These images stand as historical references, since the Convent of Nossa Senhora do Espinheiro (Our Lady of the Thorn) has recently (in the beginnings of our century) been recovered and turned into a luxury hotel, in the outskirts of Évora - Portugal.

«Remarkable building founded in the 15th century and invaluable pantheon of the Alentejo's nobility, it was begun in the year of 1458, integrated in the order of St. Jerome [...].»
Translated from Túlio Espanca, Évora - Arte e História (Art and History). 1980.

The complex of the former convent includes two National Monuments - the Church of Nossa Senhora do Espinheiro (Our Lady of the Thorn) and the Chapel tomb of Garcia de Resende.

On the left, the main entrance to the church - behind the iron gate, «the marble classic portal, on the axis, from 1566, above which stand the images of the Virgin of the Thorn, S. Jerome and St. John Baptist.»
Idem, ibidem.

On the right, the Chapel tomb - «The funeral monument, typical example of Manueline-mudejar art, consists of three separate bodies: porch, nave and chancel, in a rectangular miniaturized plan.»
Idem, ibidem.

NOTE: According to Wikipedia - In modern usage, «convent» almost invariably refers to a community of women, as opposed to the «monastery», for men; but in historical usage they are often interchangeable.
The Convent of Nossa Senhora do Espinheiro was actually for monks. See also Santa Maria de Celas Monastery, which was for nuns.

[Originally posted on Mar 31st, 2008]

Category: THE HERITAGE