Sanctuary of Christ the King travel guide

The Sanctuary of Christ the King, situated in Almada, Portugal, is a monumental Catholic shrine dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ. The idea of its construction was conceived in 1934, inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In 1940, the bishop of Lisbon vowed to erect the statue if Portugal was spared from World War II. Thankfully, Portugal remained neutral during the war, and the construction of the statue began in 1950.

Designed by architect António Lino, the project was funded through a national subscription campaign and took a decade to complete. The sculpture, created by Francisco Franco de Sousa, stands atop a 75m high arch with an observation deck, offering panoramic views of the city of Lisbon and the Tagus River.

The statue was inaugurated on 17 May 1959, and since then, it has remained a symbol of peace and a key pilgrimage site for Catholics worldwide.

One of the unique features of the Sanctuary of Christ the King is its commanding height. Standing at 110 meters tall, it is one of the tallest structures in Portugal. It is also distinguished by its inspiring statue of Christ the King, which measures 28 meters and is held up by a 82 meters tall arch, making it a colossal figure that can be seen from a great distance.

This sanctuary is also unique for its panoramic elevator, which takes visitors up to the viewing platform at the base of the statue. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city of Lisbon, the Tagus River, and the 25th of April Bridge.

Another distinctive feature is the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace located at the base of the monument. The chapel's walls are adorned with panels depicting biblical scenes, crafted in traditional Portuguese tiles, adding an indigenous touch to this magnificent monument. Lastly, the sanctuary is surrounded by a peaceful garden, providing a serene environment for contemplation.

Discover Sanctuary of Christ the King, a prime feature of Almada, in the vibrant Almada, Cova da Piedade, Pragal e Cacilhas. Sanctuary of Christ the King is situated at Av. Do Cristo Rei, 2800-058 Almada, Portugal, just a short distance from Quinta da Arealva and Casa da Cerca, making it a perfect addition to your itinerary.

In the vicinity of Sanctuary of Christ the King, various dining and shopping options await, alongside a lively atmosphere that captures the essence of local life. This location serves as a perfect starting point or a key highlight during your exploration of Almada, a city in Portugal rich with cultural and adventurous activities.

When planning your trip, timing is key. Explore travel trips and ideas on this city from the comprehensive Almada travel guide for an unforgettable adventure.

Sanctuary of Christ the King is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in Almada, Portugal. If you're flying in, Lisbon Portela Airport is approximately 6.9 miles (11.1 km) away from the city center. From there, you can easily reach Sanctuary of Christ the King by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in Almada, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Sanctuary of Christ the King, which is located 0.8 miles (1.3 km) from the city center. Its exact address is Av. Do Cristo Rei, 2800-058 Almada, Portugal.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Sanctuary of Christ the King!

The best time to explore Sanctuary of Christ the King is in the spring and early summer months, from April to June. During this period, the weather in Almada, Portugal is generally warm and sunny, allowing tourists to fully enjoy the breathtaking views of Lisbon and the Tagus River from the sanctuary's high viewing platform. Additionally, these months are not as crowded as the peak summer months of July and August, offering a more peaceful and personal experience. Another excellent time to visit is in the last week of November, when the Sanctuary celebrates the Feast of Christ the King, a significant event in the Catholic Church. The sanctuary is beautifully decorated and lit up, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Regardless of when you visit, aim to get there early in the day to avoid crowds and have enough time to explore this magnificent monument. Remember to check the Sanctuary's official website for updated opening hours and any special events.

With everything seamlessly arranged for your trip to Almada, you can simply pack your bags and look forward to exploring Sanctuary of Christ the King.

Keep reading to discover the best options for experiencing this iconic monument in Portugal.

Upon arriving at Lisbon Portela Airport, you’ll find 3 reputable rental car companies conveniently situated near the city of Almada.

Click 'See More' to unlock other affordable car rental options in Almada.

Choosing the right accommodation near Sanctuary of Christ the King from the widest selection of hotels and places to stay in Almada can truly make all the difference in your trip. Not only will you be within a comfortable distance from Sanctuary of Christ the King, but you’ll also enjoy the best rates available, backed by 24/7 customer service and glowing reviews.

To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve curated a handpicked list of top-rated hotels nearby.

Beyond Sanctuary of Christ the King, Almada boasts plenty more landmarks that make every trip unforgettable. From establishment to museum, the top attractions in Almada offer experiences you won’t want to miss.

This well-known establishment enhances your time in the city.

Whether you plan a short visit or take time to explore fully, Casa da Cerca is worth seeing when you're in Almada. It's a popular establishment that’s perfect for rounding out your itinerary. You’ll find it at R. Da Cerca, 2800-050 Almada, Portugal.

This museum draws visitors with its unique appeal, making it an essential stop on your journey. Located at Lgo Alfredo Dinis, 2800-252 Almada, Portugal, its surroundings offer plenty of reasons to linger a little longer.

The city's top sights offer a wide variety of experiences to make your trip truly memorable. Check out the full list of top attractions in Almada below to discover even more incredible places to explore.