Discover Museu São Roque and Sacred Art Museum in Lisbon
Overview
Nestled in the heart of Lisbon, the Museu São Roque and Sacred Art Museum offer an extraordinary glimpse into the opulence of Jesuit artistic heritage. Though its exterior may appear unremarkable, stepping inside reveals a breathtaking architectural masterpiece. Designed by Filippo Terzi, the sacred space boasts a spectacular painted wood ceiling and eight chapels adorned with magnificent baroque art. The crown jewel, the Chapel of Saint John, known for being the world’s most expensive chapel, showcases a dazzling array of luxurious materials, including lapis lazuli, gold, and alabaster, meticulously transported from Rome to Lisbon in 1747 and reassembled. The sacristy displays poignant scenes from the lives of Jesuit saints alongside invaluable relics, including a piece of wood from Christ’s crib and a thorn from His crown of thorns. Adjacent to the church is the Sacred Art Museum, housing a rich collection of religious artifacts and intricately embroidered vestments alongside stunning baroque silver and 16th-century paintings, making this site a haven for art and history lovers alike.

