Convento da Serra - Casa dos Caseiros

The Neighbourhood

500 years of Convento da Serra In 1514, about 500 Years ago, King D. Manuel received a Bull (authorization) from Pope Leo X to build, next to the Ermida already elevated (by testamentary will of predecessor D. João II), the Royal Convent of Senhora da Serra, given to the friars of the Order of S. Domingos de Santarém that prayed daily mass there and received frequent pilgrims. The place was consecrated following the resplendent apparition of an image of Our Lady to local shepherds, described by father Inácio de Vasconcelos in his "História de Santarém Edificada"(1740) in much the same way as the descriptions of Fátima several centuries later. Besides the enlarged church with underground crypt and clock tower, it included quarters for the resident friars and pilgrims. Of this important patrimony, there remains the entrance portico on the fence of the former Convent (today owned by Conde Sobral/herdeiros Margaride) and scattered assets among which: the image of Senhor da Serra in the parish church, funerary stone(s) and stonework stones in the Almeirim Municipal Museum and three beautiful paintings (from the high altar retable) in the National Museum of Ancient Art (Lisbon). Being part of the itinerary of the history of the municipality, it deserves a memorial plaque next to its portico. Historical side of the Convento da Serra: The old Convento da Serra, between Almeirim and Raposa, ordered to be built by D. Manuel I, belonged to the Dominican Order founded by the king, respecting the wish of D. João II, to be built near a fountain. The Legend of the Lady of the Mountain: One day, some men grazing their cattle on the moor found an image of Our Lady. Their devotion made them treasure the find. The story goes that Our Lady benefited them with some miracles. The inhabitants of the neighboring valleys built a humble chapel on top of the hill. Thus was born the hermitage that existed already in the time of D. João II. The monarch would have passed by on a hunting day, and sensitized by its simplicity and the devotion of the people, promised to build a new chapel. This building would be built by D. Manuel I, because it is said that the king knew that Our Lady continued to work miracles and decided that there was a need for full-time priests to assist the pilgrims. So, the monarch donated the house to the Order of Saint Domingos, in Santarém (in 1501), with the obligation of holding mass every day. Years later, legend has it that the chapel was visited by D. Manuel and by Prince D. João (only 11 years old), who asked that the Order of São Domingos Monastery be built there. Sensitized, D. Manuel ordered the construction of the monastery on the site of the Convento da Serra. 500 years of Convento da Serra In 1514, about 500 Years ago, King D. Manuel received a Bull (authorization) from Pope Leo X to build, next to the Ermida already elevated (by testamentary will of predecessor D. João II), the Royal Convent of Senhora da Serra, given to the friars of the Order of S. Domingos de Santarém that prayed daily mass there and received frequent pilgrims. The place was consecrated following the resplendent apparition of an image of Our Lady to local shepherds, described by father Inácio de Vasconcelos in his "História de Santarém Edificada"(1740) in much the same way as the descriptions of Fátima several centuries later. Besides the enlarged church with underground crypt and clock tower, it included quarters for the resident friars and pilgrims. Of this important patrimony, there remains the entrance portico on the fence of the former Convent (today owned by Conde Sobral/herdeiros Margaride) and scattered assets among which: the image of Senhor da Serra in the parish church, funerary stone(s) and stonework stones in the Almeirim Municipal Museum and three beautiful paintings (from the high altar retable) in the National Museum of Ancient Art (Lisbon). Being part of the itinerary of the history of the municipality, it deserves a memorial plaque next to its portico. Historical side of the Convento da Serra: The old Convento da Serra, between Almeirim and Raposa, ordered to be built by D. Manuel I, belonged to the Dominican Order founded by the king, respecting the wish of D. João II, to be built near a fountain. The Legend of the Lady of the Mountain: One day, some men grazing their cattle on the moor found an image of Our Lady. Their devotion made them treasure the find. The story goes that Our Lady benefited them with some miracles. The inhabitants of the neighboring valleys built a humble chapel on top of the hill. Thus was born the hermitage that existed already in the time of D. João II. The monarch would have passed by on a hunting day, and sensitized by its simplicity and the devotion of the people, promised to build a new chapel. This building would be built by D. Manuel I, because it is said that the king knew that Our Lady continued to work miracles and decided that there was a need for full-time priests to assist the pilgrims. So, the monarch donated the house to the Order of Saint Domingos, in Santarém (in 1501), with the obligation of holding mass every day. Years later, legend has it that the chapel was visited by D. Manuel and by Prince D. João (only 11 years old), who asked that the Order of São Domingos Monastery be built there. Sensitized, D. Manuel ordered the construction of the monastery on the site of the Convento da Serra.