Igreja de Santa Cruz

The Igreja de Santa Cruz belonged to the Santa Cruz convent in Lamego, in the Douro Valley, beside the town's barracks and near the Santa Cruz cemetery. Founded in the 16th century, the convent became the most important in town in the 18th century, and the church keeps gilded woodwork, azulejos and tombs that reward a careful look.

History of the convent

The convent was founded by Dr Lourenço Mourão Homem, a native of Lamego, and its first stone was laid in 1596. In 1632 it was taken over by the secular canons of St John the Evangelist, known as the Lóios, who kept it until the religious orders were abolished in 1834. Today the former convent is a military base, which explains why the church stands beside army premises.

What to see inside

The interior stands out for its gilded altars, its 18th-century tile panels, some attributed to Policarpo Bernardes, and the 17th-century retable of the chancel. There are also two granite tomb chests with recumbent figures of D. João de Brito Vasconcelos and D. Manuel Pinto da Fonseca. The building is classified as a Property of Public Interest. It is part of Lamego's monumental route, along with the Igreja do Desterro.

Practical information

The church is in the Santa Cruz area of Lamego, within the grounds of the former convent. Because the site is used by military premises, check beforehand whether and when you can go in, with the Câmara Municipal de Lamego (cm-lamego.pt). To get your bearings, see our guide to Lamego.