Description
The Cristo Rei statue is not only one of Portugal's tallest monuments, but also a fascinating place for anyone who wants to combine spiritual significance with breathtaking panoramic views. Located on the southern side of the Tagus River in Almada, the 28-meter-high statue of Christ sits atop a 75-meter-high pedestal and offers one of the most spectacular views of Lisbon. The monumental statue with outstretched arms is a symbol of peace and protection that has towered over the Portuguese capital for decades.
Viewing platform and panoramic view
The viewing platform at a height of 75 meters offers a breathtaking 360-degree view over Lisbon, the Tagus River, the famous Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, and all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can easily reach the platform by elevator and then climb a narrow spiral staircase. Especially in the early morning hours or at sunset, an unforgettable panorama unfolds here that delights photographers and city lovers alike. The view of the red-glowing suspension bridge, reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge, is one of the most iconic photo motifs in the region.
Religious sanctuary and pilgrimage site
Cristo Rei is much more than a tourist attraction. As an important pilgrimage site, the monument ranks alongside Fátima and Santiago de Compostela as one of the three most important spiritual destinations on the Iberian Peninsula. Inside the base is the main chapel, Nossa Senhora da Paz (Our Lady of Peace), where masses and devotions are held daily. The peaceful atmosphere on the spacious plateau in front of the statue invites visitors to linger and reflect. Thousands of believers gather here, especially on religious holidays such as Easter.
Architectural masterpiece
The monumental reinforced concrete structure clad in natural stone is an impressive example of Portuguese engineering from the 1950s. With a total height of 110 meters, Cristo Rei is one of the nine tallest statues of Christ in the world. After dark, the statue is impressively illuminated by a modern lighting system and can be seen for miles around. The technical equipment has been continuously modernized to protect the monument from wind and weather.
Connection to Rio de Janeiro
Since 2007, there has been an official partnership with the famous Cristo Redentor statue in Rio de Janeiro, which served as inspiration for the Portuguese monument. This symbolic connection underscores the historical and cultural ties between Portugal and Brazil.
Historical Information
The idea for Cristo Rei came about in 1934, when Lisbon's archbishop Dom Manuel Gonçalves Cerejeira visited the famous Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro and was inspired by it. When Portugal was spared the horrors of war during World War II, the Portuguese bishops made a vow in 1940: they would erect a monumental statue of Christ in gratitude. After the war ended, construction began in 1949, financed by donations from the entire population – even children collected money for the national monument over a period of years.
Designed by architect António Lino and sculptor Francisco Franco de Sousa, the statue was inaugurated on May 17, 1959, after ten years of construction – an event attended by over 300,000 people. The monument consists of a concrete structure clad in natural stone. There are several chapels in the base, and since the 1980s, the complex has been continuously restored and effectively illuminated after dark using modern lighting technology.
How to get there
By car
Free parking is available directly at the Christ the King statue.
By public transport
From Lisbon, take the ferry from the Cais do Sodré terminal to Cacilhas (approx. 10-minute crossing). From the Cacilhas stop, take bus 3001 directly to the Cristo Rei statue. Alternatively, take tram lines 1 and 3 to the Almada stop, from where it is about a 15-minute walk.