Plizio Visual Lab

Paço de São Roque

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Paço de São Roque in Lisbon is an essential site in Portugal's religious and cultural landscape, closely tied to the Jesuit Order's history in the capital. Originally established in the 16th century, the complex grew into a center of learning and spiritual influence until the Jesuits were expelled in 1759 by the Marquis of Pombal. Remarkably, the building survived the devastating 1755 earthquake with minimal damage, preserving its exquisite interiors for future generations. Today, the palace and its adjoining spaces house the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa and a world-renowned museum of sacred art. The site is famous for the Chapel of St. John the Baptist, which was designed in Rome using the most expensive materials of the time before being shipped to Lisbon in segments. The contrast between the austere facade and the lavishly decorated interiors remains a defining characteristic of this historical landmark.

Location: Portugal
Top sights: Igreja de São Roque · Palácio Ludovice · Museu de São Roque
Nearby: Almada (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	11	11	13	15	18	22	23	24	22	19	14	11
Rain mm	60	51	60	54	34	13	3	5	28	78	86	61

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Paço de São Roque in Lisbon is a historic noble residence spanning various eras. The building now serves as a cultural centre and is usually only visitable during events or by appointment.

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Typical hours

As an event venue, there are no regular opening hours. Check the website for exhibitions or cultural programmes that may grant access.

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Photography

Photography is usually allowed at public events, flash‑free is preferred. At private events, the organiser’s rules apply.

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Time needed

Duration depends on the event; for a tour of the interiors, expect 20-30 minutes. At exhibitions, you may spend longer.

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Combine with

The palace is in the São Roque district, near the Botanical Garden and Bairro Alto. Combine your visit with the Igreja de São Roque or the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint.

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Getting there

The building is reachable on foot from Rossio station (10 min) or by metro (Restauradores stop). Buses 758 and 73 stop nearby.

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Insider tip

Follow the Paço de São Roque’s social media to hear about unannounced open days. The façade shows interesting architectural details from various centuries.

Geography

Coordinates

38.71450, -9.14320

Facts

Origin: Established in the 16th century by the Society of Jesus
Resilience: Survived the 1755 Lisbon earthquake mostly intact
Main attraction: Home to the world's most expensive chapel (St. John the Baptist)
Transfer: Granted to Santa Casa da Misericórdia in 1768
Museum: Features a collection of 16th to 18th-century liturgical art
Architecture: Plain Mannerist exterior with opulent Baroque interiors

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Carmo Convent<1 km · SEExplore →

Santo Condestavel Church2 km · WExplore →

National Tile Museum3 km · NEExplore →

Almada4 km · SExplore →

Ajuda Botanical Garden5 km · WExplore →

MAAT Lisbon5 km · WExplore →

Belém Tower7 km · WExplore →

Lisbon Oceanarium7 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Paço de São Roque (10)

Igreja de São Roque

16th-century church, construction started in 1506, consecrated in 1515, taken over by the Jesuits in 1553.

Palácio Ludovice🏰 castle

18th-century palace designed by architect João Frederico Ludovice as his residence, typical late Baroque.

Museu de São Roque🏛 museum

Museum in Lisbon, attached to the Igreja de São Roque.

🌐 museusaoroque.scml.pt🕒 Oct-Mar Mo 14:00-18:00; Oct-Mar Tu-Su 10:00-18:00; Apr-Sep M♿💶

Supremo Tribunal Administrativo🏰 castle

Building in Lisbon, seat of the Supreme Administrative Court of Portugal.

Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara🌳 park

Garden with two terraces and stone stairs, offering one of the finest views of Lisbon.

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

Viewpoint in the garden of the same name with panoramic views of Lisbon, comparable to those from São Jorge Castle.

Chafariz de São Pedro de Alcântara

Ornamental fountain in the São Pedro de Alcântara garden in Lisbon.

Brotéria

Cultural centre in Lisbon, located near the São Pedro de Alcântara garden.

Palácio dos Condes de Tomar🏰 castle

19th-century urban palace built for António Bernardo da Costa Cabral, Count of Tomar.

Museu Nacional do Desporto🏛 museum

Museum in Portugal showcasing the history of sports.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can the palace be visited?

This is a manor house often used for private purposes; check local opening times.

Where is this palace located?

It is located near Castelo Branco in central Portugal.

What architectural style does the building have?

It is a typical example of a Portuguese noble house from the Baroque period.

Are the gardens accessible?

Occasionally, the grounds are open to the public, often during special events.

Is there parking there?

Limited parking is usually available in the immediate vicinity of the estate.

Paço de São Roque: where is it located?

Paço de São Roque is located in Portugal.

Paço de São Roque: what is there to see?

Highlights include Igreja de São Roque, Palácio Ludovice, Museu de São Roque.

Paço de São Roque: when is the best time to visit?