O Hospital real de Lisboa - Expostos e amas (1786-1790)

The chapel of Saint John the Baptist of the Church of Saint Roch (Igreja de São Roque) is a unique monument in the artistic, cultural and political context of the world. It was commissioned in Rome by King John V of Portugal to affirm to the world Portugal's role as a leading diplomatic power. Fortunately, it survived with the Church of Saint Roch to the earthquake of 1755 and the fierce fire that followed.
At a time when Lisbon was in ruins, distinguished foreign visitors visited the Church of Saint Roch and were absolutely fascinated by its interior. In this essay, "Dom João V's vision of Rome: The Chapel of St John the Baptist and its Legacy", historian Angela Delaforce brings together a set of memories and testimonies from foreign visitors who visited the Church of Saint Roch between 1750 and 1968 and were absolutely fascinated by its interior. This edition provides the impressions of writers, poets, architects, historians, art critics, politicians, military personnel and noblemen of the Royal House, highlighting the exceptional character of the Church of Saint Roch and the Chapel of Saint John the Baptist as the ultimate and most beautiful work of the magnanimous king.

Author: Maria da Luz Ferreira Gouveia

Year of publication: June 2020
Editor: Kaleidoscope
ISBN: 9789896586515