Portugal nixes claim Monty Python star’s film harmed convent

LISBON, Portugal — Portuguese authorities have rejected a television program’s claims that one of the country’s most cherished historic monuments was damaged during the shooting of a film by director and former Monty Python star Terry Gilliam.

The General-Directorate for Heritage says an investigation has found that the 12thcentury Convent of Christ suffered only “insignificant’’ damage during a recent location shoot for “The Man Who Killed Don Quixote.’’

The report published Monday said a program by public broadcaster RTP alleging wider damage “lacked rigour and revealed a lack of scientific knowledge.’’

The convent was a stronghold of the Knights Templar, a Christian military order founded in 1119, and is classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.