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The best independent guide to Lisbon
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The best independent guide to Lisbon
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Basilica da Estrela, Lisbon Guide
The massive dome of Basilica da Estrela towers above the peaceful Estrela district, to the west of central Lisbon.
This beautiful Basilica was constructed as a religious vow by Queen Maria I (1734 –1816) after giving birth to an heir to the Portuguese throne. The lovingly designed Basilica proved an insufficient offering, as Jose died from Smallpox aged 27, two years before the final completion of the Basilica da Estrela.
Queen Maria, who in her later life suffered with mental illness (in the form of religious mania), was buried in the Basilica da Estrela.
The tram infront of the Basílica da Estrela
The Basilica da Estrela is one of the most ornate churches of Lisbon, with a detailed neoclassical facade and intricate geometric marble patterns that line the interior. Inside is a permanent nativity scene that composes of 500 figures and is carved from cork.
The Basilica da Estrela lies along the number 28 tram and is the best stop along the western side of the line. Opposite the Basilica is the pleasant Jardim da Estrela, and the whole area makes for an enjoyable detour from the hecticness of central Lisbon.
Basilica da Estrela and Queen Mary I of Portugal
Queen Mary, I of Portugal (December 17, 1734 – March 20, 1816) was the first monarch to rule over all of what is considered today as Portugal and Brazil.
She foresaw that without a child and heir to the throne, the infighting between powerful nobles would divide her country, which she had spent her life uniting. Queen Mary I was a deeply religious woman, and she prayed to God, offering to build the greatest church of Lisbon if she were able to bare a healthy child.
Queen Mary’s husband Pedro III was her senior by 20 years, but Mary bore a child on the 20th August 1761, José (Prince of Brazil). The pious queen made true on her act of devotion and started construction of the Estrela Basilica in the winter of 1761.
The magnificent size of the Basilica in combination with the delicate marble detail, resulted in death of Jose before the completion of the Basilica dedicated to him. José died in 1788 at the age of 27 from Smallpox, 2 years before the completion of the Basilica da Estrela and his mother lived for another 28 years.
The Estrela Basilica
Design of the Basilica da Estrela Lisbon
The Basilica da Estrela is a fitting memorial to Jose, constructed in the late baroque and neoclassical style, similar to that of the opulent Mafra National Palace. The Basilica is situated at the top of one of Lisbon’s seven hills which extenuates the height of the huge rococo domed roof.
The Rococo style of architecture originated in France and was a branch of the baroque style which incorporated pastel colours in asymmetric designs and patterns, this style can be clearly seen both inside and out of the Basilica da Estrela. The Basilica da Estrela when original constructed was on the very western edge of Lisbon far away from the overcrowded, poverty stricken districts of Alfama.
Basilica of Lisbon
Inside the Basilica da Estrela the walls and floors are lined by Portuguese black and pink marble which has been arranged to form geometric patterns following the ideals of Rococo styling. Situated on the right of the transept is the elaborate empire-style tomb of Queen Mary and it is fitting that she is buried within her beloved basilica.
The other major attraction of the Basilica da Estrela is the 500 figured nativity scene which was sculptured out of cork by the artist Joaquim Machado de Castro. The huge nativity scene is on permanent display. Across the road from the Basilica da Estrela is the delightful Jardim da Estrela Park and is the perfect location to join Lisbon’s residence relaxing enjoy the weather. The park contains sculptures, exotic plants and an attractive wrought-iron gazebo.
How about a small group tour?
One of the best ways to discover Lisbon and to meet fellow travellers is to join a guided tour. We have worked with Getyourguide.com for the last six years, and some of the best tours of Lisbon include:
Travel to Basilica da Estrela Lisbon
The easiest method of transport to reach the Basilica da Estrela is by the traditional tram (trams 25 or 28) which runs between Praça do Comércio and the Basilica da Estrela. The Basilica is open every day from 7:30am to 8pm and is free to enter. The closest metro station is Rato but this involves a 10 minute walk along the Avenue De Alvares Cabral and through the park Jardim da Estrela.
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If you've enjoyed our content, we'd like to ask for your support.
The internet landscape has changed, and small independent publishers like us face increasing challenges. Search engines now prioritize advertising over organic content, reducing our traffic, while AI systems increasingly copy our original work without attribution.
To help support us, please consider bookmarking our website for easy access. If you find an article useful, we encourage you to share it with friends or on social media. Equally, if you notice anything outdated or incorrect, please let us know so we can promptly address it.
We're always open to collaborating with brands, bloggers, and SEO/PR agencies who value independent creators. If you'd like to work with us or offer support, please reach out at: [email protected]
Thank you for being part of our community and helping us continue to provide valuable content in an increasingly challenging digital environment.