In this event we'll get to know the Cardães Convent, the S. Pedro de Alcântara Convent and finally the beautiful S. Roque Church, in an afternoon that also includes a short tour of the upper neighbourhood. This programme starts at Rua do Século and ends at Largo Trindade Coelho.

Cardães Convent:

The Cardaes Convent was founded by D. Luísa Távora in 1681 for the Discalced Carmelite nuns, the year in which the Foundress moved in, although the work was only completed in 1703. It follows 17th century architecture and is adapted to the strict Carmelite Rules, which limit contact with the world. The exterior is robust and austere, but inside there are decorative treasures such as the church with its gilded altars, the nave covered in Dutch tile panels and, on the upper level, a painting attributed to António Pereira Ravasco and André Gonçalves. The building occupies a total area of 5,000 square metres, which is further divided into a Communion Room, Sacristy, Marian Room, Passion Room, Cloisters, Refectory, Cloister Staircase, Oratory, St Joseph's Chapel, Antechorus, High Choir and Chapter Room.

Convent of St Peter of Alcântara:

O Convent of St Peter of Alcântarain Lisbon's Bairro Alto (formerly the palace of the Counts of Avintes), has been occupied in recent decades by a religious congregation, which was endeavouring to collect underprivileged girls.

The chancel features a painting by Bento Coelho da Silveira and André GonçalvesThis was later complemented by the work of Luciano Freire", and Bento Coelho was also the author of the painting in the sacristy.

The complex also includes "an extraordinary chapel, by the Lencastres, in inlaid marble, attributed to the royal architect João Antunes", built by the Marquises of Abrantes, heirs of Cardinal Veríssimo de Lencastre (1615-1692), Archbishop of Braga and Chief Inquisitor, who "enriched the building with pecuniary donations".

The convent preserves the Wheel and the Parlour, built in the 19th century, and a sculpture depicting the death of St Francis of Assisi.

Church of St Roque:

The church was built on the site of the old Manueline chapel in the second half of the 16th century, and its architect was Afonso Álvares, master builder to King João III.

Rectangular in shape, the church consists of a single nave, a shallow chancel and eight side chapels. This model is traditionally known as a "parlour church".

In the upper part of the side walls, interspersed with the windows, there is a set of large paintings depicting episodes from the life of St Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, the work of the 17th century painter Domingos da Cunha, "o Cabrinha".

Characterised as a monument odd In the context of Jesuit architecture, this church served as a model for others later built by the Ignatian Order in Portugal, Brazil and the Far East.