Category: Religious Architecture > Place of Worship
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Belém
The Convent of Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso is located in the heart of the Belém district in Lisbon, an area with a strong historical and cultural presence. Specifically situated between Rua Bartolomeu Dias and Rua da Praia do Bom Sucesso, the complex is integrated into an urban environment, yet remains sheltered by a walled courtyard, affording it a certain seclusion and tranquility within the city.
The history of the Convent of Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso dates back to the 17th century, specifically to 1639. Its foundation, under the patronage of the Countess of Atalaia, D. Iria de Brito, had a unique purpose: to host a community of Irish Dominican nuns seeking refuge in Portugal, fleeing religious persecution in Ireland. This convent thus represents a remarkable link between Portuguese and Irish cultures, remaining one of the few in the city to preserve its original order for many centuries.
A testament to the solidity of its construction is the fact that it survived the devastating earthquake of 1755, a landmark event in Lisbon's history, almost intact. The building's resilience allowed it to maintain its function and occupation without significant interruptions over time, weathering periods of great social and political change in Portugal.
This religious complex stands out for its architecture, which combines Mannerist and Baroque elements, and its unusual layout. The church, in particular, features a centralized octagonal plan, covered by a striking pyramidal dome, a rare feature in convents of that era. On the exterior, one can admire the main portal, framed in stonework, which boasts a niche with the image of Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso.
Inside the church, the space reveals rich ornamentation. The main altar is dominated by an imposing baldachin altarpiece, supported by columns of variegated jasper. Here lies a silver tabernacle, attributed to the goldsmith João de Sousa, which is embellished with oil paintings on copper by Bento Coelho da Silveira. The side walls house several carved altars, flanked by panels depicting Dominican saints. Both the upper and lower choirs feature carved stalls, tile panels, and various statuary. The convent's two-story cloister invites a moment of contemplation, with its fountain at the center.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.695064358333, -9.2118662666667
Coordinates DMS: 38°41'42.2"N 09°12'42.7"W
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