Perched above the winding streets of Lisbon, the Carmo Convent is one of those landmarks you can’t help but notice. From hilltops across the city, its towering Gothic arches rise above the skyline, serving as a haunting reminder of Lisbon’s past. While undeniably beautiful, the story behind the convent is also deeply tragic. Much of the structure was destroyed during the devastating 1755 earthquake, leaving the roofless ruins that visitors see today. In many ways, it perfectly reflects Lisbon itself, resilient, historic, and impossibly photogenic.

During our two-week trip through Portugal, the Carmo Convent quickly became a must-see stop on our Lisbon itinerary. In an effort to pack in as many iconic sites as possible, we decided to visit right when it opened in the morning, which ended up being the perfect choice. Not only did we avoid the larger crowds, but we were also able to use our Lisboa Card for free entry, making it an easy addition to our sightseeing plans.

One thing worth noting is that the convent’s posted hours can occasionally vary depending on the source you check. Generally, the convent is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., remains closed on Sundays, and standard adult admission is around €7.00. Entry is included with the Lisboa Card, which can be incredibly useful if you plan on visiting several attractions throughout Lisbon. Plan to spend about an hour here wandering through the ruins, admiring the architecture, and soaking in one of the city’s most unique historical sites.