LISBON, Portugal - Portugal's National Pantheon is the burial place of luminaries from Portuguese society and history, including several presidents of Portugal, fado singer Amália Rodrigues, footballer Eusébio, and the writer João de Deus. The main hall also includes several cenotaphs to key figures that are buried elsewhere but have played important roles in Portuguese history, such as Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama. The Pantheon is housed in a building that was originally the Church of Santa Engrácia--it was converted in the 1960s.
Photograph by David Coleman. The National Pantheon of Portugal, originally built as the Church of Santa Engrácia, is a masterpiece of Portuguese Baroque architecture. Construction began in 1682 and, after numerous delays and changes, was finally completed in 1966. This protracted building process led to the Portuguese expression "obras de Santa Engrácia" (works of Santa Engrácia), used to describe endless endeavors. The Pantheon's most striking feature is its large dome, which dominates Lisbon's eastern skyline. The building's design, attributed to João Antunes, showcases a Greek cross floor plan with ornate Baroque detailing. The interior is lavishly decorated with polychrome marbles, creating a solemn yet grandiose atmosphere. In 1916, the church was converted into the National Pantheon, becoming a place to honor and bury Portugal's most illustrious figures. Among those interred here are fado singer Amália Rodrigues, football legend Eusébio, and several former presidents of Portugal. Cenotaphs also commemorate other notable Portuguese personalities, including navigators Vasco da Gama and Henry the Navigator. The Pantheon's location in Campo de Santa Clara offers visitors panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. Every Tuesday and Saturday, the surrounding area hosts the popular Feira da Ladra flea market, adding a vibrant atmosphere to the historic setting. Today, the National Pantheon serves not only as a mausoleum but also as a venue for important state ceremonies and cultural events. Its architectural grandeur, historical significance, and the memory of the national heroes it houses make it a powerful symbol of Portuguese identity and an essential stop for visitors exploring Lisbon's rich cultural heritage.
Size: 6706px × 4476px
Location: Santa Engracia, Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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