Convent of São Bernardino

Dating back to the 15th century, the Convent of São Bernardino is located in the municipality of Câmara de Lobos, on Madeira's south coast. Shortly after its founding, in 1479, it suffered a flood that destroyed its original building. However, this monument is still part of the archipelago's extensive historical and religious heritage.

After having been severely damaged by the flood, the church and other facilities of the convent were, as early as 1480, rebuilt and expanded in a location further away from the stream. Since then, the Convent of São Bernardino has undergone a series of reconfiguration and rebuilding processes.

This is a Baroque religious monument. Its irregular plan consists of a church and a chapel, both with a single nave, with gabled façades and Baroque portals. The building is also connected to the dormitories and various support facilities.

Owned by the Third Order of St. Francis, the Convent of São Bernardino facilities feature materials such as soft and rigid stonework, plastered regional stone masonry, wood (oak and others) or rolled pebbles. Since it was the first convent on the island to be founded outside Funchal, it continues to play a relevant role in Câmara de Lobos.