Cristo Rei
Christ the King status in Lisbon
My Visit To The Statue
The Cristo Rei (Christ the King) statue stands on the south side of the Tagus River overlooking Lisbon. I visited around 6pm on a November evening as was able to catch breathtaking views of the city, the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril bridge and the coast and mountains beyond both in daylight and at sunset.
It cost approx 5 euro to take the elevator up to the viewing patform which stands 80m high. As the statue is built on a hill overlooking the river the view from the bottom and top of the statue are well worth a visit.
ABOUT THE STATUE
Cristo Rei, located in Lisbon, Portugal, stands as a striking testament to faith, devotion, and architectural brilliance. This towering monument, reminiscent of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, overlooks the Tagus River and the picturesque cityscape of Lisbon. Erected in 1959, it was conceived as a symbol of gratitude for Portugal’s escape from the ravages of World War II and to promote peace in the world. The statue itself, with outstretched arms, exudes a sense of serenity and benevolence, offering both locals and visitors a moment of contemplation and inspiration. The panoramic views from the viewing platform surrounding the statue are breathtaking, providing a unique vantage point to admire Lisbon’s beauty and the Tagus River flowing gracefully beneath. Cristo Rei is not only a religious landmark but also a cultural and historical treasure, captivating hearts with its spiritual significance and awe-inspiring presence.
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How to Find The STATUE
I took the train from Lisbon Campolide station (near the city centre) across the river to Pragal, and then took a tram to Almada and finally a 10 minute walk up hill on local roads to the statue.
To be honest, if i went again I’d take a taxi instead as it is not particularly easy to find by public transport, but would be quite easy and an enjoyable scenic ride from the city centre in a car.