Basilica of Our Lady of the Martyrs, Lisboa, Catholic basilica in Santa Maria Maior, Portugal.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Martyrs is a Baroque church in Lisbon with painted ceilings and ornate altar pieces that fill the interior space. The ceilings were decorated in the 18th century by Pedro Alexandrino de Carvalho, and the overall composition shows the rich decorative style typical of its era.
After the reconquest of Lisbon in 1147, a church was built at this location to honor Crusaders who died in the battle. The present building was constructed after the 1755 earthquake and completed as part of the city's reconstruction.
The name honors soldiers who died during the city's reconquest, and the space serves as a place where visitors today connect with this remembered history. Walking through the interior, you sense how people have gathered here for centuries to acknowledge those whose lives shaped the city.
The church sits in the old city and is reached by walking through narrow streets, so sturdy shoes and comfort with tight spaces are useful. Visitors should expect that access can change and it is helpful to check conditions in advance.
The interior houses a large pipe organ built by craftsmen Machado e Cerveira that still functions today. This organ is a rare example of Portuguese craftsmanship and contributes to the acoustic quality of the church.
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