Penacova

Penacova is indelibly marked by the Monastery of S. Mamede of Lorvão and the Mondego River. Both have references we can almost consider from all times. In the bell tower of Lorvão, a plaque with visigothic ornaments proves the existence of a monastic life in this place, at least since the 6th century. In 878, after the Christian retaking of Coimbra, the Monastery of Lorvão played an important role in the repeopling of a wide region. After the definitive conquest of Coimbra, in 1064, the Monastery of Lorvão got more influence and extended its economic and artistic possessions. The monks, that by that time followed the Rule of Saint Benedict, had one of the most important scriptoriuns in the Kingdom of Portugal: “ The Apocalypse Commentary”, that was written and illuminated in this place by the scribe Egas, in 1189. With the reform of the Cister’s Order in 1206, the nuns were brought to the Monastery for the first time and according to the royal will of Dona Teresa. Dona Sancha and Dona Teresa, daughters of King Sancho I, have become saints and rest now in the remarkable baroque church of the Monastery in magnificent tombs made of silver and dating from 1715. Between the church and the choir, a splendid grating in forged iron with ornaments in gilded bronze lets us foresee a row of chairs dating back to the middle of the 18th century. Above the grating, we can see a neoclassic organ.The Abbesses of Lorvão were responsible for energetic reforms but would still have the time to taste the desserts that the novices’ knowledge joined to the old recipes: Manjar Branco, Bolas de S. Bernardo, Pastries of Lorvão, Kisses and the smaller kisses, also from Lorvão, the Queijinhos do Céu. But history has also passed by Penacova. It is certain that the first charter of Penacova was given in 1192 by King Sancho I, being confirmed in 1219 by King Afonso II. The new charter would be received in 1513, during the reign of King Manuel. Nowadays, in the same place where the castle was, two buildings have been raised: the Preventorium and the little Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia.Then we have Penacova and the Mondego!