The Portuguese National Hall of Fame in Lisbon is one of the most beautiful architectural monuments in the Portuguese capital. This monument was called the National Pantheon in the 20th century, before it was the church of Santa Engrácia. The construction of the church began in 1682. The modern building of the church of Santa Engrácia was built on the foundations of another church, also built in honour of the great martyr of Braga, Santa Engrácia.
The construction of the first church began with a donation from Princess Maria, daughter of King Manuel I, in 1568. In 1681, the building began to collapse and was restored by the royal architect Joao Antunis, one of the most famous architects of the Baroque style. Construction continued until 1712 and stopped when the architect died.
The unfinished church remained until the 20th century. Over time, the roof of the church was decorated with a dome and the church was inaugurated in 1966. The building is designed in the form of a Greek cross. In each corner of the building there is a square tower, in the design and the facades have been decorated in a baroque style characterized by wavy lines.
The church is accessed through a magnificent Baroque portal with statues above it. At the top of Lisbon’s National Pantheon is a balustrade with a terrace. You can access it with the permission of the staff and enjoy a magnificent view of Lisbon and the Tagus.
Timetables of the Portuguese National Pantheon:
- Summer (May to September): from 10am to 6pm, last entrance at 5.40pm
- Winter (October to April): from 10am to 5pm, last entrance at 4.40pm
- Closed every Monday and January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st, June 13th, June 24th and 25th December
Entrance fee to the Portuguese National Hall of Fame: 4€ in full price.
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