The Convent
One of the most remarkable
examples of Portuguese Baroque
A unique heritage
More than three centuries, almost intact
Founded in 1681 by D. Luísa Távora, the Convento dos Cardaes is one of the most remarkable examples of the Portuguese Baroque style in Lisbon. The complex survived the 1755 earthquake almost intact, making it one of the rare 17th-century architectural testimonies preserved in the city — and a treasury of sacred art whose rarity is largely due to the fact that the Convent has never interrupted its religious activity.
The Church
Gilded woodwork and Dutch tiles
At the heart of the Convent lies its Church, with altars in gilded woodwork (talha dourada) and a nave entirely lined with 17th-century Dutch tile panels — one of the world’s largest collections of this type of tile outside the Netherlands. Among the narrative panels, scenes from the life of Saint Teresa of Ávila by the Dutch artist Jan van Oort stand out.
The paintings in the nave are attributed to António Pereira Ravasco and André Gonçalves.
Spaces of the Convent
A singular museum itinerary
Beyond what has been described here in detail, the Convent comprises a set of museum spaces that are unique in the Portuguese context.
Church
Passion Room — permanent exhibition room
Sacristy
Carmelite Refectory
Marian Room — permanent exhibition room
Convent Staircase
Lower Choir / Communion Chapel
Chapter House — permanent exhibition room
Cloister
Upper Choir
Occasionally, some rooms may be closed to the public.
The Convento dos Cardaes is thus, at one and the same time, a museum, a monument and a inhabited House.
A place where history, art and everyday life meet and are renewed daily.
Come and discover our Convent
All visits to our Convent are guided by us.