Carmo Archaeological Museum

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The convent was originally founded in 1389 by Nuno Álvares Pereira, a famous Portuguese general.

2. 2

   The roofless nave is a deliberate architectural preservation decision to illustrate the impact of the 1755 earthquake.

3. 3

   The collection contains a series of sarcophagi and tomb slabs dating back to the 12th century.

4. 4

   The museum houses a diverse collection of South American ceramics and preserved mummies from Peru.

5. 5

   The site includes a significant assemblage of Portuguese tiles from various historical periods.

6. 6

   The convent was once the largest Gothic church in Lisbon.

Overview

The Carmo Archaeological Museum is housed within the open-air nave of the Carmo Convent, which was severely damaged during the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. The structure remains roofless, showcasing Gothic architectural features including pointed arches and traceried windows. The museum's collection spans from the prehistoric period to the Middle Ages, with a significant emphasis on Portuguese history. Key artifacts include an extensive library, a collection of pre-Columbian mummies, and decorative tiles. The site serves as a memorial to the devastating seismic event that reshaped Lisbon's urban landscape. It is managed by the Association of Portuguese Archaeologists.

Insider tips

• Visit on a clear day to fully appreciate the experience of walking through the roofless ruins.

• Spend time observing the architectural details of the surviving columns and arches from the nave floor.