Description of the attraction
The National Pantheon of Portugal is one of the most magnificent architectural monuments in Lisbon. This monument began to be called the National Pantheon only in the twentieth century, earlier it was the Church of Saint Engracia. The construction of the church began in 1682. The current building of the Church of Agia Engracia was built on the foundations of an earlier church, also consecrated in honor of the great martyr of the city of Braga, Agia Engracia. The construction of the first church was started with a donation from Princess Mary, daughter of King Manuel I around 1568. In 1681, the building began to deteriorate, and its restoration was undertaken by the royal architect João Antunis, one of the most famous architects who built in the Baroque style. Construction continued until 1712, and when the architect died, it stopped.
The unfinished church stood until the twentieth century. Over time, the roof of the church was decorated with a dome, and in 1966 the grand opening of the church took place. The building is designed in the shape of a Greek cross, with a square tower at each corner of the building, and the Baroque style of Borromini, which is characterized by wavy lines, was used in the design of the facades. You can enter the church through a magnificent baroque portal, at the entrance there are three niches with statues. At the top of the building is a balustrade with a terrace. You can climb it, having received the prior permission of the staff, and enjoy a magnificent view of the city's surroundings.
