Begun in 1553, the story of the Convento e Igreja de Santo Antão-o-Novo is quite interesting. This was the first free school in Portugal. Imagine children learning here without fees.
Initially, the school resided in the old Santo Antão convent in Mouraria. Space became an issue. So they built a new building. The first stone was laid in 1579. This new location became known as the Colégio de Santo Antão-o-Novo.
The Jesuits taught many subjects here. Latin grammar and humanities were taught. They also thought about rhetoric and introductions to moral theology. Dogmatic theology and philosophy were also on the curriculum. This education was unique in Portugal at the time.
The “Aula da Esfera” was famous. Here, students learned the latest scientific innovations. They studied mathematics, cosmography, and astronomy. Jesuits who later traveled to China and Japan attended this class.
Kings granted privileges to the Colégio de Santo Antão-o-Novo. Cardinal D. Henrique allowed them to appoint a notary. This notary recorded all student contracts and registrations. He also exempted the Colégio from paying tithes in the Archbishopric of Lisbon.
Royal donations also supported the Colégio. Land in Enxara do Bispo was given. Pope Pius V authorized annexing the church of N. S. da Conceição. D. João III donated a share of profits from the Casa dos Azeites.
The Colégio acquired more properties over time. They bought the Reguengo de Queluz in 1586. Mariana da Silva and her sister donated houses in 1667. These houses were located near the “jogo da pela”.
However, the Colégio’s story took a turn in 1759. The Jesuits were expelled from Portugal. The Colégio de Santo Antão was shut down. In 1774 its assets were donated to the University of Coimbra.
The 1755 earthquake damaged the original church. The building we see today dates back to 1764. The convent’s cloister is original. It features round arches on capitals decorated with interlaced cords.
A portico was added to the south facade in 1811. It displays the coat of arms of D. José. Statues flank the portico. It leads to a courtyard with statues of the Apostles.
The Convento e Igreja de Santo Antão-o-Novo has a rich history. It started as a Jesuit college. It became a center of learning. Today it stands as a testament to Lisbon’s past. Its walls echo with the stories of students and scholars long gone.