First glimpses of Lisbon

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》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.

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.Read more