Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Quietação is located in Santo Amaro, a distinctive area within the municipality and city of Lisbon, in the homonymous district. Integrated into the dense urban fabric of the capital, this zone, once close to royal lands and the Tagus estuary, still retains its own atmosphere today, linked to its history and identity within the Lisbon context.
Built between 1582 and 1586, the origin of this church is intrinsically linked to a gesture of royal hospitality. Its construction was promoted by King Philip II of Spain to serve as a refuge for a group of Poor Clare nuns from Flanders, who sought shelter from the religious persecutions that plagued their homeland. The name "Quietação", meaning quietude and peace, was chosen for its patroness, Nossa Senhora da Quietação, symbolizing the security and tranquility that the nuns found in Portugal.
Throughout the centuries, the temple has witnessed several relevant moments in Portuguese history, remaining a place of devotion. Among the elements of particular historical interest it houses, the presence of the heart of D. Pedro II stands out, a unique testament to his connection to Portuguese royalty.
Inside, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Quietação reveals a surprising decorative richness that contrasts with its apparent exterior simplicity. The nave and the main chapel are covered by false barrel vaults, meticulously painted and adorned with stucco, creating an atmosphere of solemnity. In the main altar, an imposing late Baroque gilded carving stands out, capturing the eye with its complexity and brilliance.
Despite the renovations it has undergone over the centuries, which altered the original 16th-century structure, it is still possible to observe original elements and significant additions. The 18th-century tiles that adorn some walls, narrating moments of the arrival of the Flemish nuns in Portugal, and the presence of tombs dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, are noteworthy. The sacristy and the ante-choir preserve remarkable decorations, with geometric pavements, painted panels, and wooden chests with delicate marquetry. The church is also an important artistic repository, housing one of the largest collections of paintings by Bento Coelho da Silveira. The image of the patroness, Nossa Senhora da Quietação, dated around 1590, remains a central piece of the heritage, praised for its timeless and symbolic beauty.
After the extinction of the convent at the end of the 19th century, the guardianship of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Quietação was assumed by the Royal Brotherhood of Nossa Senhora da Quietação. This association of faithful, with roots in the 17th century, received the title of "Royal" in 1694, by concession of D. Pedro II. Since then, the Brotherhood has been the faithful custodian of this notable legacy, dedicatedly ensuring the continuity of worship and the preservation of all its historical and artistic heritage.
The commitment to the conservation of this complex has received international recognition, underscoring the cultural and historical importance of the site. The church functions as a link connecting the heritage of several European countries, including Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands, reflecting its foundation and the cultural exchanges that marked its existence over the centuries.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.7042103,-9.1788442
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'15.2"N 09°10'43.8"W
Weather Lisboa
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
