Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > São Vicente de Fora
Situated on a high point in the historic São Vicente de Fora area of Lisbon, this monastery stands with an imposing presence. Its privileged location offers natural access and a wide perspective over a significant part of the city, establishing itself at the confluence of the Graça and Alfama districts.
From its terraces, visitors are rewarded with a stunning panoramic view over riverside Lisbon and the Tagus River estuary. The name "de Fora" (meaning "outside") has historical roots, referring to the fact that, at the time of its original foundation, it was situated beyond the walls of the ancient city.
The history of this monastery dates back to the 12th century, soon after the conquest of Lisbon, when King D. Afonso Henriques promised to build a temple in honor of Saint Vincent, the patron saint of the city whose relics were transferred here. The building we see today began to be constructed in the late 16th century, under the direction of architects such as Filippo Terzi and Baltasar Álvares, and was completed in 1627.
This grandiose construction is considered a landmark of Mannerist architecture in Portugal, influencing many other religious works of the era. Throughout the centuries, the monastery played various roles, having been, after the extinction of religious orders, transformed into an episcopal palace and even housed a lyceum.
The Italian-style facade stands out for its sobriety and symmetry, flanked by two towers topped with domes, where statues of saints are found. Upon entering, the monastery reveals a vast and remarkable artistic collection from the 17th and 18th centuries.
One of the most distinctive elements is its vast collection of Baroque tiles. The cloisters, in particular, display panels illustrating La Fontaine's Fables, a collection that impresses with its scale and detail. The sacristy, for its part, is a space of great decorative richness, with polychrome marble coverings and a painted ceiling, also guarding medieval tombs.
Inside the monastery is one of the most solemn spaces: the Royal Pantheon of the House of Braganza. Here lie the monarchs of the last reigning dynasty in Portugal, from D. João IV to D. Manuel II, with some notable exceptions. It is a place that invites reflection on the history and line of succession of the Portuguese crown. There is also a pantheon dedicated to the Patriarchs of Lisbon.
A curiosity linked to this place is the ancient tradition of, in addition to the bodies, keeping the hearts and viscera of some of the kings of the House of Braganza in porcelain vases, interred in a separate chapel, as a gesture of posthumous respect.
One of the most pleasant nooks of the complex is the Orange Tree Courtyard. This open atrium, bathed in the setting sun's light, offers an atmosphere of remarkable tranquility and coolness. The gentle singing of the fountain's water, in harmony with the aroma of the orange trees, provides a sense of repose and a pleasant contrast to the vibrant rhythm of the city, inviting a moment of serenity.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.714504082129956, -9.128063000523216
Coordinates DMS: 38°42'52.2"N 09°07'41.0"W
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
