Founded by Countess Mumadona in the 12th century and rebuilt four centuries later, the beautiful Largo da Oliveira is dominated by the convent church of Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira.
The proud monument outside the church is a Gothic canopy and cross, said to mark the spot where the great Wamba the Visigoth, victorious over the Suevi, drove his spear into the ground beside an olive tree, refusing to reign unless a tree sprouted from the handle. In true legendary fashion, it did just that.
Built around the church’s serene Romanesque cloister, the Museu Alberto Sampaio has an excellent collection of ecclesiastical art and religious finery. Highlights include the tunic reputedly worn by João I at the Battle of Aljubarrota (1385).
