Estrela Basilica

Basílica da Estrela

View of the main façade of the basilica.

Basic information
Location Praça da Estrela, 1200-667 Lisboa, Portugal.
Affiliation Roman Catholic
Rite Latin Rite
Region Lisboa Region
District Lisbon District
Municipality Lisbon
Architectural description
Architectural style Baroque
Neoclassical
Groundbreaking 1779 (1779)
Completed 1790 (1790)
Specifications

The Estrela Basilica (Portuguese: Basílica da Estrela) is a basilica in Lisbon, Portugal, built by order of Queen Mary I of Portugal, as a fulfilled promise for giving birth to a son (José, Prince of Brazil). Construction started in 1779 and the basilica was finished in 1790, after the death of José caused by smallpox in 1788.

Architecture

The huge church has a giant dome, and is located in a hill in what was at the time the western part of Lisbon and can be viewed from far away. The style is similar to the Mafra National Palace, in late baroque and neoclassical. The front has two twin bell towers and includes statues of saints and some allegoric figures.

A large quantity of grey, pink and yellow marble was used in the floor and walls, in intricate geometric patterns, one of the most beautiful in European churches. Several paintings by Pompeo Batoni also contribute to a balanced design. The tomb of the Queen Mary I is on the right transept. A famous nativity scene made by sculptor Joaquim Machado de Castro, with more than 500 figures in cork and terra cotta is a major attraction to visitors.