Church and Convent of Paulistas in Lisbon, PORTUGAL

Dating from the 17th century, the Church and Convent of Paulistas in Lisbon is an impressive example of Baroque religious architecture in the capital city of Portugal. The way it is inserted in the urban fabric of the historic centre of Lisbon bears testimony of the genius of architects, masons and town planners. Located close to the Chiado neighbourhood, and built in a steep street (Calçada do Combro), the Church and Convent of Paulistas has been listed as a National Monument since 1918.

Church and Convent of Paulistas in Lisbon, PORTUGAL

In the nave of the church, in addition to the side chapels, there are gilded wood carving altars from the 17th-18th centuries. Of particular importance are the 17th century organ in gilded wood carving and oil paintings on canvas, depicting saints of the order of St. Paul of Serra de Ossa, which are attributed to the Portuguese artists Bento Coelho da Silveira and André Gonçalves. In the chancel is the outstanding gilded altarpiece by the Portuguese carver Santos Pacheco de Lima. The church also features fine stucco decorations from the Italian artist Giovanni Grossi.

Church and Convent of Paulistas in Lisbon, PORTUGAL
Despite its important historical, architectural and artistic value, the Church and Convent of Paulistas is in urgent need of rehabilitation. The roof of the church is in a very bad condition due to several ingresses of rainwater, with the consequent loss of portions of the stucco ceiling. The Baroque upper choir stall, the gilded organ, and many of the in-situ paintings (mostly from the 17th and 18th centuries) are in rapid decay. The frescoed ceiling of the main entrance of the convent is also badly damaged; the main façade, featuring two bell towers, is in poor condition, where several cracks are clearly visible, in which invasive vegetation has become established.

Church and Convent of Paulistas in Lisbon, PORTUGAL
The Church and Convent of Paulistas is under the ownership of the Portuguese State (Ministry of Finance). Restoration and rehabilitation works have been promised repeatedly, but so far with little practical effect, notably in the last 20 years, and this despite the central location and the many visitors of the monument.

It is thus imperative that the owner and all relevant stakeholders (the Ministry of Culture, the City Council, the Parish of Santa Catarina, the Catholic Church, as well as social and cultural associations) get together to discuss and agree on a restoration plan with clear priorities. With this aim, the civil society association Fórum Cidadania Lx nominated the Church and Convent of Paulistas to the 7 Most Endangered Programme 2025.

The Advisory Panel of the 7 Most Endangered Programme commented: “The 17th-century Church and Convent of Paulistas in Lisbon, recognised as a National Monument in 1918, is a significant historical landmark. Despite its decay, it remains a stunning example of religious architecture and urban planning. However, the building is in urgent need of restoration due to severe water damage affecting its structure, paintings, and other artistic elements. Urgent intervention is crucial to preserve this valuable cultural heritage site.”

Given its historical, architectural and artistic value and its strategic location in the heart of Lisbon, the restoration of the Church and Convent of Paulistas would bring great cultural, social, and economic benefits.