The Renaissance period was marked by apparent contradictions, but also by a dialectical relationship between the strengthening of a more homogeneous European civilization and the affirmation of the European nations as political entities of defined identity and autonomous action. The Arts, for instance, and architecture in particular, was one of the clearest examples of this dialogue.

In the case of Portugal, all its cultural expressions at that time revealed strong external influences, especially from Italy.

However, the country received and adapted these cultural matrices and enriched them with its own characteristics.

Thus, culture and the Arts are perfect examples of this new identity in construction that was not only self-contained, but also revealed a strong and continued openness to external influences.

The Monastery of Serra do Pilar is a good example of this apparent contradiction. Despite its differences and achievements among peers, the monastery is one of the few purely Renaissance monuments, in terms of the normative models of that time in the Northern region and even on a national level.

In the video available in this room, the first stop on our itinerary, you may find some of the heritage and sites of the Northern region, with particularities determined by different times, mentalities and artistic movements.

Therefore, this first view from the Monastery of Serra do Pilar, is of the heritage of the Northern region. Enjoy!