Basílica da Estrela

                                    

This is my favourite rococo church in Portugal, because of it's architecture and because my dad was born in the neighbourhood right behind the basilica and was later baptised there.

The construction of the Basílica da Estrela began in 1761 by the order of the ruling queen Maria I. She was a very devoted Catholic and had made a promise to God that she would build the most beautiful church in Lisbon if she was granted a son to carry on the line. Since her consort husband, Pedro III, was 20 years her senior and also her uncle, this wasn't obviously going to be an easy task. She managed to give birth to a son on the 20th of August 1761 and carried out her promise to build the Basílica da Estrela. Unfortunately, the prince José died of smallpox 2 years before the basilica was completed in 1788.


The church itself is a wonderful mixture of a light rococo style featuring late baroque and neoclassical elements in it's architecture. The dome is magnificent and can be seen from far away since the basilica is placed on top of one of Lisbon's seven hills. While many churches are painted so as to look like marble, this one has the real deal. The Portuguese black and red marble are placed in geometric patterns which is a delight to enjoy, creating a light and lively feeling indoors. Queen Maria I is buried inside the basilica so you may admire her lavish empire-styled tomb.



The entrance is for free and the basilica is open every day from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm. If you want to admire the famous Nativity scene made out of cork by the artist Joaquim Machado de Castro it costs you 2 euros and it might well be worth it if you like to admire the craftsmanship. Catch the old trams nr 25 or 28 from Praça do Comércio if you like to avoid the uphill walk. In the neighbourhood there are lot's of quaint cafés and restaurants as well as a big garden.