SAO DOMINGOS CHURCH
A church marked by tragedy
To the right of the National Theater,
east of Rossio, is the Church of
São Domingos, that is either blessed or cursed, having survived fires and earthquakes.
Prior to the Great Earthquake of 1755 this was where the São Domingos
Convent stood, from which the Inquisition read out its sentences.
In 1950 it was partially
destroyed by a fire and has since undergone restoration, but there are still
clear signs of the fire (the permeating smell and the scorched pillars).
Worthy of
note is the high altar, with red marble columns that support the sculptural
composition of the Holy Trinity.
Another outstanding feature is the
sacristy, which for many years held the remains of King Afonso III, until
they were moved to Alcobaça.
The African community clusters in the area because this church has had a
black priest, while many other locals visit a popular hole-in-the-wall bar
almost immediately in front of the church for a glass of ginginha, a
local syrupy cherry brandy liqueur.
Ride Lisbon's metro, buses, and trams for FREE with the Lisboa Card.
How to Visit
Where: Largo de São Domingos, Baixa
How: Metro - Rossio Station
When: 7:30AM-7PM
Sights Nearby
Rossio
Square - Lisbon's elegant main square.
Figueira
Square - Busy square and transporation hub.
Rua das
Portas de Santo Antão - Pedestrian street lined with seafood restaurants.
Rossio
Station - A monumental train station.
Restauradores
Square - Large busy square.
Avenida
da Liberdade - The city's main avenue.
Comercio
Square - Monumental riverside square.
Rua
Augusta - The city's main shopping street.
Santa
Justa Elevator - An Eiffel Tower-like landmark with views over the city.
|
|