The National Sanctuary of Christ the King is an impressive monument located in the neighboring city of Almada which, from a 110-meter height, overlooks Lisbon from one end of the 25 de Abril Bridge (on which Lisbon is accessible by car). The statue proper measures 18 meters, whereas the rest of the height is yielded by the pedestal (82 meters). This catholic monument was built in 1959 (10 years after the beginning of the construction works) as a token of gratefulness to God for having sheltered Portugal during the Second World War, and it is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ.

The statue proper, which renders Jesus with his wide stretched arms, was designed by Francisco Franco de Sousa, being inspired by the similar monument to Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. The base of the monument was constructed by Antonio Lino, and from the foot of the statue, on top of the pedestal, visitors can admire the panoramic view of the city of Lisbon, of the Tagus River and of the 25 de Abril Bridge. Inside the monument there are two chapels which shelter the relics of sundry saints. The chapels are also opened to visits.

All in all, Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei is one of the best lookouts not to be missed out by tourists who want to admire Lisbon at a glimpse.

Name:
National Sanctuary of Christ the King (Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei)
Address:
Almada, Portugal
Telephone:
00351 212 751000 / 00351 212 721270
Fax:
00351 212 721279 / 00351 212 721901
Email:
info@cristorei.pt
Website:
www.cristorei.pt
Opening hours:
winter: 9.30am to 6.15pm; summer: weekdays: 9.30am to 6.30pm; weekend: 9.30am to 7pm
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