The Cristo Rei stands on the Almada cliffs on the south bank of the Tagus, arms open towards Lisbon across the water. It was built in the 1950s, modelled on the Christ in Rio, and the platform at its feet has the widest view of the city you’ll find.
Getting there
By car it’s a few minutes over the 25 de Abril bridge, or about 15 minutes from Costa da Caparica. Without a car, take the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas and then the bus up to the sanctuary.
The viewpoint
A lift runs up the 80-metre pedestal to an open platform. From there you look straight down the bridge, across the whole of central Lisbon, the river and the docks. Late-afternoon light is best — the statue and the bridge both face west.
Good to know
- Small fee for the lift; the grounds and chapel are free
- Open daily, with longer hours in summer
- There’s a café and a small shop on site
- Easy to combine with a seafood lunch in Cacilhas or an afternoon on the Caparica beaches