Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceicao Velha is also known as Igreja of Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha and Old Church of Our Lady of the Conception. This church is located in central Lisbon. This church is one of the best instances of the Manueline architecture in the city. The strategic location of Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceicao Velha is in the Baixa district of Lisbon, near the Commerce Square or Praça do Comércio. The original church was heavily damaged in the 1755 earthquake and the present church is a reconstruction of the same.
The old church of was called Our Lady of the Mercy (Misericórdia) or the Church of Conceição. The Church of the Mercy was reconstructed by using the remnants of the old building, specially the decorative elements of the frontal part of the building. After completion, the Conceição Church was transferred to the Mercy Church. The elements incorporated in the facade of this church date back to the early 16th century. The striking architecture of Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceicao Velha traces the unique Manueline style, which blends the late Gothic and Renaissance
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patterns with a classical taste.
The lovely portal features a tympanon, boasting an image of Our Lady of the Mercy; her drape held by two angels. The tympanon also has the images of Queen Eleanor, King Manuel I, Pope Alexander VI, the Bishop of Lisbon, Leonor of Viseu and other religious personalities. The portal site and the windows of the frontage are ornamented with varied motifs of the Renaissance period. The interior of the church was reconstructed during the 18th century and is decorated entirely with tiles and surface works. This church facade is one of the best Manueline structures survived in Lisbon after the devastating earthquake.
The interior of the church apparently seems to be isolated from the previous entrance portal. The earlier structure was much more balanced and harmonized. The present form easily reflects the different impressions of style and gives a contrasting appearance when placed next to one another. The best way to reach Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceicao Velha is by the bus routes 9, 46 and 90 or tram 18. The church is open daily from 8.00am to 1.00 pm and from 3:30 pm to 7.00 pm.
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