Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa
The Church of Conceição Velha is majestically situated in the historic heart of Lisbon, in the area known as the Baixa Pombalina. Its location, just a few steps from the Praça do Comércio and the Tagus River, places it at one of the epicenters of city life, surrounded by buildings reconstructed after the 1755 Earthquake. When contemplating it, one observes the vibrant and unique atmosphere of this Lisbon area, which bears witness to the resilience and capacity for renewal of the Portuguese capital throughout the centuries.
The history of the Church of Conceição Velha is intrinsically linked to Lisbon's resilience in the face of the devastating 1755 Earthquake. On the site where it now stands, there was previously the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, which was destroyed by the earthquake. However, the need to rebuild the city and preserve its heritage led to a remarkable decision: the magnificent Manueline portal from the then-ruined Church of Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia, one of the few elements that remained intact after the catastrophe, was carefully salvaged and transported to this new building. This unique integration and the fact that it was built on the foundations of the old chapel earned it the epithet "Velha" (Old), a testament to its history of rebirth and continuity.
The most distinctive and valuable feature of the Church of Conceição Velha is, without a doubt, its sumptuous Manueline portal. This portal, a remarkable example of the 16th-century Portuguese architectural style, displays a unique decorative richness. Intricate details can be observed, such as the typical armillary spheres, symbols of Portuguese maritime expansion, and the Cross of Christ, elements that hearken back to the golden age of the Discoveries. The sculpted stone narrates stories and displays figures with great artistic skill.
The rest of the church's body, built in the post-earthquake period, adopts a more restrained style, characteristic of the Pombaline reconstruction, creating an interesting contrast between the Manueline grandeur of the portal and the more sober functionality of the interior. Inside, there are artistic elements that reflect the periods of its construction and remodeling, including tile panels and altarpieces that contribute to its cultural and spiritual richness.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_da_Conceição_Velha
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.70881413016252,-9.134202747571292
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'31.7"N 09°08'3.1"W
Weather Lisboa
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
