Sanctuary of Christ the King

The Sanctuary of Christ the King rises on a hill overlooking the Tagus, a white concrete figure atop a tall portal. The arms stretch over Almada toward the capital.

Bishops pledged its erection to express thanks that Portugal was spared in the war. Work began in 1949 and ended a decade later.

The figure carries the title Christ the King after a Catholic feast established in the early twentieth century. Believers come to the chapel at the base for services and private devotion.

An elevator brings visitors to a platform in the base for a view over river and city. The site is open daily, mornings usually calmer than afternoons.

The architect had visited the statue in Brazil and used similar proportions for head and hands. The project was also meant to strengthen the importance of the southern shore beyond the traditional Lisbon core.

Location: Almada, Cova da Piedade, Pragal e Cacilhas

Inception: May 17, 1959

Architects: António Lino

Creator: Francisco Franco

Architectural style: modern architecture

Height: 110 m

Address: Alto do Pragal, Av. do Cristo Rei, 2800-058 Almada, Portugal

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-19:00

Phone: +351212751000

Website: http://cristorei.pt

GPS coordinates: 38.67861,-9.17139

Latest update: December 13, 2025 18:02