Carmo’s beautiful bones (Lisbon)

If you like cathedrals and churches, there are many in Lisbon worth a visit. One of the primary attractions is Lisbon Cathedral has a treasury and cloister that can be toured in addition to the main worship area, full of icons, stained glass, altars, and paintings.

However, another not to be missed attraction is the nearby Carmel Convent and Church. While this no longer has the views of stained glass and gold that Cathedrals normallly use to enthrall us, it is elegant in its own way. It is now a museum connected to the roof-less main part of the church. Now the area formerly occupied by pews is grass, and they’ve collected relics from the church for you to see. Some are outside, but most are inside to protect them from the elements. This includes many religious items that would normally exist in a Cathedral, as well as an Egyptian sarcophagus and male and female mummies.