Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, Guimarães
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira in Guimarães in north west Portugal is one of the city's most historic and important churches.
History
The church's origins go back to a Benedictine monastery founded on the site in 949 by Countess Mumadona Dias.
In the 12th century the building had a Romanesque makeover but little remains from this period except for a chancel preserved in the adjacent Alberto Sampaio Museum.
The church was again renewed in the 14th century, this time in Gothic style, to give thanks for the Portuguese victory over Castile at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1342.
The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary represented in the church's name - the "Lady of the Olive Tree."
The church's bell tower (seen in the top image), which dates from 1513 is Manueline in its design. In the 17th century the main chapel was enlarged by Dom Pedro II (1648-1706).
The magnificent High Altar dates from the late 18th century and the Baroque paintings in the church are by the artist Pedro Alexandrino de Carvalho (1729-1810).
There are several churches throughout Portugal with the same name reflecting the importance of the Marian cult in the country.
These include a Nossa Senhora da Oliveira in the Baixa district of central Lisbon.
Access
Largo da Oliveira
4800-438 Guimarães
Tel: 253 416 144
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 8.30 am-12.00 pm / 3.30 pm -7.30 pm; Sunday: 9 am-1 pm. / 5 pm - 8 pm
The church is within the historic, UNESCO World Heritage centre of the city.
Nearby
The church is close to the Museu de Arte Primitiva Moderna, Torre dos Almadas and the Arquivo Municipal Alfredo Pimenta. Also very nearby is the Alberto Sampaio Museum. Just outside the church is the Padrão do Salado, built in the 14th century to celebrate a famous victory over the Moors by combined Spanish and Portuguese armies.
Hotels
Hotels in Guimarães include the four star Santa Luzia ArtHotel, the four star EMAJ Boutique Hotel and the Hotel da Oliveira, also four star.
Other hotels in Guimarães are the four star Hotel de Guimarães and the pleasant Stay Hotel Guimarães Centro, adjacent to Guimarães Station. The budget HI Hostel Guimarães - Pousada de Juventude is also in this area.
