Located in the Praça da República (Republic Square) of Cabeceiras de Basto, the former Benedictine Monastery of S. Miguel de Refojos is a great and outstanding National Monument, classified as such ( I.I.P. Decree 23011de 31/08/1933) and the most famous in the municipality . We would actually say, according to Brother Geraldo, that it’s the most valid "Ex- Libris", undoubtfully emblematic, whose foundation derives from the Middle Ages and precedes the typical Portuguese nationality. The numerous and wealthy of many donors, have made him one of the richest of the Benedictine Order in Portugal. Despite the division of revenues between the Refojos Monastery and the College of St. Benedict of Coimbra, in the sixteenth century it has not delayed its development. Triennial abbots, have achieved after reforming the Portuguese Benedictine Congregation (1567), enhancement and beautification works, that in a way, even today, is given to us for contemplation. In 1834, after the extinction of the religious orders, the monastery was nationalized and consequently ransacked by people eager for goods of the monks, and their contents were damaged and dispersed. The monastery was totally abandoned and dumped by the monks. In 1944, José Gonçalves Ferreira bought the northern part of the building and installed a Private College - "College S. Miguel de Refojos," which was later (1959) purchased and the appropriate teaching license, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Braga. Currently, this noble and respected Benedictine monastery is also a home to the Parish Church of Refojos, considered "a monumental jewel of Portuguese Baroque." There, in the old sacristy, the ante-chamber and access corridor at the initiative of the Municipality of Cabeceiras de Basto with the support of the parish, in 2008 a Museum of Sacred Art created, whose creation brought the gloom of time, valuable pieces of sculpture, painting and architecture to cultural enjoyment by parts of the population. It allowed in this way, stripping the exclusive religious look and appreciate art of the Temples, reflecting a wide range of experiences that radiate up to today. This magnificent building is also installed Cabeceiras de Basto Municipality - Assembly and City Council - which over the years have carried out, major works in the conservation and recovery concerns. Cultural heritage is a collective responsibility. The recovery of this monument, is therefore more than an investment in cultural tourism, a source of pride for all Cabeceirense.
Location: Cabeceiras de Basto
Location: Cabeceiras de Basto
