The construction of St John of Tarouca began in the year of 1154. It was the first Cistercian male monastery built in Portuguese territory.
Monasteries were always built by rivers so they could be self sufficient.
In 1834 there was an extinction decree of religious orders, meaning no more monasteries. The church was converted into a Parish Church. The monastic buildings were sold and it was used as a quarry until the early 20th century. Has now been declared a national monument.
Monastery Ruins
Monastery Ruins
Monastery Ruins
Monastery Ruins
Monastery Ruins
The side of the church from the ruins of the Monastery
As I walked around the ruins of the Monastery, I felt at peace. Im not that religious yet a calm feeling came over me.
Only the church is left standing , construction of the church was started in 1154. In the 17th century the church was extensively renovated.
The exterior of the church
A service was going to be held in 15 minutes so I quickly took some photos before we had to leave.
The church is in the baroque style. Gold and diamonds were used to impress people to attract them into the church. The people were mostly poor farmers.
All that gold and diamonds
The blue and white tiles telling the story of the monastery.
The stunning ceiling in the church.
Another view of the inside of the church.
Our next stop was the Ucanha bridge and Tower. Such beauty before us. It is known as the most beautiful medieval bridge and tower in Portugal and I could certainly see why. As far back at 1910 it was declared a National Monument. There is no known record of when Ucanha bridge was built.
Isn’t this dog so cute!
As we all got off the coach a cute little dog greeted each one of us. Then he walked with us down to the river and across the bridge. Apparently this little dog does this with every coach full of tourists. Most towns in Portugal the busses and coaches are not allowed in the towns due to the narrow cobblestone streets. Some are so tiny they are like tiny little walkways.
Underneath the tower
The Varosa river that runs underneath the bridge
The bridge has a steep incline, that peaks in the middle, The tower in the background
Isn’t this bridge just beautiful
Ucanha Bridge was the first toll bridge in Portugal. It was an access point in the region that travelers paid to cross.
The stunning countryside
I could see myself with a picnic and a bottle of wine by this river
The little dog trotted back across the bridge to wait till the next bus load of tourists arrived.
The little dog made sure we were all safely on board and he trotted back across the bridge to wait for the next coach full of tourists.
The coach took us back to the Azure Cruise ship for lunch, then we would head off to Lamego.
Travel and Lifestyle with Bree 
So much history. It is amazing the art / work in those churches that you might not realize looking at the outside. Thank you.
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Oh thats for sure. thank you for stopping by
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Wow what a unique place to visit! I can sense how calm and peaceful it is just by the photos. I never knew that all monasteries were built by rivers to be self sufficient. What an interesting place!
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It certainly is an interesting place to visit. Yes I wasn’t aware of that either re the rivers. Thank you for stopping by
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What history lives in these structures! You captured them beautifully, Bree. Thank you for sharing the stories with us.
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Thank you so much x Yes so much history. If these walls could talk.
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I am so in love with Portugal, but this is somewhere I have not been. Looks amazing…hope to visit soon.
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Living in Australia I find it hard to fathom building dating back to the 1154! Lovely to hear about the history. 🙂
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I think thats why I love Europe so much because of the history and the architecture . Living in Australia myself the mind thinks what was Australia doing back in 1154…
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Wow! You can really feel the history in all the quiet streets and looming old churches!
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Hi 3Sisters, I find visiting Portugal vicariously through you very interesting. We only spent one week there in the Algarve and your photos and story make me want to return. There is so much we did not see. Your photos are beautiful. I especially like the one third from the bottom. Thank you for sharing:) Erica
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Thank you so much. Yes Portugal has so much to see and do.
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I too love the history of these amazing places! I can imagine the sense of peacefulness and what gorgeous countryside as well! Just lovely #mlstl
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Its stunning the countryside. Althoughmost of the time it was raining, foggy etc….thank you for stopping by
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I’m not at all religious yet it never ceases to amaze me just how much of a sense of peace I get immediately on stepping inside a church. When we were in France last year we went inside a lot and the feeling was the same – regardless of the size of the church. The only exception to that was Notre Dame. I’m thoroughly enjoying our tour of Portugal.
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I never went inside Notre Dame. The line up was long and it was hot. Maybe next time. Thank you for stopping by
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Your pictures are fabulous. Thanks for sharing.
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thank you so much x
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Thanks so much for the guided tour of these areas in Portugal. The interior church photos were amazing! #MLSTL
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Thank you for stopping by xx Isn’t the church amazing
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Hello, 3 Sisters. I wish you are doing great. I nominated you for the Liebster Award.
Here’s my nomination : https://outosego.com/2019/07/17/nominated-for-the-liebster/
Ps : Have fun and enjoy, dear.
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Thank you so much…
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It is a pleasure. You’ re very welcome.
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so beautiful wish i was there
Next year
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So much history – and from SO long ago! I loved all the buildings (and the little dog was cute too). I’m so glad it’s been preserved for future generations to admire the ingenuity of those long dead monks.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
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Thank you so much x..Yes the history is something I love. Its a beautiful place to visit.
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