Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Loreto, Baroque church in Santa Maria Maior, Portugal

Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Loreto is a baroque chapel in central Lisbon featuring intricately carved stone facades and multiple side altars. The interior displays religious sculptures and paintings arranged throughout several chapel spaces and alcoves.

The first church on this site was built in 1522 for Lisbon's Venetian and Genoese merchants; D. João V elevated it in 1518 as the church of the Italians. The earthquake of 1 November 1755 caused severe damage, and the church was rebuilt in 1785 under architect José da Costa e Silva. Green stone Solomonic columns, installed in 1671, were imported from Genoa.

Known as Igreja dos Italianos, it was raised by King João V in 1518 for Lisbon's Venetian and Genoese merchants, and it depends directly on the Holy See as a suffragan of the Archbasilica of St John Lateran. Paintings and sculptures were imported from Genoa, and the twelve side chapels, faced in Italian marble, are dedicated to the twelve apostles.

The chapel sits in a busy neighborhood of the old city and is easily reached on foot from nearby attractions. Visitors should check opening hours before visiting, as this is an active place of worship and may have restricted access during prayer times.

The church is also called Igreja dos Italianos: D. João V elevated it in 1518 to serve Lisbon's Italian merchants, mainly Venetians and Genoese. It depends directly on the Holy See and is a suffragan of the Archbasilica of St John Lateran in Rome. Look for the green stone Solomonic columns installed in 1671, inspired by Bernini's baldachin in St Peter's.