Convent of Salvador (today Lar Conde de Agrolongo) is located in Praça Conde de Agrolongo, in the city of Braga
The former Convent of Salvador is located in Praça Conde de Agrolongo, in the previously designated parish of São João do Souto, city and municipality of Braga, northern Portugal. Currently the convent building is part of the Lar Conde de Agrolongo.
History of the Convent of Salvador
In 1528 João III of Portugal alerted the then archbishop of Braga, D. Diogo de Sousa, to the need to transfer the nuns from the Monastery of Vitorino das Donas, in Ponte de Lima to a less deserted and more urban place, such as the city of Braga.
During the 18th century, new work took place: in 1718 the current main altarpiece was built by the carver Gabriel Rodrigues, in 1730 the new pulpit was built, probably by Marceliano de Araújo, in 1736 the organ was built and, in 1738, the bell tower was built.
In 1834, with the extinction of religious orders, the convent passed into the hands of the State.
In 1893, the premises of the old monastery became home to the Mendicity Asylum.
In 1908 José Francisco Correia, Count of Agrolongo decided to finance the construction of a new building, according to a project by architect Moura Coutinho, whose works were completed in 1914.
The count was named honorary president of the institution, which changed its name to “Asilo de Mendicidade Conde de Agrolongo”.
During the 18th century, new work took place: in 1718 the current main altarpiece was built by the carver Gabriel Rodrigues, in 1730 the new pulpit was built, probably by Marceliano de Araújo, in 1736 the organ was built and, in 1738, the bell tower was built.
In 1834, with the extinction of religious orders, the convent passed into the hands of the State.
In 1893, the premises of the old monastery became home to the Mendicity Asylum.
In 1908 José Francisco Correia, Count of Agrolongo decided to finance the construction of a new building, according to a project by architect Moura Coutinho, whose works were completed in 1914.
The count was named honorary president of the institution, which changed its name to “Asilo de Mendicidade Conde de Agrolongo”.
It is now called “Lar Conde de Agrolongo”
In 1975 the institution received its current name, “Lar Conde de Agrolongo”.
In the foyer of the home there is a bust of the Count of Agrolongo by the sculptor Teixeira Lopes.
In the foyer of the home there is a bust of the Count of Agrolongo by the sculptor Teixeira Lopes.
The Classification of the Chapel of the former Convent
The chapel of the former Convent has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1959.
