Lisbon is full of imposing monuments such as the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, among others. However, this time, the story of the Basílica da Estrela is the protagonist.
Table Of Contents
A look at the Estrela Basilica
Located opposite Jardim da Estrela, this vast church is also known as the Royal Basilica and Convent of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Dating back to the 18th century, the emergence of this temple is umbilically linked to the devotion of Queen Maria I, daughter of King José I.
In 1760, when the princess married the infant Pedro (the future Pedro III), she made a promise to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: a religious building would be erected if she had a son to inherit the throne. However, some difficulties arose.
First of all, the kingdom was going through a difficult phase, due to the reconstruction of the capital following the terrible earthquake of 1755. In this context, technical and economic resources were concentrated on Lisbon’s recovery. In 1779, Queen Maria I had already taken her place on the throne and, having had her wish granted, ordered the construction of the temple to begin.
The infant – baptized José – died two years before the work was completed. Even so, Maria I kept her promise and the construction of the Estrela Basilica was completed in 1790.
Features of the Estrela Basilica
The Estrela church was built by architects from the School of Mafra, and has Baroque and Neoclassical features.
The façade, divided into two floors and seven panels, is adorned with Doric columns, round arches and various allegorical figures.
The Basílica da Estrela’s spacious interior is dominated by gray, pink and yellow tones, as well as several paintings by Pompeo Batoni (an Italian painter from the Rococo period).
It is also worth mentioning that the temple has two incredible organs , both from the 18th century.
Curiosities
1 – Made up of around 500 pieces, the Nativity Scene at the Basílica da Estrela is one of the largest in the country.
2 – This was thefirst religious temple in the world dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
3 – The tomb of Queen Maria I can be found in the Basílica da Estrela.
4 – The Basílica da Estrela has been classified as a National Monument since 1910.
5 – On the church’s terrace you’ll find one of Lisbon’s most incredible viewpoints , with a 360º view over the capital.