Convent of São Pedro de Alcântara, Lisbon, Portugal

The Convent of São Pedro de Alcântara was founded by initiative of the first Marquee of Marialva that, in 1665, in a battle against Castille made a vow to build a convent dedicated to São Pedro de Alcântara if the Portuguese won the battle. Despite the saint being Spanish, the Portuguese won the battle and the convent was built.
The highlights of the convent are the church and the Chapel of the Lencastres. The church dates from 1681 and noteworthy are the gilded woodwork, the Trompe l'oeil paintings on the walls and ceiling and the baroque tile panels. The panels depict scenes from the life of São Pedro de Alcântara.
The chapel of the Lencastres was built in the last decade of the 17th century in memory of D. Veríssimo de Lencastre, Cardinal and Grand Inquisitor of the Kingdom. The walls are decorated with polychrome inlaid marble stonework, a form of Baroque art of Italian influence that has little expression in Portugal both due to the short time it was a trend and the destruction caused by the Great Earthquake of 1755. The Lencastres were descendants of Queen Philippa of Lancaster, born in England.

Opening hours: Oct. to Mar. 10 am to 6 pm, Mon. 2pm to 6 pm; Apr. to Sep. 10 am to 7 pm, Mon. 2 pm to 7 pm, Thu. 10 am to 8 pm.
Entrance free (church and chapel); there are guided tours to the restricted areas for €2.5, English tours are on Fridays at 3 pm.

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Local: R. Luísa Todi 1, 1250-096 Lisboa, Portugal

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