São Vicente de Fora Monastery
Largo de São Vicente, Graça, Lisbon, Portugal, 1100-572
Offering spectacular city vistas, São Vicente de Fora Monastery is one of Lisbon’s most important historical buildings. Although the sumptuous decorations are mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries, the original monastery dates to 1147, when Christian forces recaptured Lisbon from its Almoravid Muslim rulers, and you can still visit the 12th-century cistern. Almost every Portuguese king from 1640 to 1910 is buried here.
The Basics
The São Vicente de Fora Monastery, aka St. Vincent Outside the Walls, was originally built as a monastery to honor St. Vincent and then transformed into a mausoleum for past kings. Today the church is more like a museum and features a larger tile collection than the National Azulejo Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo).
Many city tours of Lisbon—on foot and bike, via tuk-tuk, and even by boat—discuss the history of the church and have a look at the ornate decoration and construction that makes this structure so beautiful.
Things to Know Before You Go
São Vicente de Fora Monastery is a must-visit for architecture and tile lovers.
The church is free to enter; the monastery has an admission fee.
Head to the roof of the complex for sweeping views of Lisbon and the Tagus River.
How to Get There
São Vicente de Fora Monastery is a short uphill walk from the Alfama district at Largo de São Vicente. Alternatively, take tourist tram 28 or bus 734 to the Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora stop.
When to Get There
São Vicente de Fora Monastery is open daily, while the monastery is open from 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday. For fewer crowds and stellar views, visit the monastery at the last entry time outside the summer months, and enjoy the golden hour and the panoramic vista from the roof.
Blue Tiles of Portugal
São Vicente de Fora Monastery is filled with hundreds of beautifully designed tiles to honor the deceased kings of Portugal. Various baroque scenes and illustrations from La Fontaine’s fables are depicted in tile across the church.
Ways to explore
The marble church with its grand organ is free to enter, but you’ll need a monastery ticket to explore the cistern, the regal mausoleum, the museum with its record-beating collection of bluework azulejo tiles, and the rooftop, which boasts some of the city’s best views. Many sightseeing city tours of Lisbon—on foot and bike, via the popular tuk-tuks, and even by boat—discuss the history of the church and take a look at the exterior. Some also explore the church itself, and a few take in views from the roof.
Accessibility
Parts of the complex are accessible to travelers with disabilities, and travelers in wheelchairs with documented disabilities enjoy free admission.
Age limits
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
What to pack
A camera for the views, a notebook for contemplation
What to wear
As ever when visiting Catholic places of worship, all genders should cover shoulders, upper arms, torso, and legs to the knees. Wear comfortable walking shoes, too.
Not allowed
Eating, drinking, smoking
Amenities
Restrooms, shop
Address
São Vicente de Fora Monastery is a short uphill walk from the Alfama district, about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) northeast of Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio). You can get there by car, but public transit is much more convenient.
Driving
Driving is a terrible way to get around historic Lisbon, but there is paid parking on Largo de São Vicente every day except Tuesday and Saturday.
Public transportation
The ever-popular Tram 28 stops at Voz Operário, a stone’s throw from the monastery. It’s a little more than 10 minutes’ walk from Martim Moniz station, which is on the green metro line, and Santa Apolónia station, a major rail terminus on the blue metro line.
Best times to visit
Summer hours (April through October) at the monastery are 10am–7pm, and winter hours are 10am–6pm. The last entry is an hour before closing, which is an ideal time to catch the golden hour light and avoid the warmest part of the day.
Best days to visit
Like most Lisbon attractions, São Vicente de Fora Monastery is best enjoyed midweek to avoid the worst of the crowds. Come on Tuesday to enjoy the Mercado de Santa Clara (Feira da Ladra) flea market nearby.
Best months to visit
Consider visiting São Vicente de Fora during the low season (November through March) to enjoy the panoramic vistas with fewer crowds.
Special events
The monastery sometimes offers night tours (in Portuguese) and organ concerts in the church: Check the program of events for details.
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