The Cristo Rei Shrine is located in Almada, near the famous 25th of April Bridge and is a favourite with tourists. A giant, 28 metre-high statue of Christ standing on a 75 metre-tall pedestal, it provides one of the best vantage points from which to capture a bird’s-eye view of Lisbon.
The inspiration for the monument came from Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, Manuel Gonçalves Cerejeira visit to Brazil in the 30’s. Inspired by the Christ Corcovado statue, in Rio de Janeiro, he expressed the desire to build something similar in Lisbon.
Cristo Rei was finished in 1969 and took the sculptor, Francisco Franco de Sousa, 10 years to build. Its purpose is said to be to thank God for having spared Lisbon from the ravages of World War II. At that time, the Cardinal made a memorable statement: ‘This will always be a sign of national gratitude for the gift of peace’.
From the front balcony of the monument you can admire amazing views of the Lisbon waterfront. At the entrance hall of the Monument you will find two oil paintings one portraying the Consecration of the World to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, by Pope John Paul II on 1984, in St. Peter's Square the other painting portrays the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. These paintings are closely linked to the message of Peace that is associated with this shrine.
The elevator takes you up to the feet of the statue, where you have access to a stunning panoramic 360-degree view of the city.
To reach Cristo Rei you can take a ferry to Cacilhas from Cais do Sodré, in Lisbon. Then you take bus 101 (departs every half hour), which drops you off at the entrance to the shrine.
