La Encarnación or San Francisco Convent

The Convent of Our Lady of the Incarnation (Convento de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação) is also known as San Francisco Convent and was built in the sixteenth century to inhabit 12 Franciscan friars. It was founded by Elizabeth Mendanha, wife of João de Meneses, whose shield is on the main facade. The convent became extinct in 1834 and is now a nursing home, home to the Museu das Cinzas that has some sculptures by Joao d'Afonseca Lapa (an internationally renowned vilacondense artist). The architectural ensemble is quite simple, highlights are the great coat of arms and the front of the church, with Manueline archivolts.