“Rua das Flores ends here” a local said to me once pointing to Largo de São Domingos. The square whispers stories of centuries past. It’s a place where history and modernity intertwine. We are standing before what remains of the Convento de São Domingos. Let’s unravel its tale together.
The Convento de São Domingos boasts a history stretching back to 1238. Bishop Pedro Salvadores donated the church, houses, and lands to the Order of São Domingos. King D. Sancho II declared himself the founder and patron. This resolved conflicts with the Bishop of Porto.
The convent became a significant religious and intellectual center. By 1380 theology courses were taught here. Imagine monks in long robes walking through the halls. Their days would have been filled with prayer and study.
Fire has plagued the Convento de São Domingos throughout its existence. A major fire in 1357 destroyed the convent. Only some church walls remained. Rebuilding began in the Gothic style around 1375. Another fire in 1777 caused more damage to the convent church.
In 1832 royal commissioners inventoried the convent. Soon after battles raged in Porto. Miguelist troops laid siege to the city. The convent suffered terribly. A fire in November 1832 destroyed most of what was left. Only the facade facing Largo de São Domingos survived.
The religious orders were extinguished in 1834. The convent became national property. The Caixa Filial do Banco de Lisboa moved into the undamaged northern part. The main part of the convent grounds was ceded for the Mercado Ferreira Borges.
Over the years the remaining structure has been adapted. In 1935 the church was demolished to make way for the Rua de Ferreira Borges. The Banco de Portugal acquired the whole building in 1865.
For a time the building was known as Edifício Douro. This name came from the Douro insurance company. Later the Fundaçao da Juventude do Porto acquired the building in 2001. They renovated it for new uses.
Today you can see the building’s architectural features. The main facade faces north. It features a mix of granite and white-painted masonry. Note the arcaded first floor. A mezzanine and a second floor rise above it. The facade is crowned with a cornice and balustrade. The date 1835 and the word “Douro” are inscribed on a cartouche.
Inside, a grand staircase leads to exhibition rooms. The building has been transformed into a cultural and commercial space. It houses shops, restaurants, and exhibition centers.
The Convento de São Domingos has witnessed centuries of change. From its religious beginnings to its modern adaptation. It stands as a testament to Porto’s resilience. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of history within these walls.