Monuments

Founded in 1681, the Convento da Conceição dos Cardaes is one of the main examples of the so-called national style, the Portuguese interpretation of the baroque style, in which the simplicity of the architecture contrasts with the decorative wealth and the harmonious combination between the azulejos and the carved and gilded woodwork.

The Convento dos Cardaes consists of a church, two cloisters, a refectory and various annexes.

The church is well worth a visit. With a rectangular floor plan and consisting of a single nave, the interior is notable for its decoration of azulejos, with some blue and white panels of great artistic quality, carved and gilded woodwork and paintings. The historiated panels depicting scenes from the life of St. Teresa of Ávila are the work of the Dutch artist Jan van Oort. The high altar has a remarkable painting by the 18th-century artist André Gonçalves, based on a drawing by Vieira Lusitano and representing the Immaculate Conception with St. John of the Cross and other Carmelite saints.

Since 1878, the church has belonged to the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Dominic.