Carmo Convent

The Igreja do Carmo or The Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was founded in late 14th century by Nuno Álvares Pereira, supreme military commander of the king of Portugal. The convent was completely destroyed by the earthquake in 1755. Once considered the largest church in Lisbon, the site today holds the ruins of the Gothic church where you can see the walls, arches and roofless nave open to the sky. A nave in the middle of the ruins carries various tombs including that of King Ferdinand I. The small archaeological museum set amidst the ruins contains diverse collection of historical objects including coins, mosaics, ceramics and ancient mummies. Walk around the Gothic marvel and admire its lost glory. Walking through the ruins somehow stirs up romantic mysticism. The ruins are a stark reminder of the horrific destruction caused by the forces of the nature!