Museums and Palaces

Located close to the Episcopal Palace, on the edge of the city, this convent belonged to Franciscan monks through to 1526. It was then donated to the care of the Hermits of St. Augustine.

An inscription over the main façade registers the 1519 date of construction that took place following a legacy in the will of Rodrigo Rebelo. From that period, there is only the Manueline church entrance which has the family coat of arms in the centre.

The structure underwent substantial change in the 18th century resulting in Mannerist features along with decorative Baroque characteristics that have remained until this day.

Access to the convent and church is via a narthex, an exterior porchway, that protects the main doors.

The Misericórdia, founded in 1514 was only transferred here in 1836. Currently, the convent is divided between an Old People´s Home and a small Museum of Sacred Art.

Of the pieces making up the Misericórdia collection, highlights are two 16th and 18th century ivory Christs, the 18th century depiction of Saintly Queen Isabel and the standards and flags embroidered with scenes from the Passion.