Seashell Gallery – Lisbon, Portugal - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

Seashell Gallery

Monastery of São Vicente de Fora
Lisbon, Portugal

In the Monastery of São Vicente resides a gallery devoted to a breathtaking collection of seashells.  

View all photos
95
560
Top Places in Lisbon
Hospital de Bonecas
Hospital de Bonecas
Lisbon, Portugal
Santíssima Trindade Church
Lisbon, Portugal
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Lisbon, Portugal
 See All

The imposing bell towers of the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora can be seen from several vantage points around Lisbon. Known as a cultural and spiritual mecca in the Alfama neighborhood, the site attracts many visitors throughout the year. One of the monastery’s least promoted, but undeniably fascinating attractions is its collection of seashells from the shorelines and estuaries of Portugal.

Chosen from the collection of Maria Cândida Consolado Macedo, former Director of the Malacology Department of the Portuguese Center for Underwater Activities, the unexpected exhibit features shells from various species of mollusks, clams, conches, and many more.

The collection is beautifully arranged in display cases according to species. Informative wall placards and photography denote areas where the shells were collected, either by Macedo herself, teams she directed, or through dredging expeditions.

The sheer amount of shells and their diversity make this gallery a must-see in São Vicente. 

Know Before You Go

On the same upper floor of the monastery where this collection is located, visitors will also find tiled depictions of 38 of La Fontaine’s Fables.

Atlas Obscura Trips

Portugal: A Culinary Adventure from Porto to Lisbon

Explore Portugal through food, from the cities to the seaside.
Book Now
sea monasteries collections nature
Nearby
Church of Santa Engrácia
0.15 miles
History of Lisbon Mural
0.24 miles
Museu do Fado
0.26 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Inside Santa Engrácia
Lisbon, Portugal

Church of Santa Engrácia

Portugal's National Pantheon has a history of curses, collapses and financial problems.
View from the public toilet.
Lisbon, Portugal

History of Lisbon Mural

Hidden beneath a beautiful overlook you’ll find the history of the city depicted in comic strip format next to a pay toilet.
Lisbon, Portugal

Museu do Fado

An unassuming music museum recounts the rags to riches story of a dramatic Portuguese genre.
Lisbon, Portugal

Livraria Simão

One of the smallest bookstores on the planet.
Related Places
Rockland, Maine

Project Puffin Visitor Center

Learn about the history and hopeful future of Maine’s nesting birds at this interactive Audubon facility.
The Small Gate.
Vratna, Serbia

Vratna Gates

These natural stone bridges are the largest on the European continent.
The verdant convent is enchantingly haunting.
Colares, Portugal

Convent of the Capuchos

The verdant mossy ruins of a Franciscan monastery lie in the remote Sintra hills awaiting exploration.
Den Burg, Netherlands

The Wadden Sea

Rich with fauna and flora, nature-lovers can walk across the sea at this UNESCO World Heritage spot.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web