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Trienal de Arquitectura de Lisboa
© Pedro Sadio
© Alexandre Salgueiro
Painel de aulejo com as fábulas de Lafontaine do Mosteiro de São Vicente
© Alexandre Salgueiro

São Vicente de Fora Monastery

  • Original Authors:
  • Juan de Herrera ,
  • Filippo Terzi ,
  • Baltazar Álvares
  • (1629)

One of the most beautiful examples of Mannerist architecture and the Spanish presence in Portugal, this monastery and church building is a testament, along with the Santos-o-Novo Monastery, to the monumental architecture of the so-called Spanish golden era. It was begun in 1582, during the reign of Philip I of Portugal, and completed 40 years later during the reign of Philip III. The church has a single nave and a longitudinal floor plan, with a rhythmic succession of small chapels connected to each other. The façade is characterised by its austere lines, and the interior is notable for its azulejo-tiled panels alluding to La Fontaine’s fables, and the Baroque altar. The former convent is now the seat of the Patriarchate of Lisbon, the resting place of the House of Braganza, the Pantheon of the Patriarchs and a museum. The roof terraces offer panoramic views over the city and the River Tagus.

Address
Largo de São Vicente
Get Directions

Public Transportation
Bus: 28E, 734, 797
Subway: Santa Apolónia

Typology
Palaces and Convents, Civic Facilities

Accessibility
Restricted

Photos
Photography allowed

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