Igreja de São Gonçalo, Amarante
The historic Igreja de São Gonçalo in Amarante dates back to the 16th century.
The present-day Igreja de São Gonçalo was formerly the church of the Dominican Convent of São Gonçalo. This was built on the orders of João III of Portugal (1521-1557) and his wife, D. Catarina of Austria. The church was dedicated to Gonçalo de Amarante (Saint Gundisalvus of Amarante), a wandering, miracle-working 13th century Dominican friar and hermit.
The main facade includes statues of various Portuguese monarchs - João III, Sebastian, Henry I and Philip I (Philip II of Spain).
Inside the monastery, highlights are the beautiful 18th century pipe organ, the tomb of Gonçalo de Amarante near the altar, and the sacristy with a painted ceiling and an image of Gonçalo.
The main cloister of the convent has a fountain designed by Mateus Lopes, built from 1586 to 1606.
The former convent now houses the Municipal Museum Amadeo de Souza Cardoso displaying the avant-garde work of the Portuguese painter Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso (1887-1918), who lived and painted in Paris.
Address: Praça da República (Largo de São Gonçalo) 3, 4600-038 Amarante
