Antiguo Convento de Nossa Senhora da Graça

One of the first buildings to evidence the transition from the Renaissance to “plain style” architecture was this old convent for Augustine monks, - now Pousada do Convento da Graça - which began to be built in 1569 on the site of Tavira’s old Jewish quarter.

The affirmation of the new and austere taste in architecture is very clear in the singular bareness of the old church’s main façade, where the portico is devoid of any and all embellishment.

There is a stark contrast between it and the rest of the convent’s façade, corresponding to the old dormitory, which features more dynamic decorative forms, in keeping with the newer eighteenth-century Baroque taste. The inner cloister is formed by arches supported by Tuscan columns resting on pedestals, clearly reflecting the classic austerity that took over the building during its construction.

The design of the renovatin to convert the monastery into a Pousada (opened in 2006) is done by Architect João Sousa Campos. The interior decoration is done by architect Cristina Sousa Uva, who was inspired by the connection between the Algarve and Morocco.

The Pousada has 36 rooms, including 3 superior rooms, 5 suites and 1 special suite. The suites have a terrace and sometimes a private garden.