening to capsize his ship. With prayer his only hope, he beseeches the Mother of God, and promptly, a saving light appears in the hills of Arrábida. The next day, he climbs the mountain and discovers an image of Mary. Out of gratitude, he abandons his pursuit of wealth and instead takes up residence in a hermitage with a view of the sea. The only certainty in this story is the bustling trade between England and Portugal in the 13th century.

In the 1530s, there seems to have been a dilapidated memorial site. Around this time, Portuguese monks meet the Andalusian Martinho de Santa Maria at a conference of Franciscans in Rome. Little is known about him, but his quest for asceticism strictly adhering to the rules of the order fits into an era when professional Catholics justified the Reformation with excessive behavior within their own ranks — and sought a solution in a return to Christian ideals of abstinence. Specifically, a deal is struck with the Lancastre dukes, who allow Martinho and his colleagues to live in rock chambers at their own request, now known as the ”Convento Velho” (Old Convent). They reject the construction of a more comfortable accommodation.

However, a ”Convento Novo” (New Convent) emerges: from 1542, novices are admitted, putting an end to living in caves. By 1560, the convent becomes the headquarters of a series of monasteries, likely due to the support of the dukes, who may have been engaging in image building. In any case, by around 1650, the complex, whose 25 hectares can be visited, is completed — including some noble tombs.

In 1834, the government expropriates all forms of church property, and the monastery falls into disrepair. It eventually comes into the possession of the Souza Holstein family, who have been the Dukes of Palmela since 1850. In 1990, they sell it to the foundation that operates the Museu do Oriente in Lisbon, dedicated to the theme of ”Portugal and the Far East.” The house seems to be in good hands, open for visits three days a week and otherwise used for events based on the principle of ”inspiration, clearing the mind, transcending oneself” — a modest atmosphere with a fantastic view.