At Porto Secreto we like to share the stories and curiosities of emblematic sites, such as the Monastery of Leça do Balio. Located in the neighboring municipality of Matosinhos, it is not only one of the most fantastic places to visit near Porto, but also an excellent example of romance.
For example, did you know that it was here that the first love marriage in the Portuguese monarchy took place? Against all odds, King Ferdinand I and Queen Leonor de Telles tied the knot here. This story is so impressive that it is still remembered every year in a historical re-enactment. Shall we find out more?
The first royal love marriage
The history of Portugal is marked by the tragic romance of Pedro and Inês de Castro. However, it wasn’t the only love to be highlighted and to make a lot of ink run. King Ferdinand I’s passion for the noblewoman Leonor de Teles in the 14th century was the subject of much controversy.
Why? Well, at that time Ferdinand – by the grace of God King of Portugal and the Algarve – was betrothed to the Infanta of Aragon. However, the monarch fell in love with the beautiful young Leonor de Telles. He decided to annul his alliance with the neighboring kingdom.
However, the king was the target of much criticism, as the Portuguese didn’t want to take Leonor, a woman who had already been married, as their queen. In order to move forward, his beloved’s previous union was annulled. Even so, the voices of protest were not silenced.
After all, Ferdinand was not only ‘blinded’ by love, but he also put the Kingdom of Portugal at risk by directly confronting the Kingdom of Aragon. With the previous alliance broken and Leonor ‘free’, the king and his entourage secretly left Lisbon to cross the Douro and head for the secluded Monastery of Leça do Balio.
On May 15, 1372, Ferdinand I and Leonor de Telles were married at the northern religious landing. A love that ‘survived’ the criticism and controversy of the time. This is, therefore, the first romantic wedding of the Portuguese monarchy!
A brief history of the Monastery of Leça do Balio
Now that you know about one of this place’s highlights, how about taking a look at its history? Classified as a National Monument since 1910, the Monastery of Leça do Balio is still an obligatory stop for pilgrims on the “Way of St. James”.
According to the Matosinhos City Councilwebsite, the historic building already existed, albeit in a primitive form, in the 10th century. However, it was from the 12th century onwards that the monastery began to take on greater importance, through D. Teresa.
(…) donated the monastery to the military-religious order of the Knights Hospitallers, who were to make their first home here in Portuguese territory,” reads the source mentioned above.
In short, this is a monastery with a rich past, but its place in the history of assistance to pilgrims is still alive today!
Where: Lugar da Igreja, Quinta do Mosteiro, Leça do Balio
More information: info@mosteirolecabalio.com