Church of Santa Engrácia

The Church of Santa Engrácia in Lisbon is a historic 17th-century church that was completed in the 20th century and converted into the National Pantheon, housing the tombs of prominent Portuguese figures. It occupies a prominent hilltop position in the Alfama district.

Originally begun as the Church of Santa Engrácia in the 17th century, the building’s construction proceeded intermittently over several centuries and was only formally completed and repurposed as the National Pantheon in the 20th century. Since then it has served as a national funerary and commemorative site.

The monument sits in the Alfama neighbourhood of central Lisbon, on a hill overlooking the Tagus estuary, and is reachable by foot from nearby central districts and public transport stops.

• Extended construction period: Construction began in the 17th century but the building was not completed until the 20th century, resulting in a centuries-long development that left it as a notable example of delayed ecclesiastical construction.
• Panoramic viewpoint: The rooftop walkway around the dome gives visitors panoramic views over central Lisbon and the Tagus estuary when open to the public.

What to See #

• Crypt and tombs: Crypt and funerary spaces containing tombs of important Portuguese figures from politics, literature and the arts.
• Dome and viewpoint: The central domed interior and rooftop walkway provide panoramic views over the Alfama district and the Tagus River.