Mosteiro de Singeverga

Mosteiro de Singeverga, officially the Abbey of Saint Benedict of Singeverga, is a working Benedictine monastery in Roriz, in the municipality of Santo Tirso, Porto District. It is one of the few Benedictine communities in northern Portugal, and it is known as much for its monastic liqueur as for its quiet way of life.

When and how was the monastery founded?

The community was established on 25 January 1892 by monks from the monastery of São Martinho de Cucujães. They settled in a manor house and farm owned by the Gouveia de Azevedo family. The house was raised to the rank of abbey on 1 June 1938. Today it belongs to the Subiaco-Cassinese Congregation and is linked to the Benedictine Congregation of the Annunciation.

The building is neo-Romanesque, laid out on a square plan. Only part of the original design was completed, reportedly about a third. This is a late nineteenth and early twentieth century foundation, not a medieval one.

What can you see here?

Above all, this is a living house of prayer. The monks follow the rule of ora et labora, "pray and work". The appeal lies in the calm architecture, the rural surroundings and the monastic atmosphere. What visitors may enter depends on the community, so check the abbey's current guidelines before you travel.

The monastery is tied to Singeverga liqueur, one of Portugal's best-known monastic liqueurs, and it is worth asking about during a visit.

Can you stay overnight?

The abbey runs a guest house. According to available sources it accepts only men. Conditions are set by the community, so contact them in advance.

What else is in Roriz?

The same village has a separate landmark: the Romanesque-Gothic church of a former monastery of Augustinian canons, probably completed in 1228. It was never Benedictine and should not be confused with Singeverga. The two sites fit easily into a single outing around Santo Tirso.

Frequently asked questions

Is Singeverga a medieval monastery? No. The Benedictine community has lived here since 1892, and the building is neo-Romanesque.

Where is it? In Roriz, Santo Tirso municipality, Porto District, north of the city of Porto.

Can I buy Singeverga liqueur? The liqueur is associated with the monastery and made by the monks. Ask the community about sales on site.

Can visitors sleep at the abbey? There is a guest house, but sources say it takes only men. Arrange details beforehand.