Convento do Beato António or Convento de S. Bento de Xabregas

Category: Religious Architecture > Convent

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Beato

Location

Alameda do Beato and Rua do Beato, Beato parish, Lisbon.

Classification

Property of Public Interest since 1984.

Initial Construction

15th century, ordered by King D. Afonso V to fulfill the testament of Queen D. Isabel. Initially it was a hospice for the Good Men of Vilar.

Evolution of the Name

Originally Convent of São Bento de Enxobregas until the end of the 16th century, then renamed Convent of Beato António in homage to Frei António da Conceição, known for his miraculous actions.

Current Structure

The new chancel was completed in 1633. It suffered little damage in the 1755 earthquake, but was almost destroyed by a fire in 1840. In the 1840s, João de Brito transformed what remained into a cereal milling factory and wine warehouse.

Contemporary Use

In the 20th century, the convent has been used for cultural and social events. In 2004, a fire destroyed 70% of the building, which was restored and reopened in 2005.