Carmo Archaeological Museum, Gothic archaeological museum in Chiado district, Lisbon, Portugal.
The Carmo Archaeological Museum occupies the remains of a medieval convent with exposed stone arches, presenting artifacts from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. The building itself forms part of the exhibition, as the Gothic structures and walls are left visible within the display space.
The convent was founded in the 15th century and suffered major damage in the 1755 earthquake, with its roof completely collapsing. The ruins were later transformed into a museum, preserving the destruction as part of the building's story.
The collection reflects Portuguese burial traditions and religious architecture across different eras. Walking through the rooms, you see how these objects shaped the identity of the people who lived in this region.
The museum is easily reached from the elevated square above, though the interior includes stairs and uneven ground levels. Allow extra time to explore the complex layout of rooms built into and around the ruins.
The collection holds mummies from different parts of the world, including Egyptian and South American examples. This unexpected variety reflects how museums in the 1800s assembled their holdings.
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