Description of the attraction
Basilica da Estrela is one of the most impressive architectural monuments in Lisbon. The basilica was built by order of Queen Mary I of Portugal, who promised to build a church if she had an heir to the throne. The Queen gave birth to a son, Jose, Prince of Brazil, and fulfilled her promise. The construction of the basilica began in 1779 and was completed in 1790.
The basilica is located on a hill and its gigantic dome is visible from many parts of Lisbon. The construction work was carried out under the direction of the architects Mateus Vicente de Oliveira and Reinaldo Manuel dos Santos, who combined the late Baroque and Neoclassical styles. This same combination of styles was also used in the construction of the Mafra National Palace.
The facade of the basilica is adjoined by two symmetrical bell towers, and the facade itself is decorated with statues of saints and several allegorical figures. Three types of marble were used in the construction of the walls and flooring: gray, pink and yellow. The floors and walls are covered with an amazing pattern with geometric patterns.
Inside the basilica, paintings by the Italian artist Pomreo Batoni attract attention. In the right transept is the tomb of Queen Mary I of Portugal, whose tombstone is made of black marble. Also of interest is the Christmas Nativity Scene, designed by the sculptor Joaquin Machado de Castro, consisting of more than 500 terracotta and cork bark figures. But it can only be seen during the Christmas period.
