About the Royal Basilica (Estrella Basilica) and Convent of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Lisbon:
Founded by Queen Maria I, Queen of Portugal, construction of this Basilica and Carmelite convent began in 1779. It has the distinction of being the first basilica built in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and is one of the most beautiful churches in Lisboon..
During her wedding in 1760, Queen Maria I promised to build a church if she had a son. When she gave birth to a son, she had the basilica built in thanksgiving. She was sometimes called Maria the Mad in Braxil due to mental illness that manifested itself later in life. Despite this, she is credited (through the efforts of her son) with laying the groundwork for the independence in Brazil.
Although she died in 1816 in Brazil, her body was brought back here in 1821, and her tomb is here in the Basilica.
The building also houses a remarkable baroque nativity scene with over 500 terracotta and cork images. It’s the country’s largest nativity scene, created by leading sculptor Machado de Castro.
Visiting the Royal Basilica (Estrella Basilica) and Convent of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Lisbon:
Address: Praça da Estrela, 1200-667 Lisboa, Portugal
Tel: +351 21 396 0915
We are not aware of any official website for The Royal Basilica and Convent of the Most Sacred Heart in Lisbon.
