Church of Saint Dominic image

Church of Saint Dominic

Tourist attraction Catholic church

Established in 1241, this landmark Roman Catholic church was rebuilt after earthquakes & a fire. People often mention church, fire, Lisbon, visit, Church, beautiful, damaged, time, earthquake, history,


Address

Largo São Domingos, 1150-320 Lisboa, Portugal

Website

www.patriarcado-lisboa.pt

Contact

+351 21 342 8275

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (2.9K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 7:30 AM to 7 PM
  • Friday: 7:30 AM to 7 PM
  • Saturday: 7:30 AM to 7 PM
  • Sunday: 7:30 AM to 7 PM
  • Monday: 7:30 AM to 7 PM
  • Tuesday: 7:30 AM to 7 PM
  • Wednesday: 7:30 AM to 7 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: church (55) fire (21) Lisbon (14) visit (13) Church (10) beautiful (8) damaged (8) time (8) earthquake (7) history (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Linda S. 2 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful church, amazing it still stands after it was damaged by the 1531 earthquake and then almost completely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and then again in 1959 the church was devastated once more when a fire broke out. It humbles you seeing the church knowing all this. 🙌
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Murat Y. 7 months ago on Google • 262 reviews
    Church of Saint Dominic, located next to Praça Dom Pedro IV, which was once one of the most important squares of the city, is one of the important structures in the history of Lisbon, although it seems like a church that only attracts tourists today. Built in the 13th century, this church was for a long time the largest church in Lisbon and witnessed many events such as the Lisbon massacre and the execution of Gabriel Malagrida. In the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755, only the sacristy and altar survived from the church. The rebuilding of the church took more than 50 years. Maintaining its importance until the 20th century, the church hosted Portuguese royal weddings. It had partially lost its importance with the establishment of the Portuguese Republic. In a fire in 1959, many artifacts were destroyed and the building fell into disrepair. Although the church was reopened in 1994 after the restoration, it is possible to see the traces of the fire on the walls. The magnificence of the building, the real traces of the fire on the walls and the choice of textures on the places painted in the restoration added a unique atmosphere to the church. From the first moment you enter, you feel like you are in a place that has seen great pain. I recommend it as a structure that should be visited in Lisbon and its history should be studied together with the surrounding region.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 F M. 1 year ago on Google
    The first time we have been kicked out of the church because we were wearing tank tops. This while churches are exposing half naked statues of saints like St Sebastian....
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ricardo M. 1 month ago on Google • 1019 reviews New
    Very impressive building with an even more impressive history. It suffered earthquakes and fires and left it at its current state. I think it is beautiful. Damaged, but whole.

  • 5/5 Helen I. 1 year ago on Google • 159 reviews
    I love this old church because it is very different from those I saw. It is simple, natural and has traces of the damages from fire and earth quake. I also like those tall stone columns which makes the church looks very strong. I strongly recommend it.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dejan B. 1 year ago on Google
    Do not expect lavish decorations, gilded sculptures, marble carvings, painted ceiling, stained glass, Azulejos....and other Church decorations you're used to see in Portuguese Churches. Contrary to that, you'll see eerie interiors with damaged stone columns, partly with black leftovers from fire and the ceiling painted in orange. But, in these features is the beauty of this very unusual Church in Portugal capital. Once the place of royal weddings, this Church was severely damaged, but survived earthquakes and fires. Don't miss this different kind beauty as it's very easy accessible - in the very center, steps away from the Rossio square.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Morteza Ghorbani E. 1 year ago on Google • 240 reviews
    Very nice and well kept church after the fire tragedy, which makes some of the building indoor structures a bit broken but nice to see them as they were and the story behind it. I have uploaded a shot of the story behind the fire in the church and some of the videos to make it more visible perhaps how it feels to be inside. Ask if you have any questions.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 RGSOUNDF 4 years ago on Google
    The church is located in the northeastern corner of Rossio Square, between the former and Praça da Figueira. It is one of the oldest churches in Lisbon, built in the XIIIth century, and according to the guide books, its first stone was laid in 1241. The church is truly majestic, its nave spacious and wide, and its sheer scale can't be adequately guessed by looking at its exterior. Fittingly, the church has served as a place for royal weddings, funeral and other state ceremonies. Both aisles feature interesting chapels, even though most of the original paintings, altar part, and other relics have been destroyed at one point or another in the church's long history. Igreja de São Domingos has survived many cataclysmes, including earthquakes, and not just the devastating earthquake of 1755, but the one proceeding it by over 200-plus years, that took place in 1531. More recently, the entire church interior was completely gutted by a fire of August 13, 1959. After lengthy restoration works that lasted several decades, the church reopened but a decision was taken to keep the wall behind the altar and catedra in its fire-destroyed shape, which conveys a very austere and dramatic appearance. Right outside the church, there is a memorial featuring the Star of David and dedicated to the terrible Jewish massacre of 1506, also known as Lisbon Pogrom, that started in the Igreja de São Domingos.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stanly P. 3 months ago on Google • 188 reviews New
    The church looks very old and bears the scars of the fire in 1959. Though a lot of damages, they are still preserved well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tony L. 1 month ago on Google • 356 reviews New
    Very interesting church. Never knew that extreme heat can melt stone. Worth a visit

