Mosteiro de Serra do Pilar

Mosteiro de Serra do Pilar

(the Monastery of Serra do Pilar) takes place in a wonderful location to observe Vila Nova da Gaia and the riverside of Porto Downtown. On the view platform, you feel like you have a balloon ride above the Dom Luis I Bridge.

The Monastery was created after the reform of the Order of St. Augustine. It was the time when the monks of the Grijó monastery moved to the new location. Construction began in 1537. It features a plan that includes a circular church, rectangular chancel, and the cloister, also circular in plan. All parts of the building are arranged sequentially.

Mosteiro de Serra do Pilar is one of the most significant buildings of classical European architecture due to its circular church and cloister. It combines Renaissance and Mannerist styles. You can observe the elaborated bell tower and dormitories on the north of the structure, and the sacristy and refectory on the south.

The church of the Monastery of Serra do Pilar stands out over the riverside of Douro and has 36 meters high. This is 17 meters more than the bell tower, thus, the shape creates impressive dynamics continuing the direction of the rocks at the base of the structure. Temple is one of the rear circular ones in Europe.In 1809 the space of the monastery was occupied by Wellington’s troops, then Portuguese, and once by Napoleon’s army.

During the 20th century, the monastery was on conservation and restoration. It is included in the Historic Center of Porto and UNESCO World Heritage List.

Travel tips:

• On New Year’s Eve 2023, it was temporarily closed for maintenance works. Please, check availability of interior exhibition on the webpage.
• From time to time exhibitions of the museum change, so you can check the current one on the webpage of Monastery. Regular ticket – 2€

Discounts for visitors: 50%

• For Seniors (65+)
• Large Family (2 adults + children)
• With Students and Youth card
• Family Ticket (from 4 tickets with ancestry and/or descent in a straight line, or equivalent)

Free entrance

• Sundays and holidays, until 2 pm, for all residents
• Children (0-12)
• Unemployed residents of the European Union
• Teachers and students of any level of education, including Senior University or 3rd Age by appointment
• Visitors with reduced mobility and 1 companion
• Young people who turn 18 in the current year
• Former Fighters