The Igreja dos Grilos in Porto was founded in 1577 and is a convent and church. It also houses the Sacred Art and Archaeology Museum.
The Convento dos Grilos is an amazing historical site located in Porto, Portugal. Originally called Igreja e Colégio de São Lourenço, this 16th-century complex houses a church and accompanying convent that has stood the test of time. Built by Jesuits in 1577 in the Mannerist-Baroque-Jesuitic style, the church was financed by its devoted followers and the Frei Luís Álvaro de Távora, Comendador of Leça do Balio for the Order of Malta, whose coat of arms adorns the main facade. After a few decades, the Jesuits were expelled and replaced by the Frades Descalços de Santo Agostinho. During the Siege of Porto, the Frades were forced to leave the convent and it was occupied by the liberal troops of D. Pedro, who set up the Batalhão Académico with writers such as Almeida Garrett. Today, the Convento dos Grilos has been classified as a National Monument and is currently owned by the Seminário Maior, which has occupied the complex since 1834.