Mosteiro de Junqueira - Image 1
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Mosteiro de Junqueira

4.3
·8 reviews·Junqueira, Portugal

A historic 11th-century monastery, predating Portugal, now a 'jewel in agony' with a functional church and decaying ruins.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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Mosteiro de Junqueira - Image 1

Mosteiro de Junqueira

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 11th-century monastery, predating Portugal, now a 'jewel in agony' with a functional church and decaying ruins.

4.3
(8 reviews)

"A magnificent monastery, but partially abandoned. A jewel in the rough."

Vertical photo
TIP

Inquire about access

Many parts are closed. Ask locals about visiting hours or tours. :informationdeskperson:

Respect the ruins

This is a historical site in need of preservation. Tread lightly and appreciate its current state. 🙏

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.3 · 8 reviews

Type

Place of Worship

🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Church of São Simão and São Judas Tadeu

Church of São Simão and São Judas Tadeu

Main Church Building

The only part of the monastery consistently in use, featuring a Latin cross plan and twin bell towers.

Former Cloister

Former Cloister

Central Courtyard

The U-shaped building reconstructed around the ancient cloister, showcasing conventional Baroque architecture.

Historical Significance

Historical Significance

Throughout the Monastery

Founded in the 11th century, this site predates Portugal's founding and holds deep historical roots.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing the Monastery

While the church is operational, the rest of the monastery is often closed. Inquire locally about potential visiting hours or guided tours, as access can be limited. Planning ahead is key to experiencing this historical gem.

Preservation Efforts

This magnificent monastery is in a state of disrepair, with much of it abandoned. Community members express a strong desire for restoration. Check for any ongoing preservation projects or local initiatives before your visit.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Potential for local events
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Inquire about access

Many parts are closed. Ask locals about visiting hours or tours. :informationdeskperson:

Respect the ruins

This is a historical site in need of preservation. Tread lightly and appreciate its current state. 🙏

Check local events

Sometimes events are held, offering a glimpse inside. 📅

Photography opportunities

Capture the grandeur of the church and the melancholic beauty of the ruins. :camerawithflash:

Tips

from all over the internet

Inquire about access

Many parts are closed. Ask locals about visiting hours or tours. :informationdeskperson:

Respect the ruins

This is a historical site in need of preservation. Tread lightly and appreciate its current state. 🙏

Check local events

Sometimes events are held, offering a glimpse inside. 📅

Photography opportunities

Capture the grandeur of the church and the melancholic beauty of the ruins. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(8 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors describe Mosteiro de Junqueira as a magnificent but sadly neglected historical site. While the church is functional, much of the monastery is inaccessible, leading to disappointment. There's a strong community sentiment that this valuable heritage deserves restoration and better preservation.

"A fundação do Mosteiro de S. Simão e S. Judas Tadeu da Junqueira, por D. Areas, Arcediago da Sé de Braga decorreu no século XI, sendo que data de 1084 o documento que contém a referência autêntica mais antiga do Mosteiro de S. Simão da Junqueira, uma carta de doação.
Em 1181, D. Afonso Henriques conferiu a Carta de Couto ao Mosteiro da Junqueira. Em 1516, com a morte do prior D. João Gonçalves, S. Simão da Junqueira passou para a posse de comendatários, que eram vitalícios e não só clérigos seculares mas até fidalgos leigos, donde resultou, por um lado, a ruína do património do Convento, por outro, o relaxamento da observância regular do espírito monástico.
Em 1687, deu-se a edificação da Igreja dedicada a S. Simão e S. Judas Tadeu e, em 1770, o convento foi extinto por Breve de Clemente XIV; A Igreja apresenta planta em cruz latina com duas torres sineiras simetricamente integradas na fachada;
No século XVIII, com a partida dos monges, o edifício passou a propriedade particular, sendo usada como casa solarenga. Centrada na planta do edifício em U, a casa apresenta-se reconstruída em redor do antigo claustro do convento num barroco convencional. O claustro apresenta um desenho respeitante da lógica dos restantes espaços exteriores."

João Jaques

"UMA JÓIA EM AGONIA

História

O mosteiro foi fundado no século XI, antes da fundação do reino de Portugal, pelo arcediago da Sé de Braga, D. Areas (ou Aires). O documento mais antigo que lhe faz referência é uma carta de doação datada de 1084, como "monasterium Sancti Simeonis". Outros documentos, do inícios do século seguinte, mencionam com precisão a localização do mosteiro. Os monges seguiam a regra da Ordem dos Cónegos Regrantes de Santo Agostinho desde então.

Em 1136, D. Afonso Henriques, ainda infante, doou o couto do mosteiro, incluindo jurisdição e terras, a D. Paio Guterres, o qual pertencera anteriormente à sua mãe, D. Teresa. Em 1181, já rei, concedeu a carta de couto ao mosteiro. Naquele século a igreja conventual também servia à paróquia da Junqueira, que se desenvolveu ao redor do conjunto.

Wikipédia"

Luis Pinto

"Um mosteiro magnífico, mas parcialmente abandonado. Apenas a igreja está em funcionamento. Mas sempre fechada. Uma joia em bruto. Espero que as autoridades, Câmara, Junta e Comunidade local promovam a sua reparação e reutilização deste espaço. Temos de recuperar este Património."

António Brandão

What People Like

Historical significance
Architectural beauty
Unique atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited access
State of disrepair
Lack of preservation

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mosteiro de Junqueira is located in Junqueira. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving is often the most convenient. Check local bus routes if relying on public transport. 🚌

Parking availability can vary. It's advisable to look for street parking in the vicinity or inquire locally upon arrival. 🚗

From Braga, driving is recommended. The journey typically takes around 30-40 minutes. Public transport might involve multiple changes. :road:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the church is generally free, but access to other parts of the monastery is often restricted. It's best to inquire locally about any potential fees for guided tours or special access. 🎟️

The church is operational, but the rest of the monastery is frequently closed. Opening hours can be inconsistent, so checking with local sources is highly recommended. :clock1:

Unfortunately, many visitors report that the interior of the monastery, beyond the church, is 'closed to seven keys' and inaccessible. Efforts are underway by the community to improve access. 🔒

Guided tours are not consistently available. Your best bet is to ask locals or check for any community-organized events that might offer access to more areas. :magnifyingglasstilted_left:

📸 📸 Photography

The church facade offers great architectural shots. The melancholic beauty of the partially abandoned sections and the cloister also provide unique photographic opportunities. 📷

Photography inside the church is usually permitted, but it's always good practice to be respectful of any ongoing services or worshippers. Avoid flash photography. :iphone:

🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture

Founded in the 11th century, it predates Portugal's founding. It was a monastery of Augustinian canons until the 18th century when it became private property and was partially rebuilt. 📜

The church exhibits a Baroque style with a Latin cross plan and twin bell towers. The reconstructed parts around the cloister follow a conventional Baroque aesthetic. :building_construction:

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