Carmo Convent

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Santarém > Torres Novas > Torres Novas > São Pedro, Lapas e Ribeira Branca

Location

The Convento do Carmo (Carmel Convent) is located in Torres Novas, in the area of São Pedro, Lapas and Ribeira Branca. The building is integrated into the town's urban fabric, being an integral part of its accessible city environment.

Historical and Architectural Legacy

The building known today as Convento do Carmo occupies a site with a multifaceted history. In the 16th century, specifically in 1558, the Hermitage of São Gregório was donated to the Carmelites (of the Ancient Observance) order to build a convent there. It was inhabited by the Carmelites until 1834, the year when the extinction of male religious orders led to the nationalization of their assets.

Years later, the Santa Casa da Misericórdia (Holy House of Mercy) of Torres Novas obtained authorization to build a new hospital on the same site. The structure we see today does not correspond to the old convent, which was demolished, but rather to a modern hospital building for its time, whose construction began in 1867 and was inaugurated at the end of the 19th century, having functioned as a hospital until the year 2000. Thus, the site testifies to a profound transformation, from a religious space to a healthcare facility, retaining the name "Convento do Carmo" despite its architectural and functional evolution.

The Pre-historic Past

During the recent redevelopment works of the Convento do Carmo, a pre-historic necropolis approximately 4500 years old was discovered. This archaeological find, a Chalcolithic hypogeum, reveals a layer of history much older than any previous edifice on the site. The presence of this necropolis offers a unique perspective on the communities that inhabited this region millennia ago, enriching the historical and archaeological value of the space.

Cultural and Creative Hub

Following an extensive redevelopment process, the Convento do Carmo has been reborn as a dynamic hub for culture and creativity. The space was designed to host various initiatives in the artistic, cultural, and social fields. It presents a varied program that includes art exhibitions, artistic installations, theatre and dance performances, as well as musical events. Furthermore, the venue aims to promote education and the incubation of creative and technological projects, also functioning as a social laboratory for local development.

The Convento do Carmo also hosts an artistic residencies program, providing a conducive environment for creators, thinkers, and researchers to develop their work. This focus on cultural development and knowledge sharing positions the Convento do Carmo as a meeting and exploration point for anyone seeking an enriching experience in Torres Novas.

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