Basilica da Estrela - one of the most beautiful churches in the capital

Climb up to the terrace and get blown away with the city views

The Basílica da Estrela is one of the most beautiful and monumental churches in Lisbon. This one is located in front of the Estrela garden and is composed of a church and a former convent of Carmelite nuns. It is easy to identify it by the white dome and the similarities with the convent of Mafra, as it was built in neoclassical and baroque style. Its great façade is highlighted by two twin towers, decorated with statues of saints and allegories.

It was built by Dona Maria I in 1790. The queen vowed on the day of her marriage that if she had a son, she would build a convent for the Discalced Carmelite nuns. The tomb of Queen who died in Brazil, is inside, next to the door that accesses the Baroque nativity scene, containing 500 terracotta figures and corkwood. This work of the sculptor Machado de Castro is the largest nativity scene in the country.

The interior of Basílica da Estrela is covered with marbles and paintings by Pompeo Batoni, an Italian artist, and the Portuguese artist Cirilo Machado. You can see the magnificent dome closely, as you climb the 114 steps that lead to the observation terrace, from which you can overview the Castle of São Jorge, the 25 de Abril Bridge and Amoreiras. The entrance to the basilica is free but the climb to the terrace is paid.

Address: Praça da Estrela, 1200-667 Lisbon

Phone: +351 21 396 0915

Opening Hours: 08h00 to 19h00 (open every day)