The Church and Convent of Graça (Igreja e Convento da Graça)

The founding of a convent as the headquarters of the Order of Saint Augustine Hermits occurred in 1271 on the behest of King Afonso III. At the time the area was known as the Monte de São Gens, Almofala. By 1551 the convent had expanded to thirteen chapels. In 1566 the remains of Afonso de Albuquerque, the first Duke of Goa were laid to rest inside. Other notable dignitaries to find their final resting place at the Igreja da Graça include Françisco de Saldanha da Gama and Fernando de Sousa e Silva the third and fourth patriarch cardinals of Lisbon respectively. Rebuilding occurred during the 16th century and further restoration took place following the 1755 earthquake. More recent work carried out on the convent has allowed it to be opened to the public for the first time in 2017.

INTERIOR

The ceiling is an ornately painted masterpiece that applies grisaille techniques and is carved woodwork is inlaid with gold. The walls are partly decorated in 16th and 17th-century azulejo tiles. There are several paintings and statues found inside. Up a flight of stairs in the right transept, there is a statue depicting christ carrying the cross wearing bright purple robes. Each Easter it heads a procession through Lisbon's streets. The sacristy has two monumental armchairs carved from marble. FREE
Tuesday - Friday: 09h00 - 18h00, Saturday: 09h30 - 12h30/14h30 - 18h00, Sunday: 09h30 - 12h30/17h00 - 20h00, Monday: CLOSED

Getting to the Church and Convent of Graça (Igreja e Convento da Graça)

	10B, 13b, 734, 797
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Contact Details
94 Largo da Graça, 1170-165 Lisbon, Portugal.
38° 42' 58.5" N | 09° 07' 51.9" W | +351 218 873 943

Located on the highest point of Lisbon, the district of Graça is one of Lisbon's oldest. Its narrow lanes are brimming with bakeries (Pastelarias) and restaurants, rarely visited by tourists. A short walk from the tram stop in Graça, along with the Largo da Graça, past the convent, you'll come across a delightful terraced garden with breathtaking views of the castle and downtown Lisbon.

Officially called Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, this viewpoint is colloquially known as the Miradoura da Graça. Here too for your refreshment is an open-air café. The terrace's relaxing atmosphere has become a favourite haunt for young locals, especially in the late afternoon when the sun sets. During the summer, it remains open well into the night.