Exploring Lisbon’s Beautiful Churches
- This Cafe Life
- May 29
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 19
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a religious pilgrim or a curious traveler,
Lisbon has remarkable churches blending history, architecture and neighborhoods across the city.
The churches in Lisbon narrate the tale of a city that has endured much. Before the massive 1755 earthquake, many of the city’s churches were built in Mannerist and Baroque styles, with elegant lines, dramatic altarpieces, and gold-covered interiors that reflected Portugal’s wealth and faith during the Age of Discovery.
The earthquake changed everything, destroying much of the city, including its churches, and prompting a massive rebuilding effort.
That’s when the Pombaline style came into play, named after the Marquis of Pombal, who led Lisbon’s recovery. It was more practical and less ornate, focused on strong, earthquake-resistant structures, but it still had its own elegance. Churches like Igreja de São Paulo were rebuilt with simpler lines and balanced proportions, a sharp contrast to the gold and drama of earlier styles.
Today, walking through Lisbon, you can see all these layers—Mannerism’s simplicity, Baroque’s grandeur, and Pombaline order—coexisting and telling the story of a city that rebuilt itself without losing its soul.
Here are some of the most noteworthy churches to visit:
Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral) (Alfama)
Known as the Sé to the locals, this is the city's oldest church, built in 1147, blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. Don’t miss the cloisters and the treasury museum.
Contruction for a Baroque church began in 1682 but was delayed and never consecrated as a church. The project was completed in 1966, nearly 300 years later. (This delay gave rise to the Portuguese expression: “Obras de Santa Engrácia” — meaning “a project that never ends.”). In the mid 20th century, it was repurposed as the the National Pantheon - a grand mausoleum with Tombs & Cenotaphs of National icons like Amália Rodrigues - the queen of Fado. The majestic Baroque dome dominates Lisbon's skyline. The interior is vast and elegant with pink and gray marble floors, grand arches and serene spaces. A climb to the rooftop terrace offers one of the best panoramic views of Lisbon.
Church of São Roque (Bairro Alto/Chiado)
One of the most remarkable examples of Baroque architecture in Portugal—but at first glance, it may not look like it. From the outside, the church has a fairly simple and unassuming façade, but stepping inside reveals a completely different story. Built in the late 16th century as the first Jesuit church in Portugal, it was one of the earliest churches in the world specifically designed by the Society of Jesus.
Inside, it’s a masterpiece of ornate decoration, filled with gilded woodwork, marble inlays, intricate tile panels, and painted ceilings. One of the standout features is the Chapel of St. John the Baptist, built in Rome using precious materials like lapis lazuli, agate, and porphyry, then disassembled and shipped to Lisbon—often considered one of the most expensive chapels ever created.
The adjoining museum holds a rich collection of religious art, vestments, and sacred objects, further illustrating the importance of this church in Lisbon's religious and artistic history. It’s a place that invites quiet reflection as much as admiration for the craftsmanship and devotion that shaped it.
Igreja de São Paulo (Cais do Sodré)
Is dedicated to Saint Paul the Apostle and was initially constructed in the 16th century, linked to the Jesuit order. It served as a spiritual center for merchants and seafarers. After the 1755 disaster, it was rebuilt in the Pombaline style. The church’s rich interior, with its ornate chapels, paintings, and sculptures, highlights Christian theology and the life of St. Paul. The interior features a blend of white, pink, and blue marbles in the "à romana" style, with a notable oil painting by Jerónimo de Andrade on the nave's ceiling and stucco work by Giovanni Grossi in the main chapel, alongside paintings by Pedro Alexandrino on the side altars.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Saúde (Mouraria)
A small, hidden treasure built in gratitude for the end of the 1598 plague. It features a peaceful, beautifully tiled interior with strong local following. The small church is located on the site where a chapel was constructed in 1505. After the plague epidemic in 1569, the chapel was dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Saúde; “Our Lady of Good Health.” The chapel was damaged during the 1755 earthquake leading to the construction of the church as it stands today. This church offers a cozy feeling upon entering. The numerous images of different saints on azulejos, along with the wooden floor and benches, and the altar, may not seem to match, but I think that’s what gives this church its unique charm.
Igreja de São Cristóvão (Church of St. Christopher) (Mouraria)
Church deeply tied to Mouraria's religious & working-class roots. Originally built in the 13th century and rebuilt after a 16th-century fire, this historic church survived the 1755 earthquake with minimal damage. Inside, you'll find 36 striking Baroque paintings by Bento Coelho da Silveira, including a long-lost "Last Supper" rediscovered behind the altar. The richly decorated ceiling and gold-framed paintings are stunning, though the building is currently in urgent need of restoration and is listed by the World Monuments Fund as "at risk."
Stands as a monumental testament to Portugal's Age of Discovery, blending rich history with stunning architecture. Commissioned by King Manuel I in 1501, the monastery was constructed to commemorate Vasco da Gama's successful voyage to India and to honor the Virgin Mary for its success. Built on the site of the former Hermitage of Restelo, where da Gama and his crew prayed before their journey, it became a spiritual haven for explorers. The monastery was entrusted to the Order of Saint Jerome, whose monks provided guidance and prayers for seafarers. Over the centuries, the monastery evolved into a royal pantheon, housing the tombs of notable figures like Vasco da Gama and the poet Luís de Camões. Its significance was further cemented when it was designated a UNESCO World site.
