Igreja e Convento da Graca (Grace Church and Convent), Lisbon
The Church and Convent of Grace in Lisbon is an ecclesiastical complex and historic monument. Originally, it served as the spiritual center for the Order of Saint Augustine, known locally as the Order of the Gracians.
Established during the formation of the Portuguese nation, the Convent of Grace was founded in the era of Afonso Henriques' siege of Lisbon in 1147. It was strategically positioned on the Mount of Saint Gens, an area then called Almofala. Construction of the convent began in 1271 under the patronage of King Afonso III, intending to house 50 hermit friars of Saint Augustine.
By 1291, the convent emerged as the head of the Portuguese Province of the Order of Saint Augustine, maintaining this role until the religious orders were dissolved in 1834. Significant religious events have taken place here, including the miraculous appearance of the Image of Our Lady of Grace in 1362.
The convent was fortified by the Fernandina wall in 1375 and contains chapels established by notable Portuguese figures such as Rui Gomes de Alvarenga (a nobleman of the Council of Kings John I, Duarte, and Afonso V) and Afonso de Albuquerque (a military commander and the second governor of Portuguese India). The latter is also buried here.
The architectural significance of the site includes a blend of styles due to various reconstructions, particularly after the 1755 earthquake which necessitated major restoration efforts, imbuing the structure with late Baroque and rocaille elements. Its interior is lavishly adorned with opulent gilt carvings, grisaille paintings, azulejo tiles from various centuries, and other decorations, notably in the sacristy. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by intriguing elements: an ornate painted ceiling, a somewhat imposing statue of Saint Tom谩s of Villanova, two finely adorned marble chairs in the sacristy, and a collection of gilded Rococo-style sculptures within the chapels.
The focal point of the church, an image of Christ bearing the cross, has been a fixture in the annual Easter procession since 1587. However, the real treasure awaits in the adjoining convent鈥攁 pristine white room adorned with tiled walls hailing from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, depicting grand historical scenes. It's worth noting that there is no admission fee for any of these remarkable sights.
During the 19th century, the convent served as military barracks. Both, the Church and the Convent of Grace were designated a National Monument in 1910. However, this historic site was made accessible to the public only in 2017.
Established during the formation of the Portuguese nation, the Convent of Grace was founded in the era of Afonso Henriques' siege of Lisbon in 1147. It was strategically positioned on the Mount of Saint Gens, an area then called Almofala. Construction of the convent began in 1271 under the patronage of King Afonso III, intending to house 50 hermit friars of Saint Augustine.
By 1291, the convent emerged as the head of the Portuguese Province of the Order of Saint Augustine, maintaining this role until the religious orders were dissolved in 1834. Significant religious events have taken place here, including the miraculous appearance of the Image of Our Lady of Grace in 1362.
The convent was fortified by the Fernandina wall in 1375 and contains chapels established by notable Portuguese figures such as Rui Gomes de Alvarenga (a nobleman of the Council of Kings John I, Duarte, and Afonso V) and Afonso de Albuquerque (a military commander and the second governor of Portuguese India). The latter is also buried here.
The architectural significance of the site includes a blend of styles due to various reconstructions, particularly after the 1755 earthquake which necessitated major restoration efforts, imbuing the structure with late Baroque and rocaille elements. Its interior is lavishly adorned with opulent gilt carvings, grisaille paintings, azulejo tiles from various centuries, and other decorations, notably in the sacristy. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by intriguing elements: an ornate painted ceiling, a somewhat imposing statue of Saint Tom谩s of Villanova, two finely adorned marble chairs in the sacristy, and a collection of gilded Rococo-style sculptures within the chapels.
The focal point of the church, an image of Christ bearing the cross, has been a fixture in the annual Easter procession since 1587. However, the real treasure awaits in the adjoining convent鈥攁 pristine white room adorned with tiled walls hailing from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, depicting grand historical scenes. It's worth noting that there is no admission fee for any of these remarkable sights.
During the 19th century, the convent served as military barracks. Both, the Church and the Convent of Grace were designated a National Monument in 1910. However, this historic site was made accessible to the public only in 2017.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lisbon. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Igreja e Convento da Graca (Grace Church and Convent) on Map
Sight Name: Igreja e Convento da Graca (Grace Church and Convent)
Sight Location: Lisbon, Portugal (See walking tours in Lisbon)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Lisbon, Portugal (See walking tours in Lisbon)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Lisbon, Portugal
Create Your Own Walk in Lisbon
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lisbon is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Sao Jorge Castle to Lisbon Cathedral Walking Tour
Spreading on the slope between Saint George's Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge) and the Tagus River, the oldest neighborhood of the Portuguese capital, Alfama, captivates visitors with its rich cultural heritage and picturesque ambiance. The area is home to numerous historical attractions and as such makes a perfect destination for a classic Lisbon walk!
Perhaps the best starting point for it... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Perhaps the best starting point for it... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Lisbon Introduction Walking Tour
Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is a fascinating blend of history, culture, and breathtaking viewpoints. Its name is believed to have originated from the Phoenician term "Allis Ubbo", which means "safe harbor," reflecting the city's importance as a maritime hub since ancient times. Nestled at Europe's western edge and abundant in architectural styles, Lisbon... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Alfama Walking Tour
Alfama, the oldest district of Lisbon, spreads downhill along the Tagus River. It retains a charmingly labyrinthine layout with narrow alleys and steep streets. Under Islamic rule, this part of the city was increasingly inhabited by fishermen and the poor. The reputation of being a poor area still lives on. The name Alfama derives from the Arabic al-岣mma, which means "hot fountains"... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Belem Walking Tour
Also known as Santa Maria de Belem, the district of Belem is one of the most visited in Lisbon. Situated not far from the city center, it lines the Tagus River and is the original location of Lisbon's port 鈥� the starting point of the many great voyages of discovery by Portuguese explorers, such as Vasco da Gama 鈥� departed from here for India in 1497, and Pedro Alvares Cabral 鈥� for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
17 Uniquely Portuguese Things to Buy in Lisbon
Formerly a major colonial power, Portugal has accumulated great knowledge in craftsmanship. While in Lisbon, you can treat yourself to a vast variety of quality things: wines, ceramics, jewellery, leather goods, books and many more. Most shops in Lisbon open at 9 or 10am, and close in the evening at...
Top 10 Cafes and Restaurants in Lisbon
Experience Lisbon as a local by enjoying typical Portuguese dishes at the best restaurants throughout the city at a price you can afford. Take away the overwhelming pressure of deciding where to eat in a city as dynamic and riveting as Lisbon by allowing this guide to suggest local restaurants with...