Convent of Our Lady of Conception (Convento de Nossa Senhora da Conceição)

About this building

Founded in 1680 by Frei Evangelista, the Convent of Our Lady of Conception belonged to the Third Order of St. Francis. It was situated east of the town. It has two gilded altars from the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The main chapel has three paintings: one depicting the nativity scene and the other two depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph being married. The ceiling of the chapel is decorated with imagery that alludes to the Immaculate Conception of Mary and her ascension into heaven. There are two sizable panels of polychrome tiles with Marian themes beneath the paintings. An oriental-style pipe organ with chinoiserie décor at the church's entrance alludes to the Franciscan evangelization of this part of Portugal.