São Vicente de Fora Monastery

The chosen location of the 12th-Century edifice is on the very spot where King Afonso Henriques camped his troops during the siege of Lisbon. Because the church was located outside the old medieval walls it obtained the name Fora – meaning on the outside. The church was dedicated to Saint Vincent of Saragossa, the patron saint of Lisbon. Vincent was martyred under the Roman Emperor Diocletian in 304 after horrific torture. His bodily remains were interred in the church long after his death and kept as relics.

The present building dates from the rule of the Spanish King Philip II and was awarded to the Augustinian Order. The leading architect is believed to be the Italian-born architect, Filipe Terzio. Construction took place between 1582 and 1629 with additional buildings being added right up until the 18th century. It was severely damaged in the 1755 earthquake when the main dome and roof collapsed. The monastery was restored to its former glory and in 1855, following the dissolution of the religious orders in Portugal, the religious orders were dissolved in Portugal, Igreja de São Vicente de Fora became the pantheon for the Bragança dynasty. Catherine of Bragança is buried here, the Portuguese princess who became the Queen of England when she married Charles II. She lies here along with the bodies of all kings from 1640 to 1910.

The façade is mannerist in style and has two flanking bell towers. Seven niches house statues of saints. Inside under a barrel-vaulted ceiling, there is an altar by the Portuguese sculptor Joaquim Machado de Castro (1731-1822). Incredible azulejo tiles in the entrance portal depict scenes from Portuguese history. Just off the nave, there is a small commemorative plaque dedicated to Henry of Bonn, a German knight who died conquering Lisbon from the Moors and who was a cult figure in his day. The cloisters contain tiles depicting the fables of the French writer Jean de La Fontaine. A climb to the roof will reward you with amazing views of the Alfama district and out over the River Tejo.he façade is mannerist in style and has two flanking bell towers. Seven niches house statues of saints. Inside under a barrel-vaulted ceiling, there is an altar by the Portuguese sculptor Joaquim Machado de Castro (1731-1822). Incredible azulejo tiles in the entrance portal depict scenes from Portuguese history. Just off the nave, there is a small commemorative plaque dedicated to Henry of Bonn, a German knight who died conquering Lisbon from the Moors and who was a cult figure in his day. The cloisters contain tiles depicting the fables of the French writer Jean de La Fontaine. A climb to the roof will reward you with amazing views of the Alfama district and out over the River Tejo.

Monday - Saturday: 09h00 - 20h00, Sunday: 09h00 - 12h30/15h00 - 17h00
Adult: €5.00, Concessionary: €2.50, Child Under 12: FREE

Getting to the Igreja de São Vicente de Fora

	712, 734, 735, 704, 745, 759, 781, 782
	28E
	Santa Apolonia
	Santa Apolonia (Blue Line)

Contact Details
Largo de São Vicente 1100, Lisbon, Portugal.
38º 43' 4.6" N | 09º 07' 49.4" W | +351 218 824 400
museu@patriarcado-lisboa.pt |  Website