Staying at Casa2020 means spending your holiday in a former monastery— at Convento das Bernardas in the coastal town of Tavira in the Portuguese Algarve. The Pritzker Prize winner Eduardo Souto de Moura converted the more than 500-year-old monument, built in late Gothic style, into an apartment complex. The secluded monastery atmosphere has been preserved; however, openings in the historic walls have brought more light into the interior. An inner courtyard was created by extending the east wing. Together with an area in the north with stone paving and trees that is reminiscent of the former cloister and a palm-tree lined saltwater pool (20×20 m) in the south, this forms the centre of the property.
Casa2020 Tavira in the west wing of the complex is accessed via the inner courtyard. The layout of the 100 sqm accommodation unit, which extends over three levels, is based on the structure of the former cells. On the ground floor there is a bedroom and bathroom, on the first floor the living room with a kitchenette. A sculptural wooden staircase leads to the mezzanine level above with an open sleeping area and a second bathroom. A skylight provides additional light. The furniture was designed by Eduardo Souto de Moura. The warm colours of the wood and the typical Algarve stone tiles combined with white walls create a peaceful ambience—in keeping with the former purpose of the building.
What to do
Convento das Bernardas is located close to the Gilão River and the ancient Tavira Salt pans that are part of the protected Ria Formosa Natural Park. The historical town centre with restaurants, bars and shops is just a few minutes' walk away. Other activities include hiking, cycling, walks, boat tours through the lagoon landscape of the Ria das Formosa and playing golf. A short boat ride takes you to the beaches of the island of Tavira.
Why we like this house
Modern living in a historical monastery atmosphere! Casa 2020 Tavira in the Convento das Bernardas spans five centuries: it combines historical architecture, traditional materials and contemporary design. The highlight is the pool in the inner courtyard.
This house is great for
Couples and families.
Details
| Region | PT – Portugal, Algarve, Tavira |
| Name | Casa2020 Tavira |
| Scenery | Just a few minutes walk from the old town, near the river Gilão and the salt lakes |
| Number of guests | Max. 4 |
| Completed | 1509, 2012 |
| Design | Eduardo Souto de Moura |
| Published | in various publications about Souto de Moura; |
| Specials | The inner courtyard with pool is available to all residents of the apartment complex |
| Architecture | Listed building - old, Old & new |
| Accomodation | Apartment |
| Criteria | 1-4 (house/apartment), Beach, Family, Pool, Sea, Urban |
| Same Partner | Casa1015 |
| Same Architect | Casa1015 |
Availability calendar
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One Comment
Architectural masterpiece to find peace and relaxation – Absolutely beautiful apartment.
The apartment was spacious, stylish and very clean. In a very calm and relaxing atmosphere. The renovation of the convent is really cool. The place itself is amazing (the pics don‘t lie), the location is great as well (the center of Tavira is within easy walking distance) and the convent is just next door to the main market in Tavira with tonnes of fab local produce that we cooked up.
Check-in / -out was handled very professionally and in a flexible way.
All worked perfectly well, the host was very nice and helpful and offered lots of tips to explore the surroundings.
Thank you for the fantastic stay. Would definitely stay here again.
Wholeheartedly recommended.