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Read about the real estate market in the Algarve, Lisbon and Portugal. As the leading estate agents on the Algarve and in Portugal we can help you find property for sale in Portugal and find a mortgage.

February 16, 2015

The Convento Das Bernadas, sitting right on the edge of the Tavira Salt Flats, was founded in 1509. Built on the orders of Dom Manuel I as a way of expressing his gratitude to God after Portugals victory over the Moors in Arzilla, West Africa which had been under siege, it housed the largest religious order in the Algarve, and was the only convent in the region belonging to the Cistercian order.

For over 300 years the convent was home to Nuns from all over the Algarve, who earned their living by making sweets and religious Icons.

As was the case with many historical buildings of the time, the Convent was badly damaged in the earthquake of 1755, although the beautiful Manueline doorway survived, and it continued to operate for another 70 years.

In 1834, following the abolition of religious orders in Portugal, the convent was sold at a public auction and turned into a mill and bread dough factory. Over time it became disused and eventually fell into ruin.

The convent has recently been brought back to life in the shape of 78 apartments designed by the prizewinning architect Eduardo Souto da Moura. The regeneration of this historically important building is sympathetic to its origins, and many of the Phoenecian, Moorish and Medieval finds, which were uncovered onsite during the renovations, are displayed in a small museum which forms part of the new complex.

The complex consists of 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments ranging in price from €195,000 to €370,000 and are ready and available to view now with Ideal Homes Portugal.

For more information on these, and other fabulous properties in all regions of the Algarve, please contact our fantastic team today on 0800 133 7644 or email us at info@idealhomesportugal.com to find out about the fabulous offers on our viewing trips.