Church of Saint Lucy (tombs)

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Santiago

Location

The Church of Santa Luzia is located in the parish of Santiago, in Lisbon, and close to the well-known Santa Luzia viewpoint, which offers impressive views over the city.

Historical Origin

The church has historical roots that date back to the reign of D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. Its initial construction is linked to the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, now known as the Order of Malta. Currently, the church serves as the headquarters of the Portuguese Assembly of Knights of this Order.

Architecture and Reconstruction

The current structure of the church was built in the 18th century, having been rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1755. The architect Mateus Vicente de Oliveira was responsible for the remodeling works, which gave the church its current appearance.

Highlights

On the side of the church, it is possible to appreciate two tile panels. These panels represent important historical moments, such as the capture of Lisbon from the Moors and the old Praça do Comércio, before the 1755 earthquake. The church's floor plan follows the Latin cross format, typical of the religious architecture of the time.

Tombs

When visiting the church, tourists can observe ancient tombs, a historical detail that adds depth to the visit, reflecting the long history of the place and its importance to the community over the centuries.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_de_Santa_Luzia_(Lisboa)

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