Portugal's National Pantheon
Santa Engracia Church, or the National Pantheon, stands on the site of an
earlier church that was torn down after being desecrated by a robbery in
1630. A Jew was blamed for this and executed, but was later exonerated.
Legend has it that before dying he cursed the rebuilding of the church
because of the conviction of an innocent man. The plan to reconstruct (by
master stonemason João Antunes, bearing many similarities to Peruzzi's plans
for St. Peter's in Rome) did take several centuries to be completed, only
finished in 1966.
Today it has been designated the National Pantheon and contains the tombs
of several Portuguese presidents, writer Almeida Garrett (one of the
country's leading 19th century literary figures), and in recognition of her
iconic status, Amalia Rodrigues, the most famous Fado diva.
The building is on the plan of a Greek cross, and the interior is covered
in beautiful, multicolored slabs of polished marble. It is crowned with a
dome that provides a 360-degree view of the river and the city.
The "Feira da Ladra," Lisbon's flea market is held
nearby on Tuesdays
and Saturdays.
Where: Campo de Santa Clara, Alfama
How: Tram 28
When: 10AM-5PM (Closed Mondays)
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Saint
George's Castle - Overlooking the city from millennium-old walls.
The
Cathedral - The city's oldest building.
Miradouro das
Portas do Sol - Standing over Alfama's rooftops, domes, and church towers.
Miradouro de
Santa Luzia - Views of the river and Alfama.
São
Vicente de Fora Church - A 16th century monastery with an exceptional tiled interior.
Santo
Antonio Church - Saint Anthony's birthplace.
Graça Church
and Miradouro - A panoramic view to the castle and the city.
Casa
dos Bicos - A 16th century architectural curiosity.
The
Roman Theater - The archaological remains of a once large Roman theater.
Decorative
Arts Museum - A captivating decorative arts collection.
Fado
Museum - The story of the national music.
Military
Museum - A testament to the country's battles.
The Tile
Museum - An ancient art form in a lavish old convent.
Doca do
Jardim do Tabaco - Sleek restaurants and club on the waterfront.
