David Altrath captures historic Monastery in Porto
Hamburg-based photographer David Altrath presents his latest project documenting the historic monastery at Leça do Balio in Porto, Portugal, alongside Álvaro Siza Vieira’s white-concrete extension. The monastery, with roots in Roman-era foundations and medieval pilgrim routes, has been revitalized by the Foundation Livraria Lello as a cultural headquarters and public space. Within this renewed context, Siza’s contemporary addition forms a quiet yet striking architectural intervention that engages with light, shadow, and the existing stone walls.
all images by David Altrath
Álvaro Siza Vieira’s Minimalist Vision in Leça do Balio
Álvaro Siza Vieira’s extension is defined by two vertical volumes framing an open courtyard paved in stabilized gravel, creating a moment of stillness between old and new. The design is pared back to essentials: smooth concrete surfaces, carefully considered textures, and a meticulous play of light and shadow foster a contemplative atmosphere. Every junction, line, and opening is purposefully composed, reflecting the Pritzker Prize-winning architect’s signature clarity and precision. At the heart of the courtyard, the freestanding sculpture Wayfarer anchors the space, evoking themes of passage, reflection, and introspection. Landscape architect Sidónio Pardal extends this dialogue into the surrounding terrain with a subtle arrangement of paths and planted areas, embedding the structure harmoniously within its historic setting.
The project is documented through the lens of David Altrath, whose images capture the dialogue between centuries-old walls and contemporary intervention. The Hamburg-based photographer highlights how Siza’s architecture respects and amplifies the monastery’s historical resonance. The extension exemplifies a balance of presence and restraint, demonstrating how contemporary design can complement heritage sites without overshadowing their past.
Álvaro Siza Vieira’s striking white-concrete extension to the historic monastery
the extension is defined by white-concrete volumes
the freestanding sculpture Wayfarer anchors the space
every junction, line, and opening is purposefully composed
vertical forms frame an open courtyard paved in stabilized gravel
the design evokes reflection and introspection
Altrath’s photography highlights the Pritzker Prize-winning architect’s signature clarity and precision
the architectural intervention engages in a delicate dialogue with light and shadow
smooth surfaces, carefully considered textures, and a meticulous play of light and shadow complete the project
David Altrath captures the dialogue between centuries-old walls and contemporary intervention
Siza’s contemporary addition forms a quiet yet striking architectural intervention
the extension exemplifies a balance of presence and restraint
the design creates a moment of stillness between old and new
project info:
name: Monastery of Leça do Balio and contemporary extension
architect: Álvaro Siza Vieira
location: Porto, Portugal
photography: David Altrath | @davidaltrath
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