Carmo Archaeological Museum Lisbon
Heaven to Skies
In 1755, Lisbon suffered a huge earthquake. Because of that, only a few medieval buildings survived. One barely survived, but was left exactly as it remained after the destruction, as a symbol of loss and hope. The Carmo Convent, built in 1389, once a gorgeous and unique Gothic church in Lisbon, and nowadays an open air museum, with huge marble columns and stones that contrasts magically with Lisbon blue sky, is the perfect attraction by itself. A very peaceful place, right in the heart of Chiado. It's a good place to spend some hours visiting, and sometimes I have been there only to read a book or only rest for a while.
The important thing is that a visitor, or a local, cannot miss it, not only for the testimonial of Lisbon History, but also for its great archaeological museum, which hosts prehistorical, Roman, medieval and pre-earthquake finds. Even two Peruvian mummy's are there. Once you enter, you will be enchanted by the view of the nave of the church. I always am!
If you are lucky enough, or just an organized person, you can get an open air concert or watch a play in this gorgeous site. Sometimes paid, but most of times free entrance for both spectacle and museum. Last time I was there I attended two wonderful choir concerts for free.
It's a place to go in a sunny day, and once you get there, it's impossible not to be astounded!
About this spot
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Lisbon guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Lisbon
Cape Verdean Association – Dance when eating!
The "Cape Verdean Association" in Lisbon is rather simple, but the food is gorgeous and very tasty. If you dare, go on a Tuesday or Thursday for music...
By
Cláudio
Carneiro
Amélia Lisboa – Mistress of cakes and brunches
"Amélia Lisboa" makes perfect brunch that's available any hour of the day. The only bad thing? You can't stay there forever...
By
Cláudio
Carneiro
Lisb'On Rollers – Inline skating community
"Lisb'On Rollers" is the quintessential inline skating community in Lisbon. Come here to make new friends and share your passion for this exciting hobby!
By
Sara
Trigo
Largo do Carmo – Square in downtown
"Largo do Carmo" is a very charismatic square in downtown Lisbon. Its history stretches from before 1755 to the more recent Carnation Revolution...
By
Sara
Trigo
Mondego – A breath of fresh air
"Mondego" is a restaurant in Lisbon in a hidden corner behind Rossio that's a true breath of fresh air, despite being wholly traditional & Portuguese...
By
Sara
Trigo
Stage Center Maiolle – Dance studio for everyone
"Stage Center Maiolle" in Lisbon will change your opinion about ballet dancing. I had a trauma surrounding ballet, and when I came, I didn't want to leave.
By
Sara
Trigo
Fábrica Braço de Prata – A cultural factory
"Fábrica Braço de Prata" in Lisbon is a cultural venue located where there used to be an armaments factory. Swords to ploughshares, you might say!
By
Erik
Lassche
Elisabeth'Nails – Nail salon
"Elisabeth'Nails" in Lisbon is a reminder that you don't need to neglect feeling pretty & confident when you're away from home! It's an experience...
By
Sara
Trigo
31 d'Armada – Bar and restaurant
"31 d'Armada" in Lisbon is a
By
Sara
Trigo
La Villa – Italian restaurant - wood oven
I've been on a quest for the best truffle pizza in Lisbon and I feel like "La Villa" at Campo dos Mártires da Pátria is on its own quest to earn the first place...
By
Sara
Trigo
O Caco da Marquesa – Traditional pottery store
"O Caco da Marquesa" in Lisbon is an ideal pottery shop for beautiful gifts. It will definitely help you better appreciate what Portugal has to offer...
By
Sara
Trigo
Ink & Wheels – Tattoo and piercing store
"Ink & Wheels" in Lisbon is a cheerful, picturesque, cool tattoo studio with a unique aesthetic that's the best place to get your new or first tattoo!
By