Igreja de Chelas, Religious complex in Marvila, Portugal.
Santo Agostinho Convent is a religious complex in Marvila featuring a church, monastery, cloister, and seminary building arranged along the eastern sector of Lisbon's riverside area. The structures connect through various passages and courtyards, forming a self-contained community space for prayer and learning.
The monastery was founded in 1579 and underwent changes during the 18th century before becoming military barracks following the 1834 suppression of religious orders. This transformation shaped its purpose for generations afterward.
The front facade displays two prominent towers and double pilasters, showing how Portuguese religious builders constructed monasteries during the 16th and 17th centuries. These design choices reflect the architectural traditions that Augustinian communities followed when building their spaces.
The complex sits in eastern Lisbon's riverside area and has restricted visitor access due to ongoing preservation work. Advance notice and planning are essential if you wish to explore the site, as entry conditions may vary throughout the year.
The complex harbored an exiled Bishop of Maranhao during the period when the Marquis of Pombal pursued policies against Jesuit influence. This detail reveals how the monastery became caught in the political conflicts shaping Portugal at that time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
