Church of São Vicente of Fora | Lisbon Churches

You will be unable to ignore the amount of religious architecture that you will come across in Lisbon. One such must-visit lisbon destination is that of the Church of São Vicente of Fora.

Located in Lisbon, this Augustan church was commissioned by Afonso Henriques. It was a monastery outside the city, which was dedicated to St Vincent, the main saint of Lisbon. After the church was built, St Vincent’s remains were returned and housed there.

It was in the 1500s when the Church of São Vicente of Fora underwent significant renovation. Juan Herrera was a key architect to rebuild this monastery and also Italian architect Filippo Terzi who was responsible for parts of the construction. Hence, we get to see the Italian Renaissance and Baroque style of architecture present in the design.

The interiors of the church are awe-inspiring since the floor is made of multi-coloured mosaic. The church has an ornate chest containing the mortal remains of the martyrs reminiscent of the ark of the covenant on Indiana Jones perhaps!

Not only for the architecture, but you will find the Church of São Vicente of Fora breathtaking for the view you can have over Lisbon. Get your camera ready and take some of the most gorgeous Azulejos and there are 38 of these painted panels with fables. It is open from 10 am to 6 pm every day. Climb up to the rooftop and for your mesmerising view of our beautiful city.

Nearby to the church is the Feira da Ladra flea market, where you can shop for souvenirs and more on your treasure hunt! If you like churches and enjoy the calm, peace and tranquility they bring, or even if you need to repent for that night in barrio alto, then take a moment to visit the Church of São Vicente of Fora and you will surely find the bishop relaxed in his doling out of your hail-mary’s. Or was is Bloody Mary’s? Hmmm…

Other Lisbon Churches & Monasteries: 

There are many other options, but if you liked the Church of São Vicente of Fora, then do not miss out on the wealth of other beautiful religious architecture: 

• Jerónimos Monastery or Hieronymites Monastery, is a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome near the Tagus river in the parish of Belém.
• Lisbon Cathedral, often called simply the Sé, is of Roman Catholic design and the oldest church in the city.
• Basílica da Estrela or Royal Basilica and Convent of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, is a basilica and ancient carmelite convent in Lisbon.
• Do not forget to take a look at the full list of tourist hotspots here.