This stunning church, integrated into the Jerónimos Monastery, is a crown jewel of Manueline architecture—a style unique to Portugal’s Age of Discovery under King Manuel I. The ceiling features a nautical motif, while the windows and porticos are adorned with a fusion of Christian, maritime, and mythical symbols, blending to create an atmosphere of spiritual grandeur and national pride. The church also holds deep historical resonance. Within its walls lie the tombs of two of Portugal’s most iconic figures: Vasco da Gama, the trailblazing explorer, and Luís de Camões, the national poet whose verses immortalized the Age of Discovery. Also is the resting place of King Sebastião, whose death in a crusade led to a crisis that eventually brought about the Iberian Union with Spain.
Igreja e Convento da Graça (Graça)
A beautiful and historic site that combines centuries of religious, artistic, and architectural heritage. Originally founded in 1271 as the headquarters of the Order of Saint Augustine Hermits by King Afonso III, the complex has undergone significant transformations over the centuries. Though it began as a medieval convent, it was rebuilt in the 16th century and later remodeled in the Baroque style, especially following the devastating 1755 earthquake. Inside, find richly painted ceiling using grisaille techniques, intricately carved woodwork inlaid with gold, and walls partially covered in 16th- and 17th-century azulejo tiles. The church also houses several important paintings and statues, including a striking image of Christ carrying the cross in bright purple robes. This statue plays a central role in Lisbon’s annual Easter procession. Just off the main space, the sacristy holds two massive armchairs carved entirely from marble, a reminder of the church’s historic importance. The convent had long been closed to the public but reopened in 2017 after restoration.
Igreja de São Vicente de Fora (Graça)
Named 'de Flora' meaning outside the walls, as it was originally located beyond Lisbon's city walls. It was founded in the late 16th century by King Philip 11 of Spain to honor the patron saint of Lisbon St Vincent. It houses the Pantheon of the Braganza dynasty, where nearly all Portuguese monarchs from that royal line are buried — including King João IV and King Carlos I. The pantheon is located in the church’s monastic complex, which is also open to the public. A 17th-century Mannerist masterpiece with white limestone façade. Inside is a beautiful baroque main alter, side chapels and tiled panels throughout. The cloisters and former monastery include a stunning collection of azulejos. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views over Alfama and the Tagus River.
Basílica da Estrela (Estrela)
Ornate late-Baroque/Neoclassical church with a massive dome. Known for its beautiful marble interior and nativity scene (presépio). You can climb the dome for panoramic vistas.
Exploring the churches of Lisbon offers more than just architectural beauty—it’s a journey through the city’s soul. Each church, whether grand or tucked away on a quiet street, tells part of Lisbon’s story: its deep-rooted faith, rich artistic heritage, and cultural diversity. From the gilded chapels of São Roque to the quiet grace of Igreja da Graça, these sacred spaces invite you to slow down, look up, and feel connected to centuries of devotion and craftsmanship. Lisbon’s churches are a meaningful and unforgettable part of the city to experience.
Lisbon Churches Walking & Transit Tour
Duration: 1 day with breaks
Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral) (Starting Point)
12th century fortress-like cathedral.
Don't miss its Romanesque nave, cloisters & treasury museum.
Open 9:30 - 5 Monday - Saturday
Walk 5 minutes uphill on Rua Augusto Rosa. to...
Patron saint of the poor and lost things.
Built on the site where St. Anthony - Lisbon's patron saint was born.
June 15th has parades and feasts in his honor.
Open daily 8 - 6.
Adjacent museum.
Walk 7 minutes northeast via Calçada de Santo André to...
Igreja de São Cristóvão
Intimate church with gorgeous 18th-century tile panels.
Open Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 1, 2 - 6
Optional - Behind the church, follow Beco de São Francisco to discover Largo da Achada, a hidden medieval square with a unique historic house.
Walk 8 minutes east through Mouraria to Campo de Santa Clara to...
A Baroque dome and vast interior with pink and gray marble floors, grand arches.
A rooftop terrace with one of the best panoramic views in Lisbon.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 - 5.
€4 for adults (free on the first Sunday of the month)
Walk 5 minutes west to Largo de São Vicente to...
Grand white façade, royal tombs, and rooftop views.
Open Tuesday–Sunday, 9 - 6.
Tickets required to visit the monastery and pantheon areas, but the main church entrance is free.
Walk 10–12 minutes uphill via Calçada da Graça to...
Grisaille woodworking inlaid with gold.
Peaceful cloister.
Excellent panoramic views from nearby Miradouro da Graça,
Free admission. Open Tuesday - Friday 9 - 6, Saturday 10 - 12:30, 2:30- 6
Walk 15 minutes downhill via Calçada da Graça and Rua da Madalena to...
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Saúde
Humble but important, especially for Lisbon locals.
Note: Unless there is a Mass, the church is open to visitors daily 8 - 8.
Walk 15 minutes west through Baixa and up to Bairro Alto to...
Church of São Roque
Home to one of the world’s most expensive chapels.
Monday 2 - 6, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10 - 7
Church Free, Museum €2.50 (free on Sundays until 2)
Optional: Explore nearby Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, a scenic viewpoint.
Walk 8 minutes southwest toward Cais do Sodré to...
Igreja de São Paulo
Baroque interiors and unique pink-and-cream façade.
Open daily from 8 - 7
Take tram #15E (25–30 min ride) or walk 1 hour along the river to Belém.
Jerónimos Monastery & Igreja de Santa Maria de Belém
Breathtaking Manueline architecture; a must-see.
Houses Vasco da Gama’s tomb
Open daily 10 -6 (closed Monday).
Church: Free entry. Cloisters and Monastery Areas: €12.00 (purhase in advance)
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