In 1150, the Church of St. Michael began as a small chapel in Alfama; 876 years later, it is opening its bell towers to the public for 4 euros

Alfama gains a new viewpoint—and this one has bells. The Church of São Miguel has been open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. since September 29, the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel. Visitors can climb the bell towers and walk along the roof of the church on a walkway offering panoramic views of the neighborhood, the Tagus River, and various parts of the city.

The ticket costs 4 euros, is sold on-site, and grants access to the church, the bell towers, the walkway, and the upper choir. It also includes interpretive content about the building. Each visitor receives a St. Michael bracelet, which, in the words of Luís Aguiar Campos, administrator of Wonderful Day, “represents a good-luck charm, faith, and protection for travelers.”

Wonderful Day manages the cultural tours. “We hope that the experience of visiting the church doesn’t end the moment visitors walk through the exit door. We want to keep the connection to this place and to Saint Michael alive,” says Luís Aguiar Campos in a statement sent to Lisboa Secreta.

Proceeds go toward the restoration and preservation of the church, which is in need of repairs, starting with its valuable artistic furnishings. The organizer notes that more activities are planned for the future. All information about the schedule is available on the church’s social media accounts.

The church was founded around 1150 as a small chapel. It was completely rebuilt between 1673 and 1720 and did not emerge entirely unscathed from the 1755 earthquake, but it quickly regained the 17th-century appearance it retains today.

Inside, highlights include the richly decorated gilded woodcarvings and the 17th-century paintings attributed to Bento Coelho da Silveira, a court painter and one of the most renowned artists of his time.