European Heritage Days highlight the treasures and memories of São Roque
The Museu de São Roque and Igreja de São Roque are marking European Heritage Days with a programme dedicated to the survival and disappearance of historical artefacts, inviting the public to rediscover listed treasures and lost heritage through talks, guided tours and family activities.
During the European Heritage Days, which will take place on 19 and 20 September, the Museu de São Roque and Igreja de São Roque are joining in with this year’s European theme – Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine – inviting the public to reflect on the survival and disappearance of some of their most significant historical monuments.
Under the theme ‘Revisiting Treasures: Between Existence and Lost Heritage’, the Museu de São Roque highlights two key collections in the institution’s care: the collection from the Chapel of St John the Baptist, designated a National Treasure in 2026, and the collection of relics and reliquaries, a unique heritage that documents devotional practices, the circulation of objects and the construction of memory over several centuries.
Over the course of the two days, the programme includes lectures, guided tours and family activities, offering different ways of engaging with the heritage.
On Saturday, 19 September, the afternoon begins with the guided tour ‘The Faces of the Chapel of St John the Baptist – Giovanni Battista Carbone’, led by Ricardo Máximo. This is followed by two presentations on lost heritage and the survival of liturgical artefacts from the Chapel of St John the Baptist, given by André Martins da Silva and Maria João Ferreira, culminating in a joint visit to the Chapel’s Treasury. Running in parallel is the workshop ‘Drawing the City: Exercises in Architecture and Urban Planning’, led by Luís Nobre and aimed at families with children aged between 6 and 12.
On Sunday 20th, the programme focuses on the documentation of the relics of Don Juan de Borja featured in the *Recebimento de Manuel de Campos*, in a joint presentation by Miguel Lourenço and António Camões Gouveia, researchers from NOVA-CHAM, UCP-CEHR and MSR-reliquiarum. The afternoon will also include a visit to the crypt of the chancel of the Igreja de São Roque, an area with restricted access due to its architectural features.
Participation is free of charge, subject to prior booking and limited capacity. Entry to the Museu de São Roque will also be free on 19 and 20 September.
For bookings and/or further information, please contact the Museu de São Roque on 213 235 449 or by email: museusaoroque@scml.pt
