Pantheon of Santa Engrácia

Overview

The Panteão Nacional is a Baroque masterpiece of white marble and polychrome stone, originally the Church of Santa Engrácia. Now Portugal's National Pantheon, it houses the tombs of navigators, presidents, and Fado legend Amália Rodrigues.

Highlights

• Dome terrace: The rooftop offers one of Lisbon's best panoramic viewpoints — less crowded than most miradouros.
• Cenotaphs: Symbolic tombs of Vasco da Gama, Henry the Navigator, and Pedro Álvares Cabral.
• Amália Rodrigues tomb: The legendary Fado singer was transferred here in 2001.

History

Construction began in 1681 but took so long that "obras de Santa Engrácia" became a Portuguese idiom for a project that never finishes. The dome wasn't completed until 1966.

Visitor Tips

• Climb to the roof: The terrace offers some of the best 360° views in the city.
• Closed Mondays: Plan around the Monday closure.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.