Discover Portugal is fully reader-supported. For that reason, this article contains some affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you purchase through links on this page at no additional cost to you. All revenue is used to keep this website free and updated. I only recommend products or services that I would use myself. You’ll be able to read the full disclaimer here. Thanks for your support!
Table of Contents
The history of the National Pantheon in Lisbon
Did you know that it took so long to build the PanteΓ£o Nacional in Lisbon that it’sΒ the longest monument ever to be completed in Portugal? Construction of the Church of Santa EngrΓ‘cia started in the 16th century, and the dome was completed in 1966. It took more than 300 years! No wonder people use the expression, βitβs a job like Santa EngrΓ‘cia,β when something takes forever. In the end, it wasnβt even ever used as a church.
The Church of Saint EngrΓ‘cia is built on the foundations of an earlier church. This building was torn down in 1630 after being trashed by a robbery. The story goes that a Jew was blamed for the theft, and he got executed. Before his death, however, he cursed the church; hence it took many years to be completed.
Since 1916, the Church of Saint EngrΓ‘cia has been known as the National Pantheon and as the first baroque monument in Portugal. The building was inspired by the Basilica di San Pietro in Vatican City in Rome and was designed by royal architect JoΓ£o Antunes. The multicoloured marble interior and the huge dome have many similarities.
What to see inside the National Pantheon
The National Pantheon holds the tombs of many famous Portuguese people. Examples are navigator Vasco de Gama (buried in the JerΓ³nimos Monastery in BelΓ©m), Queen of Fado AmΓ‘lia Rodrigues, footballer EusΓ©bio da Silva Ferreira, Infante D. Henrique (Prince Henry the Navigator, buried at the Batalha Monastery), and poet LuΓs de CamΓ΅es (buried in the JerΓ³nimos Monastery in BelΓ©m).
In the middle of the Pantheon, youβll discover an octagonal floor plan with the tombs surrounding the centre at the Greek Cross. You can find other tombs in the small rooms on each side of the National Pantheon. You can also climb up the stairs and visit the fantastic terrace around the dome. From the balcony, you have a stunning view of Lisbon and Alfama.
National Pantheon Lisbon tickets
Do you want to see this beauty for yourself? The ticket price for the National Pantheon Lisbon is only β¬ 4,00, and you can buy a ticket online by clicking HERE. Buying your tickets online will give you fast-track access to the National Pantheon.
FREE with Lisboa Card
Opening times
The National Pantheon in Lisbon is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM until 6 PM. The site is closed on Mondays.
How to get to the National Pantheon
The closest metro station to the National Pantheon is Santa Apolonia. Itβs a bit of a steep climb up, but well worth it! If you come by tram, you can ride the famous Tram 28, which stops very close to the Pantheon in Lisbon.
Other things to do in Alfama
Lisbonβs National Pantheon is located on the edge of Alfama, in SΓ£o Vicente. Every Tuesday and Saturday, you can visit the flea market Feira da Ladra (Thieves Market) here! The fleamarket is next to the Pantheon and nearby the Igreja de SΓ£o Vicente de Fora.
Further in the heart of Alfama, you can visit the famous Fado Museum, the viewpoint Santa Luzia, and Castle SΓ£o Jorge. If youβd like to see another church from the inside, you can have a look at SΓ© de Lisboa, the oldest remaining cathedral in Lisbon.
If you plan to visit the SΓ© de Lisboa and the Azulejo Tile Museum (close to Alfama), a combi-ticket to all three sights will save you money. If you want to visit the SΓ© de Lisboa and the Pantheon but skip the Azulejo Museum, you also pay less.
For the best views, you can visit Miradouro da GraΓ§a and the highest of all, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Do you want to stay for dinner in the oldest neighbourhood of Lisbon? Then itβs recommended to enjoy a Fado show in Alfama.
Where to stay
Alfama is a lovely neighbourhood to stay in, and there is a wide variety of hotels, B&Bβs and apartments. If you decide to book a room in Alfama, you have all these beautiful sights within reach!
Visiting the Pantheon is perfect for a rainy day in Lisbon. But there is more to do! Check out this comprehensive list of things to do when it rains in Lisbon.
7 Responses
Lisbon Pantheon is so beautiful. I remember once I walked in I was in awe on the space inside.
Great tips on nearby view points and things to do.
What a gorgeous building. I always like to stop and look upwards into the dome too!
I visited on a cloudy day last year and it was impressive, but your photos on a sunny day make me want to go back again! I will be in Lisbon for 6 weeks this winter so hoping for at least one sunny day π
Thank for sharing another iconic landmark in Portugal. The intricate designs of the Pantheon is fascinating. I enjoy looking at your stinning pictures and learning about the history of the National Pantheon in Lisbon.
The Pantheon looks beautiful! I will need to add this to my bucket list
Looks like a beautiful place to visit. Thanks for sharing this with us.
This is so informational thank you so much for sharing this with me!!! I cannot wait to go and see the National Pantheon for myself π