Odivelas

If you’re interested in Lisbon’s most important monasteries, don’t miss the convent of São Dinis, better known as the monastery of Odivelas. This Cistercian monastery was founded in 1295 by King Dinis. Legend has it that it came into being thanks to the divine salvation which saved the king from a bear while hunting in the Alentejo. But it’s more likely that this place of retreat, built to house Bernadine nuns, was used by the king to ensure the future of his illegitimate daughter, D. Maria Afonso, whose tomb can still be found in the high chapel. Dinis is also buried in this original Gothic complex, which mixes influences and styles that coincide with the eras when restoration work was done. Manueline traces can clearly be seen in the cloister, while the font is Renaissance and the chapels, porches and azulejo tiles all Baroque. Discover the impressive history of the monastery of Odivelas, or convent of São Dinis, a national monument right on the edges of Lisbon.

Portuguese doçaria conventual is one of the country’s greatest culinary traditions. Based on eggs and sugar, it was developed in convents from the 15th century onwards. There are many theories why and there is no doubt that the arrival of sugar from Brazil allowed the sweets served in the royal palaces to evolve. There are myriad theories, from the availability of egg yolks – since the whites were used to launder clothes – to the fact that the nobility was obliged to remain at court and entertained itself by inventing recipes to fill the time. In the Lisbon region, there are various delicious examples of this art form, of which Fradinhos de Mafra, Pasteis de Belém, Nozes de Cascais and Toucinho do Céu de Odivelas are just a few. Come and discover the flavours that history created.