Description of the attraction
The Portuguese Venice, as the city of Aveiro is also called, is surrounded by magnificent beaches and lagoons, as well as salt mines, which at one time brought wealth to this city. The history of the city begins in the 10th century. It was occupied by the Moors until the 11th century, and after that it became the favorite city of the Portuguese royal family.
Aveiro is famous for its medieval historical and religious monuments. One of them is the Carmelite Church, which is located in the Marques de Pombal Square, one of the most influential Portuguese politicians of the Enlightenment.
The Carmelite Church is part of the former Carmelite convent, which was founded in 1657 by the fourth Duke of Aveiro. The entire building was completed in 1738. Mannerism and Baroque intertwine in the architecture of the building, which is typical of the architecture of religious buildings of that time in Portugal. The mannerism style in the architecture of the temple gives it austerity. The building of the church has a rectangular shape, the interior of the temple is decorated with numerous panels and gilded wooden decor elements, which is typical for the Baroque style. The church is famous for its nave ceiling paintings. The paintings depict scenes from the life of the reformer of the Carmelite order, the Spanish nun, St. Teresa of Avila. Also noteworthy are the tiled panels, made with azulesos tiles in white and blue tones, which depict religious scenes. It is worth noting that all the images of the Carmelite saints in the church are framed with rich gilded frames.
The Carmelite Church is a National Monument of Portugal.
