Estrela Basilica
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The Estrela Basilica is a basilica built by order of Queen Mary I of Portugal, as a fulfilled promise for giving birth to a son (José, Prince of Brazil). Construction started in 1779 and the basilica was finished in 1790, after the death of José caused by smallpox in 1788.
The huge church has a giant dome, and is located in a hill in what was at the time the western part of Lisbon and can be viewed from far away. The style is similar to the Mafra National Palace, in late baroque and neoclassical. The front has two twin bell towers and includes statues of saints and some allegoric figures.
The singled aisled, harmoniously proportioned interior also
appears light and bright. The church is completely lined with pink,
white and gray marble. A large quantity of grey, pink and yellow
marble was used in the floor and walls, in intrincated geometric
patterns, one of the most beautiful in European churches. Several
paintings by Pompeo Batoni also contribute to a balanced design. The
tomb of the Queen Mary I is on the right transept. A famous nativity
scene made by sculptor Joaquim Machado de Castro, with more than 500
figures in cork and terra cotta is a major attraction to visitors.
The ceiling is barrel vaulted, this continuing into the chancel where it changes into a semi cupola. The high cupola spans the barrel roof creating a pleasant expanse. It is divided by large, bright windows and fluted pilasters. The conspicuous high altar was created by Pompeu Batoni in Rome.
The grave of Maria I, the only member of the Bragança family not to be buried in the family pantheon in the Igreja de São Vicente de Fora, can be seen in the right transept. The tomb of her father confessor (the archbishop of Évora, Inácio de São Caetano) is located in the sacristy. It is even more richly decorated than that of the queen. The buildings surrounding the church and the cloisters are used today for administration and are not open to the public.
Informations
- ADDRESS: Largo da Estrela
- PHONE #: +351 21 396 09 15
- OPEN: Open every day from 7.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.