Church Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceiçao Velha was founded in the 15th century and rebuilt after the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 to serve a community of monks. It was after this reconstruction that the church acquired its characteristic Manueline style.

About this building

The church was originally built in the 15th century as the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia. In 1770 the temple was rebuilt and transferred to the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição.

The main portal is a beautiful example of Manueline architecture. The sculptures of the façade depict Virgin Mary and diverse noblemen and clerica from the time it was rebuilt. Some Portuguese kings are also represented.

Key Features

  • Architecture
  • Monuments
  • Interior features
  • Links to national heritage

Visitors information

  • Bus stop within 100m
  • Café within 500m

Other nearby buildings

Wikimedia Commons/Alvesgaspar

Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha was founded in 1534 as the Church of Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia and was at the time the second largest temple in Lisbon after the Jerónimos Monastery. The earthquake of 1755 destroyed the old church, but not its façade, which is, together with the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, one of the most beautiful Manueline structures to have survived the great earthquake. In 2013-14, the church was restored with an investment of 1.1 million euros.

Lisbon Cathedral

The Lisbon Cathedral, or Church of Santa Maria Maior, began to be built in the second half of the twelfth century. It is classified national monument since 1910.