National Monument since 1910 and a historic landmark on the Caminhos de Santiago, the Monastery of Leça do Balio is today the headquarters of the Livraria Lello Foundation and a vibrant cultural hub. Its restoration, led by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira and landscape architect Sidónio Pardal, preserved its architectural authenticity while integrating new spaces for contemplation, art and culture, including an exhibition centre, an ecumenical space, and the future Garden of Thought.
Integrated into the main Northern Routes — the Route of Monasteries and Convents, the Route of Contemporary Art and Architecture, the Caminhos de Santiago Route, and the Writers’ Route — the Monastery of Leça do Balio is a point of convergence between heritage, art, and community, attracting both national and international visitors.
The origins of the Monastery date back to the medieval period, when the Order of the Knights Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem settled in the region, carrying out religious, hospitaller, and defensive functions. Its fortified architecture reflects the need to protect both the monks and the pilgrims travelling towards Santiago de Compostela.
Over the centuries, the Monastery was the stage for decisive moments in the history of Portugal, most notably the marriage of King Ferdinand I to Leonor Teles, celebrated in 1372. These events reinforced its role as a place of significant political, social, and cultural importance.
The connection to the Caminhos de Santiago has always been central, making it a stopping point and place of welcome for thousands of pilgrims. Its tradition of hospitality and spirit of service have profoundly shaped the identity of the Monastery and the surrounding community.
Today, the space hosts exhibitions, concerts, debates, and educational activities, fostering a dialogue between memory and contemporary creation. The exhibition centre showcases the history of the Monastery and its role within the cultural and spiritual routes of the North.
With deep roots in history and a vision towards the future, the Monastery is today a place of encounter, reflection, and cultural transformation. The Livraria Lello Foundation has taken on the mission of preserving, enhancing, and sharing this heritage with the world, strengthening the role of Northern Portugal on the European cultural map.
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Exhibition Spaces
With exhibition spaces already open and a dedicated cultural programme, the Monastery offers a unique atmosphere, where each visit becomes an immersive experience. The tour includes access to the iconic Chapter Room, one of the most emblematic and history-filled spaces of this monument.
Open Sculpture and Garden of Thought
Soon, four hectares will be transformed into a garden designed to cultivate ideas. Planned to host 14 sculptures inspired by universal concepts such as love and vigilance, the future Garden of Thought will unite nature, education, and performing arts. For now, the space opens with the iconic Open Sculpture by Álvaro Siza, a contemporary and ecumenical landmark beside the Monastery.
Store
A space dedicated to the discovery of books, objects, and exclusive editions that reflect the spirit and mission of the Livraria Lello Foundation. Here, each item is chosen for its connection to literature, art, and culture, offering visitors the opportunity to take home a piece of the experience lived at the Monastery.
Auditorium
A multidisciplinary space with capacity for 90 people, designed to host conferences, debates, and corporate meetings. In an intimate setting, it invites the sharing of ideas and the creation of moments that inspire and transcend boundaries.
Testimonials
“We will expand the gardens and ensure that the monastery and its grounds form a harmonious whole, enhancing the site’s beauty. Our ambition is to elevate it to a reference point in the Porto Metropolitan Area and in the country — a place worth visiting, where people can find comfort and well-being.”
Sidónio Pardal, Landscape Architect, 2021
“I was asked to design a building that would make Leça do Balio’s importance visible — a new landmark within the site, set in part of a geometric garden belonging to the convent and intrinsically connected to the Church itself.” Perguntar ao ChatGPT
Álvaro Siza Vieira, Architect, 2021