Program
We start by visiting the church of Santo António de Pádua, built in the place where the saint was born.
Inside, the altar offers an image of António with Christ in his arms. Next door, there's a small
museum with images and manuscripts referring to the life of the saint.
Close by is the 12th century cathedral, symbol of Lisbon's Christianity, the oldest church in
City. Inside, the baptismal font where Saint António de Pádua was baptized, the chancel
in neoclassical and rococo style, a Gothic cloister and the museum of sacred art with the relics of St.
Vincent the Martyr.
The 16th century São Vicente monastery is one of the most important buildings in the country in
Mannerist and the pantheon of the last royal dynasty in Portugal. It is dedicated to Saint Vincent the Martyr, saint
patron of Lisbon. The interior and cloisters are adorned with exceptional tile panels from the
XVIII century.
The 17th-century church of Santa Engrácia, with many similarities to that of São Pedro in Rome, is Lisbon's greatest Baroque creation.
It is also the national pantheon and contains the tombs of several Portuguese presidents. The interior is covered in fantastic marble
multicolored. It is crowned with an eye-catching dome that provides a 360 degree panoramic view.
Then comes the convent of Madre de Deus, from the 16th century, rebuilt after the earthquakes. The baroque decor of the interior is dignified
duty. The warm gold of the rich gilt carvings contrasts with the fresh blue white of the tiles, both combined to make us
present an attractive impression.
We can also pay homage to the Estrela Basilica. This 18th century neoclassical monument is one of the most
outstanding monuments of Lisbon. It has a huge rococo dome and a facade with two twin bell towers. the spacious
pink and black marble interior contains an elaborate empire-style tomb of Queen Mary I and an impressive nativity scene.
integrating more than 500 figures.
And we go to the statue of Cristo Rei, an imposing Catholic monument facing Lisbon, an icon of the capital of Portugal. from the top
from its foundation there is a breathtaking view of the city. The base contains not only a chapel but also an elevator to go up and see
the view, and a religious souvenir shop.
We don't leave Lisbon without seeing the 16th century church of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, dedicated to Santa Maria de Belém.
impressive symbol of the energy and abundance of Portugal during the Age of Discovery, with an elaborate plan of
sculptural details and maritime adornments, the Manueline style. The interior of the church is huge and beautiful.
We leave Lisbon and head to the 18th century Mafra convent, one of the largest buildings in Europe, all in marble, with
two bell towers that have the largest collection of bells in the world. An impressive building that tells us about King João's abundance
V. The church of this enormous monastery is notable for the quality of its marbles and for a dome 70 meters high. the various
types of marble – pink, white, black, grey, blue and yellow – were combined in geometric patterns. The influences of
Italian classicism and German baroque are inspiration derived from the church of St. Peter in the Vatican and the church of Jesus in Rome.
Also notable are the six organs and the eleven chapels with altars and marble statues of various saints, the collection of
most important Italian sculptors in Portugal.
We continue to the 14th century monastery of Batalha, the supreme achievement of Gothic architecture in Portugal. The additions in style
Manueline in the 15th and 16th centuries offered the monastery a more refined detail. Here you can admire the tallest church in Portugal.
You must not leave without visiting the royal pantheon with the tombs of the “conquerors of the sea” – the so-called “Inclita Generation”, the remarkable
Manueline cloister, the chapter room with the guards at the tomb of the unknown soldier and the unfinished chapels with their
incomparable Manueline portico.
Finally Fatima - the center of the Christian faith and pilgrims of the world. Visit the chapel built on the place where our lady appeared to the
shepherds, the basilica and the extensive square where pilgrims kneel towards the heart of the sanctuary, in an impressive sign
of faith and devotion, lighting a candle, asking Our Lady for a wish or fulfilling a promise. Religious services can
be taught.We continue on to Alcobaça and stop in this cozy and ancient city. You can visit the 12th century Alcobaça monastery. It is one of
few European monuments that managed to preserve intact a considerable group of medieval buildings and its church which is the
largest Gothic building in Portugal. This church is also the longest in the country, an amazing construction that withstood the
weather and earthquakes.
Contemplate in the transept the tombs of King Pedro and Inês, linked to the most dramatic love story in Portugal.
Entering through the kings room, we access the main cloister and visit the monks' quarters. The cloisters deserve
a visit: around the garden we see the kitchen, barn, refectory, chapter room, dormitory and we learn how the monks lived
in this century-old monastery.
