Lisbon - Graça Monastery Convento do Graça

Built in 1890 on the site of an earlier palace, Graça's church and monastery was built here in 1271 by the Augustinians, who until then had had their seat on the neighboring hill to the north.

The monastery, which was once the wealthiest in Lisbon and in which up to 1,500 people could be accommodated, serves today as barracks, therefore only the interior of the church can be viewed.

The whole complex was rebuilt after the earthquake in the 18th C. and after that restoration work was carried out several times, the last in 1905. The exposed position of the church is immediately striking. It stands on the summit of the Graça hill and is visible from afar. The church forecourt is one of the city's loveliest vantage points. The Baroque facade, with the detached bell tower, gives a really dilapidated impression.

The one aisled interior covers an area of 60 by 30m/197 by 98ft and appears dark, despite the white and pink marble used and the stucco ceiling painted in the same colors. The walls are interrupted by four solid and powerful looking side chapels which greatly contribute to the overall impression of the interior.