National Pantheon — Attraction in Lisbon

The National Pantheon is intended to honor and perpetuate the memory of Portuguese citizens who distinguished themselves by services rendered to the country, in the exercise of high public office, high military services, in the expansion of Portuguese culture, in literary, scientific and artistic creation or In defense of the values of civilization, for the dignity of the human person and the cause of freedom. The honors of the pantheon may consist of the deposition, in the national pantheon, of the remains of distinguished citizens or in the affixation, in the national pantheon, of tombstone alluding to his life and his work. The decision to "pantonize" distinguished Portuguese figures is not recent. In 1836, the then Minister Passos Manuel decrees the building of a national pantheon but with no place still chosen. The goal at the time would be to dignify the heroes who sacrificed themselves in the 1820 revolution and rebuild the collective memory for great men in the meantime, such as Louis de Camões. For the collective memory of the Portuguese, however, the Jeronimos Monastery, the Batalha Monastery or even St. Vincent from outside (with the burials of many of the Bragança and the Cardinals-Patriarchs of Lisbon) have long remained as the true Portuguese pantheons than the one that would be officially defined later. Church of Santa Engrácia (Lisbon) The Church of Santa Engrácia is located in the current parish of São Vicente (Subdivision of São Vicente de Fora), in Lisbon, Portugal. Still incomplete, he now has the National Monument Statute in 1910 and then the role of national pantheon with Law No. 520 of April 29, 1916. It was open to the public with this statute after its works completed 1 December 1966 with inaugural mass presided by Cardinal Cherry and in the presence of the President of the Republic Américo Tomás and the president of the Council Oliveira Salazar. Stylistically is considered the first baroque monument in the country, it is crowned by a giant zimborium (modern construction according to Luís Amoroso Lopes) and its interior is paved with various types of...

🏛️ Where Silence Meets Grandeur — A Monument to Portugal’s Soul ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

If you're in Lisbon and even remotely interested in architecture, history, or panoramic views — don’t skip the Panteão Nacional (also known as Santa Engrácia Church). It’s far more than just another old building.

Originally designed as a church in the 17th century, this structure took nearly 300 years to complete — and today it serves as Portugal’s National Pantheon, honoring the country’s most iconic figures. It’s where Amália Rodrigues, the queen of Fado, rests — alongside presidents, writers, explorers, and cultural legends.

Inside, the atmosphere is calm and solemn, with towering white marble columns, symmetrical floor patterns, and an incredible sense of scale. The central dome rises above you like a marble sky, and every step echoes — adding to the spiritual stillness of the space.

One of the best parts? You can walk all the way up to the rooftop terrace, which gives you a 360-degree view over Lisbon’s Alfama district and the shimmering Tagus River. The view alone is worth the small entry fee.

Quick Ratings: Historical Significance: 10/10 Interior Architecture: 9.5/10 Rooftop View: 10/10 Atmosphere & Serenity: 9/10 Photo Opportunities: 9.5/10

Tip: Go earlier in the day to avoid crowds, and take your time — this place isn’t meant to be rushed.

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I arrived at this place by pure luck. I love walking around the cities I visit to discover things by myself. And while walking around beautiful Lisbon I bumped into this magnificent building. I went in and they asked me if I wanted to visit inside. The building reminded me of the Pantheon in Paris which I love so I decided to buy the ticket and come inside. The first thing that caught my eye was a photographic exhibition of people of determination ( or Special Needs people as they're called in Europe). I was touched by the images and the content.. After I walked around in the ground floor and saw some of the tombs of Presidents and famous Portuguese Writers and Explorers I decided to go up the stairs. I ended up in the most fantastic Miradour in the whole of Lisbonne. 360 degrees of sheer beauty. The whole of the city right under your eyes. I was so happy to be there I sat down facing the glorious morning sun and stayed there for 2 hours. There was hardly anyone there The next day I brought my son along and he was delighted with the place and took beautiful photos. We both absolutely loved this place. Worth a visit a 100%.. I would go back...