Are you out and about in Lisbon? Visit the Carmo Convent, one of the city’s oldest buildings! The terrible earthquake of 1755 destroyed most of the Portuguese capital, leaving this church standing. We were captivated by the beauty of these ruins and intrigued by the curious archaeological museum inside.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to the Carmo Convent in Lisbon.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to the Carmelite Convent worthwhile?
Yes, it’s worth a visit. Perched high above Lisbon in the central Chiado district, this 14th-century church was Lisbon’s largest before the earthquake. Partly destroyed, it remains today a poetic vestige of the city’s past. We were impressed by these ruins, which still reveal Gothic architecture and Manueline influence (typical of the buildings initiated in the 16th century by Portugal’s King Manuel I).
It’s one of the best things to do in Lisbon! For the best view of the convent, we recommend you take the Santa Justa Lift.
>> Opt for the Lisboa Card, which gives you access to the Santa Justa Lift, the city’s public transport system and more than 28 museums!
What you can see
The little Largo do Carmo square
The convent stands in front of the small Largo do Camo square. We succumbed to the charm of its fountain and the calm it provides.
At the entrance to the convent, we looked for the engraving of the inscription from a decree by Pope Clement VII. It grants 40 days of indulgence for faithful Christians visiting the church.
We were struck by the poetry and beauty of the ruined nave. The sky has replaced the old roof, which was never rebuilt. You’ll be dazzled!
An ancient stone tomb
This beautiful tomb, surrounded by a delicate Gothic frame, won us over with its splendor!
Embellished badges
On the walls, we spotted several finely carved escutcheons. They transported us back in time!
The Carmes Archaeological Museum
The chapel houses the convent’s archaeological and historical museum. Under a roof and behind long windows lie treasures! We’ve discovered them!
The sarcophagus of King Ferdinand I
Next to 2 curious Peruvian mummies and other tombs, the tomb of King Ferdinand I is enthroned. We thought the decorations and engravings were magnificent.
A collection of books
Our eyes wandered over the hundreds of works housed in the museum. It evokes the convent’s lost library, which at the time contained over 5,000 books!
Earthenware compositions
We enjoyed the beauty of historical scenes enhanced by “Azulejos”, the blue earthenware typical of Portugal.
Model of the old church
Pay close attention to the miniature model of the church. It gave us an idea of what the building looked like before the earthquake.
A room of archaeological objects
Stroll through the archaeology room and plunge into Lisbon’s distant past. We were amazed to see Wizigoth artifacts!
The Carmelite Convent in Lisbon: how to get there
Where the convent is located
- On the heights of Lisbon
- Downtown, in the Chiado district
- Next to the Santa Justa elevator and Largo do Carmo square
Access by car and parking
It is possible to reach the convent by car, but we advise against it. Lisbon’s city center is crowded, and traffic doesn’t always flow smoothly. If you still want to come by car, you’ll be able to park in one of the adjacent streets if you’re lucky, or at the Praça da Figueira parking lot, a 7-minute walk away. You can also come by cab, tuk tuk or public transport!
Public transport access
The Convent of the Carmelites is in the heart of Lisbon, close to many public transport links:
- Approx. 300 m from Rossio and Baixa-Chiado metro stations.
- 5-minute walk from the Chiado stop on the E15 tramway.
- 100m from the Santa Justa lift.
Take the Lisboa Card, which gives you access to public transport and over 50 attractions and tourist sites!
Access on organized tours
You can also choose to be guided and visit the Convent on an organized tour. Here are a few ideas, each nicer than the last:
- Take a guided tour of Lisbon, discover its history and learn all about the convent!
- Discover the convent and the city of Lisbon, first by helicopter, then by boat and finally on foot, thanks to this exhilarating tour!
- You can also enjoy a sound and light show in the convent ruins on sunny days, Lisbon Sous Les Étoiles! A magical show on the walls and vaults of the ruins, retracing the history of the building’s adventures over the centuries.
Visiting difficulties
Apart from a few steps inside and the fact that the convent is on a hill, there are no particular difficulties to visit.
Useful tips for visiting the Carmelite Convent
Schedules and prices
Timetables are as follows:
- November to April: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm.
- May to October: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 7pm.
Admission is €7 full price. See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
Allow 1 hour to visit the convent and its museum.
Best moment
The convent is very popular with visitors! We advise you to visit the site as soon as it opens in the morning, to avoid queuing for too long.
Direction of visit
Start by admiring the charming Place Largo do Carmo and its pretty Baroque fountain. Contemplate the church portal, then rush inside. The nave welcomes you under the open sky! It’s an opportunity to look up at the sky through the ruins, but also at the stone decorations and works of art that punctuate the building. To learn more about the area, visit the Musée Archéologique des Carmes. Why not end your visit on a high note by taking the Santa Justa Elevator, which will lift you to the very top of the city. We were blown away by the view not only of the convent but also of old Lisbon!
Eating out
The convent is right in the center of town, surrounded by numerous restaurants. Here are some of our suggestions:
- Go to the street opposite the convent and enjoy a snack or a delicious sweet at Pâtisserie Alcôa!
- The small Restaurant Stô Restaurante & Mercearia will win you over with its local cuisine and typical, designer setting! It’s less than 10 minutes from the convent.
- Try the Encanto star restaurant only 300m away! A restaurant offering vegetarian dishes that truly sublimate veganism!
Hotels
You’re right in the heart of Lisbon, a city brimming with exceptional hotels! See our article on the best hotels (coming soon). In the meantime, a few ideas:
- Right next to the convent, the Lisboa Carmo Hotel welcomes you in a comfortable and luxurious setting. We loved staying there!
- Slightly further afield, discover the Art Legacy Hotel, with its excellent location and top-of-the-range amenities.
