Another symbol of Lisbon is the imposing Statue of Christ the King or Cristo Rei. This is something you can’t help but see while you’re in this city. It is over 110m high and is inspired by the statue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro. The Patriarch of Lisbon visited Rio in 1934, and seeing the statue of Jesus Christ, he was inspired that on could be in Lisbon as well.
The Catholic monument and sanctuary was built in 1959 as a sign of gratitude to God that Portugal was spared during World War II. The pedestal on which the statue stands is 82m high and consists of four arches with the chapel of Our Lady of Peace. The elevator is built into the pedestal and takes you to the part where you can enjoy a perfect view of Lisbon, more precisely, the area around Christ's feet is intended for visitors.
Approval for the construction of the monument was obtained in 1940 at a conference of the Portuguese bishop, and in 1941 the land on which the construction of this magnificent statue that adorns Lisbon today and makes it special was obtained. The cornerstone was laid in 1949, and the construction lasted exactly 10 years. The Chapel of Our Lady of Peace is located here, and was opened in 1984.
Recommendation: To get to the statue of Christ the King, we recommend that you use the ferry Cacilhas from Cais do Sodra. It is a really nice boat ride and will take you directly to the monument. The price of the ride is 1.30 euros.
Working hours of the monument
Every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Author of the text:
Maja Glavaš, Bachelor with Honours in Communicology. Works in Tourism.
Contact: [email protected]; instagram: travel_europe1
