Convento dos Cardais

Convento dos Cardais is a 17th century convent located in the Misericórdia neighborhood and combines religious architecture with traditional Portuguese tile work. The complex includes living quarters, chapels, and cloisters that follow the typical layout of a Carmelite monastery.

The Discalced Carmelite nuns established this religious complex in 1671 and occupied it until its closure in 1876. The building endured through centuries of social and political change in the city.

The name comes from the Carmelite order of nuns who made this place their home for centuries. Walking through the rooms, you can still see the religious objects and wall decorations that show what mattered to those who lived here.

The convent can be explored through guided visits that show the different rooms and their religious purpose. Keep in mind that some areas have limited access times and respect for the sacred nature of the site is expected.

The building survived the devastating earthquake of 1755 that shook Lisbon and stands today as one of the few remaining structures from before the city's reconstruction. This survival makes it a rare witness to how the city looked before this disaster.