The Carmo Convent, Lisbon is a well-known monument located Lisbon city, in Portugal. The Gothic convent was ravaged in the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake, and now what remains are the ruins of the Gothic church. The devastating effect of the earthquake is still visible at the site of Carmo Convent. The location of Carmo Convent is at the Chiado neighborhood, on a hillock overlooking the bustling Rossio square and the beautiful Lisbon Castle hill. The serene locality is often referred to as the Carmo Square, which is very close to the Santa Justa Lift. Presently the ruins of Carmo Convent are dedicated to archaeological exhibits.
The Carmo Convent Church was built in the medieval era in a plain Gothic style, keeping the religious forms in perfect order. Architecture of the church was inspired from the Monastery of Batalha, established by King John I. The Carmo Church was the most notable one in terms of its architecture and decoration, compared to any the other Gothic churches of Lisbon. The ruined frontal nave of the Carmo Church is still one of the most attractive parts of the church. The church boasts of a Latin cross floor pattern. The main facade of the church features several archivolts and capitals ornamented with human like motifs. The rose window above the portal is partly destroyed. The south portion of the church is strengthened by five hanging buttresses. The original convent has been rebuilt partially in pure neo-Gothic style during the early 20th
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The church interior features three passages and an apsis. There is a main chapel and four minor chapels. The stone roof above the nave collapsed in the earthquake. It was never rebuilt and only the pointed arches in between the pillars existed. These locations of the Carmo Church are presently the archaeological museum, exhibiting minute pieces of works from all time periods of Portuguese history. The old apse chapels are also used as venues for exhibitions. The nave comprises a series of tombs, windows, fountains and other architectural masterpieces.
Some of the attractions at Carmo Convent museum include various styles of tombs (the largest one being of King Ferdinand I), ceramics, statuary and mosaics. Remains from a Visigothic pillar and a Roman tomb are the most ancient belongings of this museum. Some more noteworthy exhibits include South American mummies, shrunken heads, a jasper sculpture of the Virgin Mary, Visigothic artifacts and coins dating back to the thirteenth century. Carmo Convent, Lisbon is open daily except on Sundays. The usual timing is from 10am to 6pm, but the museum closes at 5pm in winter. The best way to reach this place is by availing the Baixa-Chiado or Rossio metro and then take the elevator to Santa Justa. The archaeological collection of this museum is worth admiring.
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