Church of Saint Blaise and Saint Lucy

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Santiago

Location

Situated in the historic city of Lisbon, right in the locality of Lisbon, within the municipality and district of the same name, the Church of São Brás and Santa Luzia stands in the former parish of Santiago. Its location is particularly evocative, as it is built upon the ancient Moorish wall, a strategic position that grants it a unique perspective over the surroundings of the eastern part of the city. The surrounding environment is characteristic of the narrow and winding streets of old Lisbon, immersed in an atmosphere of the past and tradition.

Historical and Defensive Roots

The origins of this church are deep, dating back to the 12th century. Its history is closely linked to the Knights of the Order of Malta, evidencing its role not only as religious but also as strategic. Originally, this edifice functioned as a true fortress-church, a construction advanced upon the outskirts of the city, intended to protect and watch over the eastern access points of Lisbon. This duality of functions, sacred and military, shaped its identity and importance over the centuries.

A Legacy of Faith and Resilience

As a testament to an architecture that adapted to defensive imperatives, the Church of São Brás and Santa Luzia represents a notable example of the urban and military evolution of Lisbon. Its existence upon the ancient Moorish wall symbolizes the transition and overlay of cultures in the city. It is a place that invites reflection on the resilience and transformation of a space that, over several generations, served simultaneously as a place of prayer and defense.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt