Carmo Convent

The Convent of Carmo, located in the heart of Lisbon, is one of the most evocative and symbolic monuments of the city. Founded in 1389 by the noble Portuguese knight and commander Nuno Álvares Pereira, the convent represents an important testimony of Portuguese medieval history and architecture. Pereira, after a life dedicated to the defense of Portugal, chose to join the Carmelite Order, founding this convent as a sign of his devotion. The construction of the convent continued until 1423, with the completion of the Gothic church, one of the most imposing and decorated in Lisbon. Its Gothic design, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, draws influences from the nearby Monastery of Batalha. The main facade of the church features a portal adorned with richly sculpted archivolts and capitals with vegetal and anthropomorphic motifs. On November 1, 1755, Lisbon was hit by a devastating earthquake that destroyed much of the city. The Convent of Carmo was among the most affected buildings: the church, crowded with faithful for All Saints’ Day Mass, saw the roof and arches collapse, burying many under the rubble. The convent’s library, which housed around 5,000 volumes, was completely destroyed. The earthquake and subsequent fire marked the end of the religious use of the convent, which was never fully rebuilt. In the following years, the convent was used for various purposes: it served as a military barracks, a courthouse, and even as a carpentry workshop. In 1864, the ruins were entrusted to the Portuguese Archaeologists Association, which transformed the site into an archaeological museum, preserving what remained of its ancient glory. Today, the Carmo Archaeological Museum houses a rich collection of artifacts ranging from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. Among the most notable pieces are the Gothic tomb of King Ferdinand I, Roman mosaics, illuminated manuscripts, and religious sculptures. The collection also includes exotic finds such as South American shrunken heads and Egyptian mummies, evidence of the global reach of Portuguese explorations. The ruins of the convent, with their roofless Gothic arches standing against the blue sky, offer a unique visiting experience. This open space has been intentionally left incomplete, becoming an evocative memorial of the 1755 earthquake and a spectacular setting for cultural events, such as concerts and outdoor film screenings during the summer months. Located in Largo do Carmo, the convent is easily accessible thanks to the Santa Justa elevator and its proximity to the Baixa-Chiado metro station. The adjacent square, enriched by jacaranda trees and a monumental fountain from 1771, is a place of great charm, historically significant for being the point of surrender of the government during the Carnation Revolution in 1974.