Igreja de São Vicente de Fora

Graça’s serene, gorgeous Igreja de São Vicente de Fora was founded as a monastery in 1147, revamped by Italian architect Felipe Terzi in the late 16th century, and devastated in 1755’s earthquake when its dome collapsed on worshippers. Elaborate blue-and-white azulejos dance across almost every wall, echoing the curves of the architecture, across the white cloisters and up to the 1st floor. Here you’ll find a one-off collection of panels depicting La Fontaine’s moral tales of sly foxes and greedy wolves. Under the marble sacristy lie the crusaders’ tombs. Seek out the weeping, cloaked woman holding stony vigil in the eerie mausoleum. Have your camera handy for the superb views from the tower.