Category: Religious Architecture > Convent
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Mercês
Situated in the heart of the historic Mercês district, in the city of Lisbon, the Old Convent of Jesus stands integrated into the ancient urban fabric. It is located in an area that still preserves the charm of narrow, winding streets, typical of Lisbon's historic neighborhoods, offering an authentic perspective on the city's evolution.
Its notable presence contributes to the identity of the place, testifying to the rich tapestry of religious buildings that once dotted the Portuguese capital, marking the landscape with their imposing stature and silent history.
The Old Convent of Jesus, or of Our Lady of Jesus of the Third Order of Saint Francis, dates back to the 17th century, having been founded around 1656-1662. This convent was intended for the brothers of the Third Regular Order of Saint Francis, a lay community that followed Franciscan precepts, dedicating themselves to charity and spiritual life.
Over the centuries, the building witnessed crucial moments in Lisbon's history. It survived the devastating earthquake of 1755, although it suffered considerable damage, which led to subsequent reconstruction and adaptation works that shaped its current configuration. Its foundation and evolution reflect the profound faith and social dynamics of the era in which it was built.
The architecture of the Old Convent of Jesus reflects the influences of the periods in which it was built and rebuilt. Although its original design may have featured elements of Joanine Baroque, post-earthquake interventions incorporated the sober and functional lines of the Pombaline style, characteristic of Lisbon's reconstruction.
As was common in conventual complexes, the building comprised a church or chapel, cloisters for meditation and circulation, and various dependencies such as dormitories, a refectory, and chapter houses. Despite adaptations over time, it is still possible to recognize the grandeur and functionality typical of a convent of its size, standing out for its volume and harmonious integration into the surrounding urban environment.
After the dissolution of religious orders in Portugal in the 19th century, the Old Convent of Jesus began a new chapter in its long history. The building underwent various changes in use, adapting to new civil and public functions, a common trajectory for many conventual heritage sites at the time.
Despite these metamorphoses, the convent maintained its imposing presence and relevance, ensuring the preservation of its historical structure and the continuity of its significant presence in the city's life. Today, the building continues to prominently serve the community, housing an institution of great social importance, ensuring that its legacy of service and its remarkable architecture remain a vital element of Lisbon's heritage.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convento_de_Nossa_Senhora_de_Jesus
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.71312523749092,-9.149615364569968
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'47.3"N 09°08'58.6"W
Weather Lisboa
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
