The transformation of the south wing of this property in the district of Aveiro and the Metropolitan Area of Porto was undertaken by MS Group as part of the REVIVE Program. This initiative, organized by the ministries of Culture, Economy, Finance, and Defense, aims to promote the restoration and enhancement of public real estate with tourist potential.
Funded with 1.5 million euros from the Portugal 2020 program, the renovation led to the “MS Collection Mosteiro de Arouca,” featuring 53 rooms, including a royal duplex suite. The accommodation is complemented by a restaurant, bars, a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a children’s play area, several meeting rooms, and spans across two hectares of gardens.
Regarding the target market, Helena Valente, the marketing and communication director of MS Group, stated, “Considering the region’s characteristics, we aim to attract markets beyond Portugal, such as Spain, the United States, France, and Germany, because we cater to individual guests, focus on the MICE [Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events] segment, and are also a destination for weddings due to the unique features of our historical heritage.”
Pedro Mesquita Sousa, the group’s founder, believes that the tourism offerings of the municipality, classified as a Geopark, will serve as a particular draw. “Arouca boasts attractions like the Paiva Walkways, the 516 Bridge, Freita Mountain, and various places of geological significance, making it an attractive destination of extreme archaeological, natural, and historical-cultural value,” he noted.
The new hotel operation has created approximately 50 direct jobs, “predominantly awarded to local professionals,” but the founder of MS Group mentioned that the workforce is expected to be “reinforced” in the summer to meet the high season demands.
Pedro Mesquita Sousa further noted that the 10-million-euro investment in Arouca precedes two other group projects: a planned unit in Alentejo, currently in the study phase, and the construction of Moon & Sun Funchal, slated to open next winter.
Founded between 915 and 925 as a Benedictine temple, the Mosteiro de Arouca served as the residence of Queen D. Mafalda, daughter of King D. Sancho I and granddaughter of Afonso Henriques, from 1220 to 1256. She decided to dedicate it to the Cistercian Order and chose it as her burial place.
The building came under state ownership in 1834 with the extinction of religious orders, maintaining monastic functions until 1886, when the last nun with residency rights passed away.
Currently, alongside the new hotel, the property continues to house the Arouca Sacred Art Museum, the D. Domingos de Pinho Brandão Memorial Library, and the Church of São Bartolomeu.
It also serves as the venue for regular events such as the “History of a Monastery” reenactment, the Queen Saint Mafalda Iberian Organ Cycle, the Chestnut Festival, and the Harvest Fair.
