Sanctuary of Christ the King

The Sanctuary of Christ the King (Cristo Rei) is a Catholic monument and shrine in Almada in Setúbal District, Portugal, overlooking the Tagus River and Lisbon. The monument was inaugurated in 1959 and was inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.

The site comprises a large pedestal topped by a monumental statue of Christ and a sanctuary complex at the base with chapels and visitor facilities. An elevator gives access to a viewing platform that provides panoramic views across the Tagus to Lisbon and the 25 de Abril Bridge.

The idea for the monument dates to the late 1940s as a vow of thanks for Portugal being spared the worst of World War II; construction began in 1949 and the shrine was officially opened in 1959. Since its opening it has been both a pilgrimage site and a prominent Lisbon-area viewpoint.

The monument stands on a hilltop in Almada on the south bank of the Tagus River, directly across from Lisbon’s historic center, and is reachable by bridge and short road links from the capital.

• Construction and inspiration: Inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro and inaugurated in 1959 after a decade of construction efforts that began in 1949.
• Best viewpoints: Offers panoramic views of Lisbon from the observation platform, reached by an elevator inside the monument, particularly appealing at sunrise or late afternoon light.

What to See #

• Observation platform: An elevator and viewing platform at the base of the statue that provides panoramic views across the Tagus River toward central Lisbon and the 25 de Abril Bridge.
• Sanctuary complex: The landscaped terrace and sanctuary complex at the base of the monument, which includes chapels and visitor circulation areas used by pilgrims and tourists.