The site of the Convento da Graça monastery was formerly known as Almofala and was chosen by D. Afonso Henriques, Portugal's first king, as an encampment for his troops during the siege of Lisbon in 1147. In fact, this spot has one of the best views of the Castelo de São Jorge castle. While today the view is much appreciated by the people of Lisbon, in the past it was mainly of strategic importance. The foundation of the church and monastery dates back to the early Portuguese, but only came to prominence in the 16th century . Much of it was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, as was much of Lisbon, and was soberly rebuilt in the Baroque style. Inside, altars of gilded carvings can be seen in the chapels, and the bell tower, by Manuel da Costa Negreiros, dates from 1788.
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