A church, two stories: a journey through the history and heritage of the ancient Manueline Church of Mercy in Lisbon - 2nd edition

The Church of Conceição Velha is one of the most emblematic in the city of Lisbon, having become a national monument in 1910. However, few know that this church was the first headquarters, built from scratch, of the Misericórdia de Lisboa and that, due to its location in the Ribeira, it was strongly affected by the earthquake of 1755. It gained new life with the Pombaline reconstruction of 1770, maintaining part of its original facade with the beautiful representation of Mater Ommium or Our Lady of Mercy, who under her mantle protects all of society, acquiring the name of Conceição Velha.
The author tells us the story of these two churches – Conceição Velha and Misericórdia – both conceived during the reign of D. Manuel. The first, belonging to the Order of Christ, called Conceição Velha, which was built on the site of an ancient synagogue; the second, of Misericórdia, belonging to the brotherhood of the same name. After the earthquake, the latter moved to São Roque, in the higher part of the city, and Conceição Velha to the ruins of the old church of Misericórdia. Over time, this change would generate confusions in historiography, and Conceição Velha came to be confused with the church of Misericórdia, being interpreted as a single building. This aspect is demystified in this book, through careful analysis of documentary, iconographic, and archaeological sources and a narrative that brings us the evolution of the church of Misericórdia over time.

Author: Gonçalo de Carvalho Amaro
Illustration: Catarina França | SCML Editorial Center

Year of publication: 2nd edition, 2019
Publisher: SCML
ISBN: 9789898712271