Monastery of São Vicente de Fora

Monastery of Sao Vicente de Fora showing a city and landscape views
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
From royal tombs to azulejo tile panels depicting La Fontaine’s famous fables, this magnificent monastery is full of interesting details.

Standing prominently on a site overlooking the red roofs of the Alfama neighborhood, the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, meaning St. Vincent Outside the Walls, is one of the most important religious buildings in Lisbon. Explore the site, and soak up the serene and reverent atmosphere. Inspect the varied design details that lend this complex its eclectic architectural character.

Learn about the history of the monastery. The first monastery by this name was built back in 1147, shortly after Christian crusaders recaptured the city of Lisbon from the Moors. The present-day monastery dates back to the 17th century. The complex was designed by Spanish architect Juan Herrera, who was responsible for Madrid’s El Escorial royal complex, and the Italian architect Filippo Térzi. Other architects later made their own additions and changes to the site.

Examine the monastery’s eye-catching white church building. Bearing Italian Renaissance influences, the limestone façade features two bell towers, balustrades and statues of religious figures.

Inside, the monastery is adorned with eye-catching decorative and architectural details. Admire the striking sacristy, whose walls are covered with multicolored marble. Turn your gaze upwards to see the large-scale painting on the ceiling.

Look for the mausoleum containing the grave of the Portuguese Braganza royals. Here, a statue depicting a weeping woman watches over the tombs of former Portuguese royals. Also of note are the tile panels in the cloisters which show fantastical characters and scenes from La Fontaine’s fables.

While wandering around, note the high number of azulejos, elaborately painted ceramic tiles, present here. These can be seen throughout the complex in courtyards, halls and staircases. Because of its elevated position, the monastery offers excellent views over the Alfama district and beyond.

To get to the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, take the metro to Santa Apolónia and walk southwest for just over 10 minutes. The monastery is open Tuesday through Sunday. Adults must pay an admission fee. Children enter for free.

As Janelas Verdes Inn, a Lisbon Heritage Collection
TURIM Ibéria Hotel
TURIM Terreiro do Paço Hotel
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Varandas de Lisboa
Varandas de Lisboa
4 out of 5
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 8, Lisbon, Lisboa
Varandas de Lisboa
Hotel Mundial
Hotel Mundial
4 out of 5
Praça Martim Moniz, 2, Lisbon
Hotel Mundial
Holiday Inn Lisbon Continental, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Lisbon Continental, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Rua Laura Alves 9, Lisbon
Holiday Inn Lisbon Continental, an IHG Hotel
Rossio Plaza Hotel
Rossio Plaza Hotel
3 out of 5
Rua do Ouro, 266, Lisbon
Rossio Plaza Hotel
EPIC SANA Marques Hotel
EPIC SANA Marques Hotel
5 out of 5
Avenida Fontes de Pereira de Melo, 8, Lisbon
EPIC SANA Marques Hotel
Avenida Palace
Avenida Palace
5 out of 5
Rua 1 De Dezembro 123, Lisbon
Avenida Palace
Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
4 out of 5
Rua da Madalena, 195, Lisbon
Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
Hotel Convento do Salvador
Hotel Convento do Salvador
3 out of 5
Rua do Salvador, 2 B, Lisbon, Lisboa
Hotel Convento do Salvador
Hotel Borges Chiado
Hotel Borges Chiado
3 out of 5
Rua Garrett, 108-110, Lisbon
Hotel Borges Chiado
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.