Monastery Of Saint Savior Of Grijó

The Monastery of Saint Savior of Grijó is located in Vila Nova de Gaia and was founded in 922. In 1112 it was transferred to its current location.

D. Rodrigo Sanches, son of the illegitimate King Sancho I, died in the vicinity of the monastery in a clash with forces loyal to King Sancho II and as part of the conflict that would lead to the throne of King Afonso III. His tomb was placed in the cloister and has been classified as a National Monument since 1910.

At the beginning of the 16th century, the convent was in ruins and, in 1535, the monastery was allowed to move to Serra de São Nicolau, in Gaia. However, not all the clerics agreed to the transfer and, in 1566, Pope Pius V separated the two monasteries.

At the end of the 16th century, the building was renovated. The dormitory, two wings of the cloister, the refectory and the chapter room were built. The construction of the church dragged on for another thirty years: the chancel wasn’t finished until 1629.

In 1770, the convent was extinguished and its assets passed to the Convent of Mafra. At the beginning of the 19th century, during the battle with the French troops, the monastery was used as a hospital.

After 1834, the monastery’s estate was annexed to state property and sold at public auction. In 1974, a fire damaged the monastery. The building was awarded the distinction of Property of Public Interest in 1938.