The Bernardas Convent, founded in 1653 during the reign of King João IV, was totally destroyed during the great earthquake of 1755. It was rebuilt in 1758 but, after the banning of religious orders in 1834, it passed into private hands and at various times became a school, cinema, concert hall and apartments. By 1998 it was in an extremely run down state and was acquired and completely restored by the Lisbon City Council. Today, amongst other things, it houses the Marionette Museum (see separate entry), retail space and one of Lisbon’s best known and romantic restaurants.