Mosteiro de Sao Vicente de Fora (Monastery of St. Vincent Outside the Walls), Lisbon

The Church and Monastery of Saint Vincent “Outside the Walls” in Lisbon is a prominent 17th-century Mannerist structure. Originally founded by Afonso Henriques, the first Portuguese King, around 1147 for the Augustinian Order, the monastery was built outside the city walls, hence its name. It was dedicated to Saint Vincent of Saragossa, the patron saint of Lisbon, whose relics were transferred here in the 12th century.

The existing structures are largely due to the reconstruction efforts ordered by King Philip I of Portugal in 1580. The church itself was constructed between 1582 and 1629. The monastery's buildings were completed in the 18th century, following the designs influenced by the Jesuit church of The Gesù in Rome.

A key feature of the church is its austere façade with Mannerist influences, attributed to Portuguese architect Baltazar Álvares. It includes niches with statues of saints, flanked by two towers, and features a Latin cross floor plan with a one-aisled nave and lateral chapels, covered by barrel vaulting and a large dome over the crossing.

The monastery is renowned for its extensive collection of azulejo ceramic tiles, showcasing over 150 panels depicting various scenes from life in the countryside to noble amusements, created during two major periods in the 18th century under King Joao V. The main Baroque-style altarpiece, crafted by one of Portugal's finest sculptors, Joaquim Machado de Castro, and several fine altarpieces in the lateral chapels further enhance its artistic heritage.

Post the 1834 dissolution of monasteries in Portugal, the monastery was repurposed, serving as a palace for the archbishops of Lisbon and later housing the royal pantheon for the Braganza monarchs, initiated by King Ferdinand II. This sequence of resting places spans from João IV, who restored the monarchy in 1640, to Manuel II, the last Portuguese monarch, who passed away in exile in England in 1932. Among these notable figures is also Catherine of Braganza, the widow of England's Charles II, credited with introducing the concept of "teatime" to the British.

The baroque portal and the cloisters, decorated with 18th-century tiles and themes from La Fontaine's fables, along with a sacristy richly adorned with polychrome marble and artwork, contribute to its grandeur.

However, the highlight of your visit is undoubtedly the ascent to the towers' terraces, providing some of the most stunning panoramic views over the Alfama district and the Tagus River.

Tip:
Upon purchasing your ticket, you will receive a leaflet containing a map and a concise history of the monastery. It's highly recommended to follow the map to ensure you don't miss any of the monastery's captivating features.