Princess Saint Joana famously rejected a marriage proposal from the King of England to live a cloistered life here.
The tomb of Saint Joana is constructed from polychrome marble inlaid with mother-of-pearl and ivory.
The convent's church features one of the most prominent examples of Portuguese Baroque 'talha dourada' (gilded woodcarving) in the country.
The museum collection includes a rare series of paintings attributed to the circle of Nuno Gonçalves.
The building was formally established as a museum in 1911 following the secularization of religious orders in Portugal.
The museum holds a large collection of azulejos (ceramic tiles) depicting both religious narratives and decorative patterns.
The Aveiro Museum is housed within the former 15th-century Convent of Jesus, situated in the historic center of Aveiro. It is defined by its ornate baroque gold-leaf carvings, azulejos, and extensive collection of religious paintings and sculpture. The convent was the residence of Princess Saint Joana, daughter of King Afonso V, until her death in 1490. Visitors can view her intricate marble tomb, a 17th-century masterpiece created by João Antunes. The architecture showcases a transition from Gothic to Baroque styles, centered around the historic cloister and the gilded convent church. The museum collection emphasizes the life of the Dominican order and the cultural history of the region. Many artifacts were retrieved from other dissolved religious houses in the Aveiro district. The site maintains original 18th-century decorative elements throughout its interior spaces.
The central cloister, which offers symmetrical geometry and historic architectural details.
Allow extra time to examine the intricate details of the tomb of Saint Joana located in the choir.
Do not miss the upper choir, which provides a unique perspective of the gilded interior of the church.
Check the museum's temporary exhibition space, as it often hosts artifacts not on permanent display.
Do not mistake the museum entrance for the main church entrance, which serves active worshippers.
Closed on Mondays and major public holidays.
Dress modestly as the museum is located within a space of religious significance; photography is usually permitted but without flash.
