Information
Landmark: Sanctuary of Christ the KingCity: Lisbon
Country: Portugal
Continent: Europe
Sanctuary of Christ the King, Lisbon, Portugal, Europe
Overview
The Sanctuary of Christ the King (Santuário de Cristo Rei) rises above Almada, Portugal, its towering figure gazing across the Tagus River toward Lisbon, where the sunlight glints off the city’s rooftops.Modeled after Brazil’s towering Christ the Redeemer in Rio, this massive statue ranks among Portugal’s most visited landmarks, drawing worshippers and tourists alike to its sunlit hilltop.The sanctuary’s story began in 1940, amid the turmoil of World War II, when Portugal sought to give thanks for being spared the war’s ruin.Builders broke ground in 1949, and on a bright May morning in 1959-specifically the 17th-it finally opened its doors.Architect António Lino and engineer Francisco de Mello e Castro led the project, while Francisco Franco de Sousa sculpted the statue of Christ.Rising 28 meters (92 feet) above its 75-meter (246-foot) pedestal, the figure reaches a total height of 113 meters (371 feet).With arms stretched wide, it seems to bless and shield Lisbon.The pedestal’s modernist lines frame an observation deck at the top, where the wind carries the scent of the nearby river.You can ride the elevator, then walk a short set of steps to the platform, where sweeping views stretch over Lisbon, the 25th of April Bridge, and the distant hills.Inside the pedestal, a quiet chapel, a small museum, and exhibit rooms trace the sanctuary’s history.Outside, paths wind through a leafy garden with fountains and shaded benches, while statues and sculptures show moments from Christ’s life and other saints.The sanctuary itself is a place of pilgrimage and deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.It stands as a symbol of peace, faith, and gratitude, a quiet reminder of Portugal’s deep religious roots.Regular Masses fill the air with hymns, drawing both locals and visitors from around the world.You’ll find the sanctuary in Almada, just across the Tagus River from Lisbon.To get there by car, cross the 25th of April Bridge; by public transport, take a ferry from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré to Almada, then hop on a bus or taxi for the short ride.The sanctuary opens daily, though hours shift with the seasons.You can visit the observation deck and chapel during regular hours, and while the sanctuary grounds are free to enter, there’s a small charge to reach the deck.From the top of the pedestal, sweeping 360-degree views stretch across the Lisbon skyline, the Tagus River, and landmarks like the Belem Tower and the 25th of April Bridge.At sunset, the city glows under a wash of gold, making it a favorite time for photos.The 25th of April Bridge, with its resemblance to San Francisco’s Golden Gate, frames the sanctuary’s backdrop, and at night the illuminated monument stands out as a glowing silhouette visible from across Lisbon.The Sanctuary of Christ the King is worth the trip for its stunning views, architectural beauty, and deep cultural and spiritual meaning.Whether it’s the quiet pull of its sacred history or the sweep of mountains fading into mist, this place stays with you long after you’ve gone.
