Places
Quartel da Serra do Pilar
Regular Visits
Tours
Visit accompanied by Major Orlando Panza
Maximum 20 people per visit
No reservation required; first-come, first-served
No wheelchair access
Photography allowed
Description
Because of its geographical position the monastery reveals itself along history as a strategic building, decisive in the defence of the territory. It is in its premises that in 1809 Duke Wellington’s troops held barracks to prepare the defeat and expulsion of French invading troops. It has also an important role during the Portuguese Civil War, namely the Siege of Porto (1832-1833), won by liberals when faced with absolutist forces. The defensive vocation of the space and the buildings morphology allowed the maintaining and reinforcing of the new program of the monastery to the present day. After the extinction of the religious orders the site is elevated to Praça de Guerra de 1ª classe [1st Class War Square]. It’s there, ironically, that the Pope lands on a peace mission when he comes to Porto. On May 15th 1982, John Paul II’s helicopter landed at Serra do Pilar. On May 14th 2010, Benedict XVI lands on the same heliport. We now await Pope Francis.
Location
Largo de Aviz
Directions: Google Maps / Apple Maps
Public Transport
Subway: Linha D - Jardim do Morro
Bus: STCP - 900, 901, 904, 905, 906 / Espírito Santo - 12, 14, 15, 17, 31, 39
Train: General Torres