When you stand in Rossio Square and look towards Chiado, you can see Carmo Convent shoot up as a beautiful ruin in the middle of the city.
Carmo Convent was a beautiful church and is a reminder of the catastrophic earthquake in 1755 that destroyed most parts of Lisbon.
Visiting the Carmo Church seems surreal because it’s a beautiful ruin right in the center of Lisbon. In three minutes, you can go from shopping in modern Amazens do Chiado to a beautiful old ruin.
I really like that they’ve kept it as is and never rebuilt the ceiling, which collapsed, and I strongly recommend you visit it. It costs €5 to enter and is well worth it.
One thing is sure: the Gothic ruins are incredible to experience after the devastating earthquake, so have your camera ready to capture photos from all angles.
Carmo Church was considered one of the most majestic Gothic churches in Lisbon.
While it is now mostly ruins, the imperfections make it a charming place to explore. Once you step into the church without a roof, it feels like it is holding the sky as its roof.
Queen Maria I ordered the church to be rebuilt in the 17th century, but it was never completed, and until today, it remains a fascinating tourist attraction.
Would you like to see more nearby attractions? Then check out my interactive Lisbon map.
You will also have access to the Carmo Archaeological Museum.
The museum, founded by the Association of Portuguese Archaeologists, is where you can see historical finds and collections that rewrote Lisbon’s history.
You can view the panels of azulejos(Tiles), Peruvian mummies, and other exciting things.
This beautiful building often hosts events, such as Lisbon Under Stars’24 during May, so keep an eye out. You might be lucky to experience such an event while visiting Lisbon.
History of Carmo Convent
The Carmo Convent, officially known as the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, has an incredibly rich history.
It was planned to be built in 1389 by Nuno Álvares Pereira, a Portuguese general and statesman who played a crucial role in securing Portugal’s independence during the 1383-1385 Crisis, and the convent quickly became one of Lisbon’s most significant religious institutions.
It was finished in 1423, and its construction reflected the Gothic architectural style prevalent at the time, featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.
The convent complex included a large church, a cloister, a chapter house, and various monastic buildings, making it a critical cultural and religious place with an extensive library and a learning center.
On November 1, 1755, a devastating earthquake struck Lisbon, causing widespread destruction throughout the city. The Carmo Convent was also affected, with much of its roof collapsing and its structure left in ruins.
Unlike many other buildings, the Carmo Convent was never fully rebuilt. Instead, its ruins were preserved, serving as a haunting yet beautiful reminder of the disaster.
Tip: To learn more about other attractions, read these facts about Lisbon.
Things to Know Before Visiting The Carmo Convent
You can visit the Carmo Convent ruins and the Archeological Museum(Museu Arqueológico) at the same time.
You can pay with both cash and credit/debit cards.
They do have guided tours as well. When buying your ticket, you just have to ask for the next tour at the ticket office.
Largo do Carmo, 1200-092 Lisboa, Portugal
Free up to 14 years old.
Ticket price: €5.
With the Lisboa Card: €4.
Mon – Sat: 10:00 – 18:00
Sun: Closed
There is free wifi in the entire monument.
Walk there.
Metro to the Baixa / Chiado station (Blue and green lines).
Rossio Square (184 m)
Chiado (100 m)
How to Get To Carmo Convent
The entrance gate is close to the Elevador de Santa Justa in Chiado. You can take the metro to the Baixa-Chiado metro station and take the elevator right to the entrance. You need to exit to the Chiado side on the green or blue lines.
Alternatively, you can walk, which I prefer, or use public transport, such as buses(Route 758) or trams(Tram 28), using your Lisboa Card.
Tip: After you’ve visited this gothic-style monument, visit Rossio Square, one of the most vibrant squares in Lisbon.
Wrap-Up
Carmo Convent, located right in city center in the Chiado area, is a beautiful monument with no roof that has a rich history, but today is a reminder of the earthquake in 1755.
I strongly recommend you pay 5€ to experience this monument which is such an important building to the Portuguese history.
You can combine it with Santa Justa Lift and do some shopping in Amazens do Chiado, all within 3-5 min of walking distance.
If you want to learn more about the earthquake, Lisbon has opened a museum dedicated to this event, where you get to experience how it happened.
