Basílica da Estrela
Basílica da Estrela is one of the most beautiful church buildings in all of Europe, and is also the most popular attraction Lisbon’s architecture is known for in terms of visitors. This majestic temple, erected in the 18th century, is the very first cathedral built in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Basilica da Estrela is located on a hill in the western part of Lisbon. Its huge dome is perfectly visible from all parts of the city.
History
Queen Mary I once made a promise during her marriage to build a magnificent temple in Lisbon for the nuns of the Barefoot Carmelite Order, if the merciful God would grant her an heir. Some time later, Maria of Portugal had a son, José, Prince of Brazil, and in 1779 the construction of the Temple of the Lord began.
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Two eminent architects, Mateus de Oliveira and Reinaldo dos Santos, were commissioned to design the exterior appearance and structure of the basilica.
.The wish of the crown prince was fulfilled exactly – in the capital appeared an amazing structure with an arched projecting part, columns, bas-reliefs and twin bell towers. On the dome was placed a tower with a cross, which became a landmark for numerous travelers.
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Unfortunately, by the time the work was completed in 1790, Prince José, in whose honor the massive construction was undertaken, had already been buried for two years after dying of smallpox at the age of 27. After the queen’s passing, her body was transported with due honors to the tomb of the basilica, where it remains to this day.
.Architecture
The construction of the Basilica da Estrela was entrusted to two architects, Reinaldo dos Santos and Mateus de Oliveira, who built Lisbon’s amazing architectural masterpiece. The impressive architecture of the basilica combines the Baroque and Neo-Gothic style inherent in the building’s facade.
.The facade itself consists of three parts: the projecting central part in the form of arches is divided into columns, fustae and capitals. The architecture of the facade is beautifully complemented by statues of holy angels illuminated by the rays of the sun, six allegories, bas-reliefs and two identical bell towers located on the edges. The central dome and the twin bell towers are surrounded by a terrace that gives a beautiful view of Lisbon.
.The walls and flooring are made of marble in a beautiful geometric pattern of white, pink and black colors. All this architectural splendor is illuminated by sunlight through the windows of the dome and presents an amazing sight. The dome of the Basilica da Estrela itself is topped by a tower with a cross and can be seen for many kilometers from any part of the city.
.Interior
The Basilica da Estrela in Lisbon holds the remains of Queen Mary, whose tomb is located in the transept on the right. Her tombstone is made of marble combining white and black. There are also beautiful paintings by Pompeo Batoni, an Italian neoclassical painter, decorating this temple of architecture in Lisbon. The parishioners’ admiration is also aroused by a creation of amazingly fine workmanship – the scene of the Birth of Christ. To create this creche, Mashado de Castro needed to make about five hundred small figures made of cork wood and terracotta.
.How to get there
Next to the basilica is the route of the most popular tourist streetcar #28 (stop Estrela).
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