National Pantheon

The National Pantheon, also known as the Church of Santa Engrácia, is one of the main tourist attractions in Lisbon, located in Alfama disctrict. It certainly is an important architectural attraction in the city, with a rich history and stunning panoramic views.

Its history dates back to the 16th century, when it was built as a church dedicated to Santa Engrácia. The Baroque project, begun in 1682 by architect João Antunes, presented challenges over the centuries, remaining unfinished until the 1960s, giving rise to the popular Portuguese expression “obras de Santa Engrácia” (works of Santa Engrácia), used to describe something that seems to never end. During this period, the building was even used as a military arsenal due to its strategic location.

The Pantheon was adapted by the Estado Novo regime to honor great Portuguese figures. The central dome, over 80 meters high, dominates the cityscape and offers visitors a 360-degree view of Lisbon, the Tagus River, Alfama, and the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora. Access to the terrace is via stairs, while the famous lioz stone used in the walls and pillars gives the building the same elegance as monuments such as the Jerónimos Monastery.

The imposing appearance and unique character of the work justify its classification as a National Monument and legitimize its choice to house the remains of exceptional Portuguese people. One of the main attractions of the National Pantheon is its crypt, where some of Portugal’s most important personalities are buried, including writers, artists, scientists and politicians. It is an excellent opportunity to discover the history and culture of Portugal.

Features

The main façade of the church perfectly reconciles the novelty of Italian Baroque with the most notable and significant architectural practice in Portugal. In the national coat of arms that tops the rich central portal, we find explicit the national character of the church that was present both in the founding of the first parish and later in the reconstruction of the temple by the Brotherhood.

The dynamics of the monument’s forms are integrated into a privileged location on one of the city’s hills facing the river. The temple stands out in the panorama of Lisbon as a great bulwark. Finally, its terrace offers visitors a breathtaking view of the capital and the Tagus.

Did you know that…

• Was architect João Antunes one of the most prominent figures of Portuguese Baroque architecture? He was the designer of the original plans for the Santa Engrácia temple and the Church of Bom Jesus in Barcelos.
• Although the building was completed in the 1960s, the church’s pipe organ — built in the French Baroque style — was only installed decades later, contributing to concerts and cultural events.
• Was the Pantheon once a religious space, but also a military one? During its long and unfinished history, the building was even used as a military arsenal, given its state of abandonment and strategic location.
• Is it possible to climb to the top of the dome to enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Lisbon? Access to the terrace is via stairs and offers a 360-degree view of the city, the Tagus River, and the Alfama district.
• Was the famous lioz stone used during construction? This type of limestone, typical of the Lisbon region, is visible on the walls and pillars of the Pantheon, and was also used in monuments such as the Jerónimos Monastery.

Personalities Buried in the National Pantheon

The National Pantheon pays tribute to great figures from Portugal’s history. Among those buried here are:

• Amália Rodrigues – Fado singer
• Humberto Delgado – General and opponent of the Salazar regime
• Teófilo Braga – Writer and President of the Republic
• Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen – Poet
• Manuel de Arriaga – First elected president of the Republic
• João de Deus – Educator and author of the reading teaching method

In addition to those buried here, there are cenotaphs of other figures such as Luís de Camões, Vasco da Gama, and Pedro Álvares Cabral, whose actual burial place is uncertain or located in other monuments.