The Museu de São Roque is housed immediately adjacent to Lisbon’s impressive Igreja de São Roque.
The core of the museum is divided into five permanent exhibits.
History of Igreja de São Roque
This section displays 16th-century art and artifacts related to the life and legend of Sao Roque (St Roch), best known concerning protection from the plaque. There are also artifacts relating to the original chapel on the site that predated the current church.
Chapel of Saint John the Baptist
With its endlessly ornate Baroque decoration, the Chapel of Saint John the Baptist, is a highlight of the church next door. Artifacts in this exhibit include models of the chapel, an alternate front altar, and various ceremonial items used in the chapel at one time or another.
Society of Jesus
The Igreja de São Roque played a very influential role as Portugal’s first Jesuit church and one of the first in Christendom. This section of the museum documents the Society’s two hundred years at the church. It’s divided into several sections, including iconography and liturgical items.
Oriental Art
This exhibition focuses on art collected since the arrival of Vasco da Gama in India in 1498. It’s grouped by geographical area. The church’s Jesuits collected most of the items originally.
Santa Casa da Misericordia de Lisboa
This small exhibit focuses on historical artifacts of the Santa Casa da Misericordia de Lisboa, or Holy House of Mercy, an independent charity established by Queen Leanor of Portugal in 1498. It is reputed to be the oldest working NGO in the world.
Photos from the Museu de São Roque
I have more photos from Museu de São Roque here.
What To Know Before You Go
- The museum and church are in the Bairro Alto neighborhood at Largo Trindade Coelho.
- The museum is attached to the Igreja de São Roque, and you can enter directly from a door in the side of the church’s nave or through a front entrance onto the square out the front.
- There is a model entry fee for the museum (not for the church) of 2.50 € for general admission. It’s free entry on Sundays before 2 pm. (More details)
- Guided tours are available by appointment. Email the Museum in advance at [email protected] to arrange one.
Where to Next?
Travel Advice for Portugal
You can find the latest U.S. Department of State travel advisories and information for Portugal (such as entry visa requirements and vaccination requirements) here.
The British and Australian governments offer their own country-specific travel information. You can find the British Government's travel advice for Portugal here and the Australian Government's here.
Health & Vaccinations
The CDC makes country-specific recommendations for vaccinations and health for travelers. You can find their latest information for Portugal here.
Guidebooks for Portugal
If you're looking for a guidebook to make the most of your visit, these are some of the most popular ones currently for Portugal. Some are available in both paper and e-book formats.
- Steves, Rick (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Planet, Lonely (Author)
- DK Eyewitness (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Clark, Gregor (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Travel Insurance For Your Trip to Portugal
I never travel without travel insurance, and I've run into several situations where I've had to make claims. I consider it essential.
But shopping for travel insurance can be a pain and confusing. Thankfully, there are some travel insurance comparison sites that show you a wide range of plans, make it easy to compare coverage, and can save you money at the same time. And the coverage can be much better tailored to your specific needs than the checkbox offering at travel booking sites or through your credit card.
These are some good places to shop for travel insurance for your next trip to Portugal :
Hopefully, you won't need it, but if something goes wrong, you'll sure be glad you have it!