Espírito Santo Convent, Loule, Portugal

The convent has its origins in 1684 and its purpose was to shelter unprotected women. In 1698 the religious community moved to the walled perimeter, close to the church of Espirito Santo. Gradually, the nuns acquired more houses, increasing the property. However, it was only in 1711 that the convent was recognised by the Pope.
The earthquake of 1755 badly damaged the convent, which was later reconstructed in the neoclassical and plain architecture styles. It closed in 1836 with the extinction of religious orders in Portugal.
The convent currently houses the Municipal Art Gallery and the Afonso III Institute.




Local: 8100 Loulé, Portugal

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