Visiting the Carmo Convent in Lisbon is a must if you like history. Here, you can visit the Carmo Archeological Museum, which has ancient objects within the ruins of the former convent.
Lisbon's Carmo Convent is a former convent of the Carmelite Order of the Old Observance, located in Largo do Carmo and built overlooking Rossio on the hill next to the Castle of São Jorge. It is the only monument to remain in ruins since the great Lisbon earthquake.
The Carmo Convent history
The Carmo Convent or Convento do Carmo in Portuguese, was founded in 1389 by D. Nuno Álvares Pereira. The Carmo Church was dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and built by architect Gomes Martins. Construction started on the opposite hills of São Jorge Castle. You would have to view the Royal Palace, the Cathedral Sé de Lisboa and the São Vicente de Fora Monastery from the convent.
The Gothic church was known to be one of the most beautiful and biggest of its time. That was until the earth was shaking in 1755. An earthquake between 8.5 and 9.0 magnitude completely destroyed many places in Portugal, including the Carmo Church, while many people were attending mass. The building was heavily damaged! The roof collapsed, including the religious and artistic contents within it.
Reconstruction of the neo-Gothic historical site started in 1756 but stopped in 1834. Religious orders were abolished in Portugal, and the church was far from restored. There was the main chapel and four side chapels in total. Only the nave and transept still stood tall. And this is how we still see the Carmo Convent today. In front of the Carmo Church, you’ll spot a stone engraved with Gothic lettering. It’s informing visitors that Pope Clement VII will grant 40 days of indulgence to any faithful Christian visiting the church.
Archaeological Museum
The Carmo Archaeological Museum (MAC) is located within the ruins of the old church of Santa Maria do Carmo. Royal architect Joaquim Possidónio da Silva founded the Portuguese Civil Architects Association in 1863. From this, the Association of Portuguese Archaeologists was created. The Museu Arqueológico holds an eclectic collection, including remnants of the devastating earthquake.
In 1864, the small Archaeological Museum was installed, and the area was used as a storage for important sculptures and religious artefacts. Among the rubble, many pieces could be retained and displayed. Other important archaeological items, such as prehistoric objects, relics, and artistic pieces, were added to the collection. The collection now consists of objects from the Middle Ages and other eras.
Some of these objects can be viewed around the nave of the church. Others are located indoors in halls 1 to 5. The collection includes tombstones (King Ferdinand I has the largest tomb), Peruvian mummies, a Sarcophagus, an Egyptian mummy, basins, books, and azulejo panels.
What to expect at the Lisbon Carmo Convent ruins
What to see? The Carmo Covent was heavily damaged during the 1755 earthquake, and reconstruction was never completed. The roofless church now houses the Carmo Archeological Museum, which showcases South American mummies, prehistoric objects, relics and more!
Costs? € 7,00 for adults. With the Lisboa Card, it’s € 5,00.
Where? On Largo do Carmo in the heart of the city.
Worth it? It’s an excellent landmark for history buffs, and the Archeological Museum houses some unique pieces.
When? Every day except Sundays, January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy this tour of Lisbon by van with a local guide, or find out more about all our private tours.
Conclusion
The Carmo Convent is a place full of history and great archaeological importance. You’ll need around 30-60 minutes to visit the sight, which makes it the perfect place to see in Lisbon. Also, as it’s so close to the Santa Justa Lift, it’s hard to exclude it from your itinerary!
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