Living Traces of History – Portuguese Approach to Conservation on the Example of Religious Buildings in Lisbon

Abstract The article addresses the issue of the Portuguese conservation approach to religious buildings in Lisbon that have been damaged by cataclysms. The aim is to show approach to both preserving the original substance and changing the function of the sacral building. After the tragic destruction of Lisbon in the mid-18th century was followed by the use of the ruins of the Carmelite monastery church, Convento do Carmo, for adaptation into the Archaeological Museum. Church of the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha, also acts as a remnant of historic events. The Church of St Dominic is also an example of atypical conservation and restoration. Another one is the adaptation the São Julião church on the Museum of the Bank of Portugal. That projects are examples of pioneering conservation activities conceived as a result of the conservation practice of Portuguese architects.