
Convent Memorial
Itinerary: Lisbon | Loures | Mafra | Cheleiros
The themed route Memorial do Convento invites you to discover the settings and inspirations that shaped José Saramago's novel, one of the most emblematic works of Portuguese literature. Over the course of three days, you will visit significant locations in 18th-century Lisbon, such as Terreiro do Paço and Casa dos Bicos, as well as historically important monuments like the Mafra Palace-Convent. The itinerary also explores the routes of the stones and materials that shaped the monument, including Cheleiros and Santo Antão do Tojal, as well as the human and cultural narratives that preserve the spirit of the work. A cultural and literary journey that celebrates Saramago's legacy and the splendor of King João V's reign.
INCLUDED VISITS:
José Saramago Foundation | Praça do Comércio | Rossio | Terreiro do Paço | Casa dos Bicos | Church of São Saturnino de Fanhões | Loures Municipal Museum | Monumental Square of Santo Antão do Tojal | Archbishops' Palace | Mother Church | Aqueduct | Mafra Palace-Convent | Garden of the Fence | Old Mafra | Church of Santo André | Palace of the Marquises of Ponte de Lima | Former Town Hall Houses | Roman Bridge of Cheleiros | Church of Cheleiros
PROGRAM:
Day 1: Lisbon | Loures
Morning: Start of the tour with a visit to the José Saramago Foundation, located in the Casa dos Bicos. Then, a visit to Terreiro do Paço to explore the life at the court and the history of Father Bartolomeu de Gusmão and his flying machine. At Rossio, the focus will be on the auto da fé marking the meeting of Baltasar and Blimunda. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Memorial do Convento route in Loures, including the Church of São Saturnino de Fanhões, the Interpretation Center of the Memorial do Convento Route, the Monumental Square of Santo Antão do Tojal, the Archbishops' Palace, the Mother Church, and the Aqueduct.
Evening: Dinner and accommodation at a hotel in the Lisbon region.
Day 2: Mafra | Cheleiros
Morning: Continuation of the tour to the Mafra Palace-Convent and the Garden of the Fence. Visit to the Royal Building, with an emphasis on José Saramago's perspective on the human effort involved in its construction. Walk through old Mafra, with a pedestrian route through the Church of Santo André, the Palace of the Marquises of Ponte de Lima, and the Former Town Hall Houses. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: In Cheleiros, visit the Roman bridge and church, with an explanation about the route of transporting marble for the construction of the convent. Return to the original locations.





