High on the hill between Alfama and Graça, the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora is one of Lisbon’s most impressive buildings, and one that many visitors walk straight past. It’s worth stopping. The founding of the kingdom, Mannerist architecture, one of the country’s largest collections of Baroque tiles and the tombs of almost every king of the last dynasty all meet here.

Why “de Fora”?

The story starts in 1147. After taking Lisbon from the Moors, Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, founded a monastery here dedicated to Saint Vincent, the city’s patron saint. It stood outside (“de fora”) the city walls of the time, which gave it its name. For centuries it was home to the Augustinian Canons Regular.

A building from the Spanish period

What you see today is not the medieval building. The monastery was completely rebuilt from the late 16th century, during the reign of Philip II of Spain (Philip I of Portugal). The church design is traditionally attributed to the Italian architect Filippo Terzi, and it was consecrated in 1629. Look at the façade: sober, symmetrical, framed by two towers. It is a fine example of the Mannerist style that shaped many Portuguese churches after it.

The tiles: a library in blue and white

The cloisters and corridors hold one of Portugal’s richest collections of 18th-century Baroque azulejos. At the entrance, panels tell episodes from the conquest of Lisbon. Upstairs, a series illustrates La Fontaine’s fables, with the fox, the wolf and the crow drawn in blue and white. Take your time. Many of these panels were copied from European engravings, and each one tells a small story.

The Bragança pantheon

In the monks’ former refectory, King Ferdinand II set up the Royal Pantheon of the House of Bragança in the mid-19th century. Kings and queens rest here, from John IV, the first king of the dynasty, to Manuel II, the last king of Portugal. Catherine of Bragança, who became Queen of England, is also buried here. It is a quiet, solemn room, very different from the rest of the building.

Before you leave, go up

The visit ends on the rooftop terraces, with one of the best views over Alfama, the dome of the National Pantheon and the river Tagus. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the Feira da Ladra flea market takes place right next door in Campo de Santa Clara.

Visit from home first

You can walk through the monastery in a 360° virtual tour on Muzea, in the Try it now section of our home page. It’s a good way to prepare your visit, or to go back afterwards.

  • Where: Largo de São Vicente, Lisbon (between Alfama and Graça).
  • Don’t miss: the La Fontaine fable panels and the rooftop terraces.
  • Tip: check opening hours and prices on the official website before you go.