Description of the attraction
The former monastery of Santa Marinha da Costa is located in the historic town of Guimaraes, which is also called the cradle of Portugal. In 2008, Guimaraes was named the European Capital of Culture 2012, and in 2001 UNESCO declared the historic city center a World Cultural Heritage.
According to legend, the monastery was built in 1154 and donated to the monks of the Order of St. Augustine by Matilda of Savoy, wife of the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques. The construction of the monastery was associated with a vow made by the queen to Saint Marigne, the patroness of women in labor. Later, an educational institution was opened in the monastery.
The architectural design of the entrance attracts attention with its striking elements of the Moorish style, which can still be seen in the architecture of many buildings in Portugal. This entrance has survived to this day and is located in the northwestern corner of the monastery. It used to be the main entrance to the monastery. The décor of the main building mixes several styles, namely Romanesque, Gothic and Classical. One of the most important elements of the monastery is the tower.
In 1951, there was a fire in the east wing of the monastery, which destroyed everything except the main hall and veranda. The fire also destroyed a large gallery, which contained the monks' cells and whose walls were decorated with azulejo tiles. In 1972 the monastery was bought by the state. It was rebuilt, new premises were added. And at the end of the 70s, the monastery was turned into a hotel.
