ESTRELA BASILICA + ESTRELA GARDENS

1- BASÍLICA DA ESTRELA

The Estrela Basilica is located just nearby one of the most beautiful parks in Lisbon, namely, Jardim da Estrela. The edifice is one of the most breathtaking Neoclassical churches in the capital of Portugal, with visible Baroque and Rococo touches. The structure is overtopped by two slender bell towers which flank the main entrance, while the dome ensures a striking backdrop for the church (it can also be used as lookout, since it provides great views of Lisbon).
The church was built by order of Queen Mary I of Portugal. The construction works started in 1779, but they were completed no sooner than 1790, two years after the death of Jose, son of Mary and prince of Brazil. The interior is dominated by pink, yellow and gray hues lent by the marble tiles used in building the patterns one can now see on the walls and on the floor. Two of the most important highlights are the tomb of Queen Mary I (in the transept) and an elaborated nativity scene (comprising more than 500 figures) by Joaquim Machado de Castro

THE NATIVITY SCENE OF BASÍLICA DA ESTRELA (*****)

BEHIND THE COFFIN, AN AMAZING CRIB, comprising more than 500 figures

VISITS TO THE ROOF

A - PRAÇA DA ESTRELA

2 - JARDIM 5 DE OUTUBRO

ANCIENT CONVENT OF OUR LADY OF ESTRELINHA

B - JARDIM DA ESTRELA - ESTRELA GARDEN

Locals of Lisbon are very fond of the Estrela Garden. This is a beautifully landscaped venue, with family-oriented leisure facilities giving all visitors the opportunity to spend a few relaxing moments away from the hustle of the city. The garden was laid out in the mid 19th century (between 1842 and 1852) in an exquisite English style, trying to recreate, by artificial means, the look and the atmosphere of a refreshing oasis. It is, thus, one of the oldest public gardens in Lisbon.
Thus, the Estrela Garden, commonly referred to as the Central Park of Lisbon, is a splendid refuge sunken in the heavy greenery (old trees, shrubs, flowerbeds) pegged out by refreshing ponds, fountains and grottoes. Ducks crisscross the ponds and, in order to enhance furthermore the appeal of the parks, its alleys are dotted with statues. The central attraction of the garden refers to a wrought iron pavilion where open-air music shows are held during the summer season. A library can also be spotted in the Estrela Garden.
The venue is overtopped by the Estrela Basilica, one of the most notable religious edifices in Lisbon, which pierces the air with its two slender bell tower in the immediate vicinity of the garden

FROM "JARDIM DA ESTRELA" TO "LARGO DO RATO"

3 - PEDRO ÁLVARES CABRAL MONUMENT

4 - BRITISH CEMETERY

C - AVENIDA PEDRO ÁLVARES CABRAL

D - LARGO DO RATO

5 - MÃE D'ÁGUA

PANORAMA FROM THE TERRACE OF MÃE D´ÁGUA

6 - CHAFARIZ DO RATO ( 18 TH CENTURY FONTAIN )

7 ( TILES INSIDE A PASTRY SHOP)

8 - TILES INSIDE A PASTRY SHOP

FROM  "BASÍLICA DA ESTRELA" TO "MUSEU DE ARTE ANTIGA"

E - CALÇADA DA ESTRELA

8 - PARLIAMENT ( SÃO BENTO )

9 - SMALL GARDEN BESIDE THE PARLIAMENT

10 - CHAFARIZ DA ESPERANÇA

 ( 18 TH CENTYRY FOUNTAIN )

11 - CHURCH OF "SANTOS"

12 - CHAFARIZ DAS JANELAS VERDES 

( MONUMENTAL 18 TH CENTURY FOUNTAIN )

F - MUSEU DE ARTE ANTIGA

 ( ANCIENT ART MUSEUM )

13 - SÃO FRANCISCO DE PAULA CHURCH