One of my more vivid memories of my short visit to Lisbon in 2003 was the Convento do Carmo, a convent and church constructed in the late 1390’s and then destroyed in the earthquake of 1755.
![From the viewing platform](https://www.gotaway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/20170406142956-web_josie_carmo_view.jpg)
The arches of the convent can be glimpsed from the viewing platform of the nearby Elevador de Santa Justa.
Once inside, there’s the odd sensation of being in a church that has no roof.
![Arches of the Convento](https://www.gotaway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/20170406142117-web_josie_carmo_overview.jpg)
Some of the walls and the arches of the nave were partially reconstructed in the early 1900’s but the complex was left in a mostly “ruined” state and is now a tourist attraction and archaeological museum.
I still have a 15-year old-photo album at home with shots much like like this one.
![Looking straight up](https://www.gotaway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/20170406142145-web_carmo_upwards.jpg)
A conveniently placed mirror against one pillar provided an opportunity for a rare double selfie!
![Mirror selfie](https://www.gotaway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/20170406143948-gary_josie_mirror.jpg)
Inside the museum area of the convent are a number of archaeological artifacts from around Lisbon, as well as parts of other churches and religious buildings.
![Tomb of Fernando I](https://www.gotaway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/20170406142517-web_carmo_box.jpg)
Outside the convent is the very nice Largo do Carmo where we enjoyed coffee and tea and pastries while cars slowly navigated their way around the square.
![Tea in Largo do Carmo](https://www.gotaway.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/20170406142853-web_carmo_square.jpg)