Treasure of the Chapel of St. John the Baptist classified as a National Treasure!

The collection of the Chapel of St. John the Baptist, housed in the Museum of São Roque and run by the Cultural Department of Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, has been classified as a National Treasure.

The Portuguese State thus officially recognises its exceptional value to the history and cultural identity of Portugal.

This collection, comprising 298 pieces of jewellery, vestments, lace, books and furniture, was commissioned by King John V in the 18th century and produced in the most prestigious Roman workshops, involving artists such as Luigi Vanvitelli, Nicola Salvi and João Frederico Ludovice, creators of emblematic works such as the Reggia di Caserta, the Fontana di Trevi and the Royal Palace of Mafra. Transported from Rome to Lisbon between 1747 and 1752, the treasure was designed for the Royal Chapel of the Church of São Roque, where it remains to this day, in the Museum of São Roque, preserving its historical and artistic unity. This continuity is a phenomenon on the international scene: outside Italy, there is no other collection with the same coherence and unity, originating from a single commission and still in the place for which it was intended. Portugal now recognises the Chapel of St. John the Baptist and its treasure as a major symbol of its national identity, elevating it to the highest level of heritage protection. The Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, owner and manager of the collection, will continue to ensure its conservation and public enjoyment, honoring a legacy that is the heritage of everyone.