álvaro siza shapes light and shadow in porto monastery captured by david altrath

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

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

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standing within the white-concrete walls of Álvaro Siza Vieira's extension at Leça do Balio

sunlit stone and shadow in the historic heart of the monastery

an opening in Siza's concrete walls frames a view of the courtyard

 

the sharp, upward-pointing geometry of the white-concrete extension

a stone table and columns sit under the arches of the historic monastery

warm, dappled light in historic monastery

warm, dappled light in historic monastery

the exterior of the ancient Leça do Balio Monastery

the exterior of the ancient Leça do Balio Monastery

project info: 

name: Monastery of Leça do Balio and contemporary extension
architect: Álvaro Siza Vieira
location: Porto, Portugal 
photography: David Altrath | @davidaltrath