Carmo Convent — Attraction in Lisbon

Igreja do Carmo (Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel) is where you find the gutted remains of a Gothic style church what once dominated the hillside location in Lisbon. Today you can visit the church ruins, which have become an archeological museum. Opening Hours are 10am to 7pm daily during the summer months.

Destroyed during the 1755 earthquake, what remains are the skeletal remains of the church nave, standing arched pillars and exposed church grounds where a large congregation having mass met their fate when the church collapsed upon them during the quake. The area is enclosed by much restored church walls, creating a museum experience for visitors today.

You enter the church and museum area (€3.50 per adult) from Largo do Carmo. Do take the brochure, which highlights interesting historical artefacts which are placed around the open area of the the church grounds. These are nice to see and photography is allowed.

Tip: Plenty of opportunity to capture stark photographs of the standing ribbed vaults against blue skies. If you enjoy playing with light and shadows or B&W photography, this can be a rewarding location to spend time working with your camera.

In addition to visiting the open church ruins, the chancel, which miraculously survived the earthquake, now serves as an enclosed museum with three rooms with impressive artefacts, historic Azulejo panels and tombs that are worth seeing. Note that no photography is allowed within these museum rooms.

Overall, Igreja do Carmo is a rewarding visit and offers a different perspective compared to churches which have been fully restored, demolished and/or rebuilt after historical calamities like that which destroyed this church in 1755. It is intriguing, thought provoking and memorable - a place we look forward to revisiting during future trips to Lisbon.

Note: A convenient way to visit the church from the Rossio or lower Baixa and Avenida area of the city is by way of the Santa Justa Elevador, which places you at the front of the church. Just walk towards Largo do Carmo in the back to find...

1. A Unique and Haunting Experience

The Museu Arqueológico do Carmo (Carmo Archaeological Museum) is a truly iconic landmark in Lisbon. Partially destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1755, the museum offers a unique and haunting glimpse into the city's rich history.

2. A Testament to Resilience

The museum's ruins, with their crumbling walls and exposed stonework, stand as a testament to the resilience of the Portuguese people. Despite the destruction, the Carmo Convent has been meticulously preserved and rebuilt over the centuries. The result is a fascinating blend of history and architecture.

3. A Journey Through Time

The museum's collection includes a variety of artifacts that offer insights into Lisbon's past. From ancient Roman relics to medieval religious art, the exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of the city's cultural heritage.

4. A Quick but Memorable Visit

While the museum can be explored relatively quickly (we spent around 30 minutes), it's a worthwhile experience. However, the admission fee of 7 euros might seem a bit steep for a shorter visit.

5. A Must-See for History Buffs

If you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and memorable experience in Lisbon, the Museu Arqueológico do Carmo is a must-see. The museum's haunting beauty and rich history make it a truly unforgettable...

Convento do Carmo, whose foundations date back to the 15th century, had a magnificence rivaling the Lizon Cathedral until the Great Lisbon Earthquake. The earthquake and subsequent fire destroyed a large part of the monastery. At the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, work was being done to rebuild the monastery, but these works were left unfinished with the ban of religious orders in the country as a result of the Portuguese Civil War.

In the mid-19th century, it was decided not to continue the construction of the monastery. The trunks of its naves were left open to the sky, thus creating an idyllic landscape of ruins. The monastery, which is a place worth seeing with its view, also hosts the Carmo Archaeological Museum.

I think the view of the naves combined with the sky view is truly impressive. However, the fact that a part of the monastery was under restoration and the scaffoldings built for this purpose significantly reduced our enjoyment. If you are doing restoration work in a place that looks beautiful, I think it would be better to close it completely. When you don't do this, as is the case here, you are deceiving people. One of the biggest examples of this is the Acropolis in Athens. People pay money and buy tickets, but due to the piers, what needs to be seen cannot be...