Top things to do in Porto

Mosteiro de São Bento da Vitória

Classified as National Monument since 1977, the São Bento da Vitória Monastery began its construction at the end of the 16th century and is currently one of the most important religious buildings in the city of Oporto.

Its monumental architecture is lost in the mesh of the old city, but the monastery and church are of an imposing baroque style, in the high choir the chair has one of the most beautiful representations in national style carving of the São Bento’s life and still a beautiful Pipe organ.

The construction of the complex was finished only in the 18th century, and the beautiful cloister was closed in the first half of that century. During the French invasion the building served as a military hospital and after the extinction of religious orders the building fulfilled functions of court and prison, as well as military barracks.

It was only at the end of the 20th century that it was the object of restoration works, which allowed the installation of a new Benedictine congregation, as well as the Oporto National Orchestra and the Oporto District Archive.

In 2007, a significant part of the building belonged to the National Theater of São João, and the monumental cloister was adapted for the presentation of plays, concerts and other events.