Convento dos Lóios (Feira)

Convento dos Lóios in Santa Maria da Feira is a former convent in northern Portugal, in the Aveiro District, that now houses the municipal museum. Since 2012 the building has held the status of Monument of Public Interest (Monumento de Interesse Público), and its story goes back to the mid-16th century.

Who founded the convent?

The idea came from Manuel Pereira, 3rd Count of Feira. His son Diogo Pereira, the 4th Count, and Diogo's wife Ana de Menezes took on the commitment. They dedicated the house to Saint John the Evangelist. It was meant to host a college of secular canons of Saint John the Evangelist, also known as the Lóios or the "Blue Canons" after the colour of their habits. A petition to the general chapter for funds to found the college dates from 1549.

When did construction begin?

The foundation stone was laid on 24 June 1560, the feast of Saint John the Baptist. Since then the complex has remained one of the key witnesses to the history of the Counts of Feira and to the town's religious life.

What is inside today?

The former convent is home to the Museu Convento dos Lóios. The institution is older than its present building: it was created on 5 February 1938 as the Library-Municipal Museum of Vila da Feira and inaugurated on 20 January 1940. In 1992 it moved into the historic convent, so visitors see the collections in an authentic, historic setting.

Where is it?

The convent stands in the town and municipality of Santa Maria da Feira, in the current parish of Santa Maria da Feira, Travanca, Sanfins e Espargo. Its coordinates are roughly 40.924 N, 8.541 W.

Who is it for?

• Visitors interested in Portuguese history and Renaissance-era architecture.
• Travellers exploring the Aveiro region and the north of the country who want to see local museums.
• Fans of heritage buildings with official protected status.

Frequently asked questions

Do canons or friars still live in the convent? No. The building serves as a museum, the Museu Convento dos Lóios.

Since when has the building been protected? It has been classified as a Monument of Public Interest since 2012.

When was the convent founded? The petition for funds for the college dates from 1549, and the foundation stone was laid on 24 June 1560.

Who were the Lóios? Secular canons of Saint John the Evangelist, also called the Blue Canons.

Since when has the museum operated here? The museum has existed since 1938 and has occupied the convent since 1992.

Before your visit, check current opening hours and ticket prices on the museum's official website, as they may vary by season.