Museu Arqueologico do Carmo (Carmo Archaeological Museum), Lisbon (must see)

The Carmo Convent, once the residence of Carmelite nuns until 1755, the year of the devastating earthquake that shook Lisbon, still proudly stands atop a small hill overlooking the busy Rossio Square and facing the Lisbon Castle Hill. During the Carnation Revolution, this historic site served as a refuge for Marcelo Caetano, the successor to the dictatorial president, Antonio de Oliviera Salazar, and his loyal supporters. It was here that he was eventually ousted, marking the end of over half a century of authoritarian rule in Portugal.

Today, the Carmo Church's nave and apse house an archaeological museum featuring artifacts from all periods of Portuguese history. The nave showcases a collection of tombs, fountains, windows, and architectural remnants from diverse locations and architectural styles. The former apse chapels have been repurposed as exhibition spaces, with one of them displaying remarkable pre-historical objects excavated from a fortification near Azambuja dating from 3500 to 1500 BC. The entrance fee is a reasonable €5, and there is much to explore, including a well-executed multimedia presentation recounting the site's history.

You'll need about 80-90 minutes to get a comprehensive look, though you might want to save some extra time for the surrounding terraces, offering splendid vistas of the Castle of the Moors.

Why You Should Visit:
Beautiful and photogenic remains, perfect for pictures against the blue sky, but fascinating to experience during the sunset as well.
A charming and novel way to appreciate architecture, history and art in one setting.
There are lots of interesting artifacts inside with a sense of local history.

Tip:
If you're looking for a way to get back down the hill into the city, your best bet is to take the Santa Justa Lift, accessible via a footbridge through the Bellalisa Restaurant located just to the right of the convent.