Abbey of Our Lady of Nazareth of Mocambo, Convent of the Bernardas of Mocambo, or Royal Monastery of Our Lady of Nazareth of Mocambo

Category: Religious Architecture > Abbey

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Madragoa

Location

This remarkable building is strategically located in the heart of the historic Madragoa neighborhood in Lisbon. Its location, on Rua da Esperança, allows for a harmonious integration into the vibrant and picturesque life of this area of the city, offering an authentic perspective of the Lisbon atmosphere.

Historical Path and Reconstruction

The origins of this space date back to 1653, the year it was founded as a convent for the nuns of the Cistercian Order. Its original structure did not withstand the catastrophe of the 1755 Earthquake, which led to a complete reconstruction. This phase was crucial for the monastery's current configuration.

After the extinction of religious orders in Portugal, the building experienced multiple lives and functions. It served as housing, was transformed into a theater stage, and later, a cinema, reflecting the different eras and needs of the city.

Architecture and Unique Adaptation

The reconstruction project, by the architect João Nunes Tinoco, is particularly notable for its ingenious adaptation to the sloping terrain on which it stands. This topographical feature resulted in an irregular, yet harmonious, floor plan centered around a cloister that forms the heart of the building and is an example of 18th-century architectural ingenuity.

A Lasting Cultural Legacy

In the late 20th century, the monastery underwent a careful restoration, which converted it into an important cultural space. This rehabilitation allowed the building to recover part of its grandeur, today housing a significant cultural facility that contributes to the revitalization of Madragoa.

The relevance of this complex is recognized by its classification as a Building of Public Interest, attesting to its heritage value and its continued importance in the life of the local community, as an architectural and historical landmark in the Lisbon landscape.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt