Cristo Rei

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Inspired by the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, the monumental statue of Cristo Rei towers over the city on the opposite bank of the Tejo River from downtown Lisbon. Built votively for having been spared in World War II, the concrete statue sits on a clifftop at 133 metres above sea level. It comprises an 82 metre high trapezoidal pedestal with 4 orthogonal arches, surmounted by a 28 metre tall statue of Christ facing Lisbon with arms extended out. The interiors have the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace (Nossa Senhora da Paz), Chapel of the Confidantes of the Heart of Jesus, Sala Blessed John XXIII, library, bar, exhibition spaces, and an observation deck. Relics of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Saint John Eudes, Saint Faustina Kowalska, and Blessed Mary of the Divine Heart Droste zu Vischering can be seen in the Chapel of the Confidantes. There is an elevator that takes visitors to the top of the pedestal, where the observation deck offers panoramic views of the city, Tejo, and the 25 de Abril Bridge.

To reach the Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei, you have to take the Green Line metro to the Cais do Sodre station, walk 120 metres down to the Terminal Fluvial (Ferry Terminal), take a 15 minute ferry ride across the river to Cacilhas on the opposite bank, and finally take a bus (number 101) or walk 3 kms to the statue. Check the ferry departure times at Transtejo, and bus schedulat at Bus Schedule.