The partially ruined Convento do Carmo (Carmelite Convent) was once Lisbon's largest convent, but it was severely damaged in the 1755 earthquake. Today open-air summer orchestral concerts are held beneath its majestic archways.
History of Convento do Carmo
Lisbon's Carmelite convent was founded in 1389 by the knight Nuno Álvares Pereira, the Constable of Portugal (supreme military commander after the king). Carmelites from Moura in southern Portugal entered the convent in 1392. In 1404, the pious founding knight donated his wealth to the convent and, in 1423, he also became a brother of the convent.
The Convento do Carmo was severely damaged in the great earthquake of 1755, which killed many worshippers inside at the time. It suffered further damage from vandalism by Napoleonic troops. Unlike other buildings in the area, the church was never rebuilt, but its skeleton has remained mostly intact for 250 years.
What to See at Convento do Carmo
Today, the convent is an evocative ruin and part of the Museu Arqueológico do Carmo. Its ruined Gothic nave, with roof arches open to the sky, stands as a silent reminder of the devastating 1755 earthquake. A small collection of artifacts is displayed in the convent's sacristy, including ceramic tiles, medieval tombs, ancient coins, and other local finds.
Quick Facts on Convento do Carmo
|Names:||Carmelite Convent · Convento do Carmo · Museu Arqueológico do Carmo|
|Visitor and Contact Information|
|Coordinates:||38.712086° N, 9.140357° W|
|Address:||Largo do Carmo|
|Hours:||Apr-Sept daily 10am-6pm|
Oct-Mar daily 10am-5pm
|Lodging:||View hotels near Convento do Carmo|
- Convento do Carmo - Fodor's Portugal
- Museu Archeologico do Carmo - Frommer's Portugal
- Carmo Convent - Wikipedia
- Photos of Convento do Carmo - here on Sacred Destinations
Map of Convento do Carmo, Lisbon
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