Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha in the Alfama district of Lisbon dates from 15th century when it was constructed as the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia, possibly over the remains of a previous synagogue.
History
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia was the second largest church in Lisbon at the time behind the Jerónimos Monastery in Belem.
Only the superb portal of the church, however, survived the destructive earthquake of 1755 and this is the main reason to visit the church.
A classic piece of Manueline architecture, the portal, below a triangular pediment, is richly carved with motifs of angels, armillary spheres, flowers, and the cross of the Order of Christ.
The facade includes an image of the Virgin of the Misericórdia and figures of nobles and monarchs including D. Manuel I and his sister D. Leonor as well as religious clerics.
Following the 1755 earthquake the church was transferred to the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the original Misericórdia moved to the Church of São Roque, following the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1759.
The interior of the church consists of a single nave with side chapels, a choir and a presbytery.
The chancel contains a painting of Our Lady of Restelo that was a gift from Henry The Navigator.
Access
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha
Rua da Alfandega, 108
1100-016 Lisbon, Portugal
Tel: 21 887 0202
Admission: Free
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha is close to the Praça do Comércio, Arco da Rua Augusta, Lisbon Cathedral, the Igreja de Santo António, the Aljube Museum, the Casa dos Bicos and the Teatro Romano.
The nearest Lisbon metro station to the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha is Terreiro do Paço; Alternatively take any of Lisbon buses: #711, #714, #732, #735, #737, #736, #759, #760, #781, #782, and the AerobBus to Terreiro do Paço.
Lisbon trams #12 or #28 pass close by.
