“Curious about a church that’s also part of the Portuguese Air Force?” That’s the Igreja do Convento de São Domingos de Benfica. This church has a fascinating history. It even serves a dual purpose today.
The Igreja do Convento de São Domingos de Benfica started as a monastery. King João I of Portugal donated the land in 1399. He did so at the request of Dr. João das Regras and Friar Vicente de Lisboa. They wanted to build a Dominican monastery here.
The original structure didn’t last. It collapsed and was demolished. Between 1624 and 1632, the current church was built. Father Frei João de Vasconcelos oversaw the construction.
For many years, this Igreja do Convento de São Domingos de Benfica served as the parish church. It served the parish of São Domingos de Benfica. Then a new church was built in the 1970s. It took over those parish duties. The Igreja do Convento de São Domingos de Benfica then became property of the Portuguese Air Force. The Air Force changed the patron saint. Saint Domingos was replaced with Our Lady of the Rosary.
The Igreja do Convento de São Domingos de Benfica exemplifies Mannerist religious architecture. You can see the Dominican order’s coat of arms above the portal. The year 1632 is also marked there. It signifies the church’s completion.
Inside the Igreja do Convento de São Domingos de Benfica, is the tomb of João das Regras. Near the cloisters stands the Chapel of the Castros. The church follows a Latin cross layout. It features a single nave with a prominent transept. A choir sits beyond the high altar’s altarpiece. Communicating chapels and a barrel vault ceiling add to the design. The main façade has a triangular gable topped with a cross. Two stone quoins flank the sides. A rectangular window and a straight arched portal decorate the facade. The portal includes a Mannerist frame. It has a full arch and a rectangular surround. A curved pediment sits above, crowned by a cross.
Inside the Igreja do Convento de São Domingos de Benfica, admire the tile panels. António de Oliveira Bernardes created these. Also, appreciate the Mannerist carvings. Jerónimo Correia crafted the high altar and other altars. Manuel Pereira created the sculptures. André Gonçalves and Vicenzo Carducci painted the canvases. Find the tomb inscription for Frei Luís de Sousa too.
Don’t miss the tomb of D. João das Regras. He died in 1404. It’s a significant work of medieval funerary art. The tomb is classified as a National Monument. The four sides of the lid feature an inscription. It identifies João das Regras as a knight, doctor of laws. He was also a councilor to King João and the founder of this monastery.
Today, the convent buildings house the Instituto dos Pupilos do Exército. It is an army-affiliated school. The Igreja do Convento de São Domingos de Benfica has been recognized as a Public Interest Property since 1933. The tomb of D. João das Regras has been a National Monument since 1910. So the Igreja do Convento de São Domingos de Benfica stands as a testament to history. It is a blend of religious heritage and military presence.