The National Pantheon was built in the 17th century, as the Church of the Santa Engrácia, to be transformed into the National Pantheon at the beginning of the 20th century. The church or Pantheon is located in a part of the city called Alfama, along the river Tagus and with its incredibly white color and size it stands out from other Lisbon buildings. Numerous famous Portuguese personalities are buried in this church.
Royal Baroque architect Joao Antunesa designed this grandiose masterpiece. Construction began in 1682, and was completed only at the beginning of the 20th century. After 300 years of slow construction, this, as it is called in Portugal, "endless royal endeavor" is finally over. On the outside, this temple is decorated with square towers on each corner, a large dome, a Greek cross on it, and baroque statues. There is a portal with the coat of arms of Portugal held by angels above the main entrance to the church.
The interior is simple and very harmoniously done, cold marble and a large altar predominate. The old organ from the 18th century are in charge for the sounds of church music, which are still in use. The church is dominated by white and gold, gilding and gold on the altar, which is richly and tastefully decorated.
Famous people buried in the Pantheon are: presidents (Mauel de Arriaga, Teofilio Braga, Sidonio Pais, Humberto Delgado), writers (Joao de Deus, Aquilino Ribeiro, Sofia de Mello), singer Amalia Rodriguez, football player Eusebio. Symbolic graves in which the deceased are not found, because they are located somewhere else are also found here, such as the symbolic tomb (cenotaph) of Vasco da Gama, Henry the Navigator and the like.
This temple has never been used as a church, but it has always been considered a great shrine. It has been declared a National Monument. It is built in typical Portuguese Baroque. It occupies an area of 1700 m2 with a yard of 500 m2. The temple can fit 1200 people, of which 600 people can sit. There are restaurants, cafes and boutiques in front of the temple and in its surroundings, because Alfama is one of the most popular tourist parts of Lisbon, through which the famous tram 28 passes that stops near the Pantheon. There is free parking for cars on the plateau in front of the temple for visitors to the pantheon.
Ticket price for the National Pantheon
Regular ticket price: 4 €
Every first Saturday of the month, admission is FREE.
Working hours of the National Pantheon
from May to September from 10am to 5pm.
From October to April from 10am to 6pm.
The last entry is 20 minutes before closing.
Author of the text:
Maja Glavaš, Bachelor with Honours in Communicology. Works in Tourism.
Contact: [email protected]; instagram: travel_europe1