  • 5/5 Genesis J. 8 months ago on Google • 12 reviews
    This place is so beautiful, really amazing , It is a very nice and big church you should visit !
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michail K. 4 months ago on Google • 235 reviews
    One of the most beautiful churches I ever seen.

  • 5/5 Chris 4 years ago on Google
    A magnificent Romanesque Church that is free to visit in the heart of Old Town Lisbon. It has very few decorations and truly has the look of what should be an old Romanesque building. The church was heavily damaged in a fire in the 1950s but that just adds another level of character to the church.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kamal D. 2 years ago on Google
    Signs of the fire and earthquake were left on purpose I’m guessing which helps show how old this church is!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Caroline F. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful church despite not being as ornate as others. There’s something quite beguiling about it’s flawed appearance… Steeped in history and most definitely worth a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 macedonboy 4 years ago on Google
    The Igreja de São Domingos is a church that been destroyed not once, but three times in the Lisbon earthquakes of 1531 and 1755, and lastly in a fire in 1959. Although renovated after the fire and restored so that it would be structurally sound, much of the damage remain and clearly visible. Many of the chapels look a little like ruins, albeit redecorated to be like a typical church chapel. Actually the ruined look gives the church a rather interesting look and makes it more atmospheric. Worth a visit when in Lisbon, especially if you have a bit of time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kadri K. 2 years ago on Google
    The old and new have been brought together very nicely and respectfully. A true House of God with peace and great spirit. It's free to visit as well, so do step in if you are around!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Damian S. 3 months ago on Google • 225 reviews New
    Beautiful historic gem in the heart of the city. You'll be in awe of its size, majesty and splendour. The building itself is beautiful and they have not tried to hide the scars inflicted on it over hundreds of years, but embraced them and told the narrative of the building beautifully with a series of notice boards in multiple.languages. Free to visit, to gaze, admire or to simply pray, donations accepted for its upkeep. A real must see on any visit.

  • 5/5 Stefan V. 4 months ago on Google • 167 reviews
    Looks great, worth a visit. There are also several masses a day for believers. The church was damaged during several occasions and even though these events were really unfortunate, it gives it a special charm

  • 4/5 Ouranio A. 7 months ago on Google • 132 reviews
    Church of Saint Dominic, next to Praça Dom Pedro IV a very beautiful square of the city. Initially it was the largest church in Lisbon and in 1755 the church had been destroyed due to an earthquake. A monument that must be visited.

  • 5/5 Duru Y. 2 months ago on Google • 7 reviews New
    A Roman Catholic church which was damaged by an earthquake and then a fire in the past, it is very pretty and interesting inside, since it was not like the other churches I visited on this trip I had a good time visiting it and reading about it. Very cool, be silent during mass though. Free entry.

  • 5/5 Annalisa A. 7 months ago on Google
    It's simply amazing. I walked into the place around 9am, by the end of mass and I was simply out of words. This church was devastated by 3 earthquakes and a fire and you can see that. You can see the damage that was left and it looked scary and marvelous at the same time. You wonder how this church is still standing. It's a must see, more than other paid places.

  • 2/5 Alexandre B. 8 months ago on Google
    Active services in this church; you need to be in your ‘Sunday dress’ to enter. I’d only visit to learn more about the Irmandades Negras.

  • 1/5 Neil R. 10 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    This is one of the top historical churches to visit in Lisbon. Most churches are open on Sunday, obviously, and are easily accessible once the Sunday Masses are complete. Definitely do not miss the Church of St. Dominic! We couldn't access the interior of the church due to multiple baptisms going on that day.

  • 4/5 Barbara Volk (. 2 years ago on Google
    I was impressed by this church, the walls inside are kind of violet, nothing l have seen before. Sadly I couldn't take photos during the mass - so don't come on Sunday morning.

  • 5/5 Antoin K. 2 years ago on Google
    Sunday morning 15th August 2021. Entered the church upon hearing beautiful singing. A young lady was singing as part of mass, with an organist. Some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard. As it was the feast of the assumption they were singing a Portuguese hymn to Maria. Who is the singer. She was so talented.

  • 5/5 Philippe B. 1 year ago on Google
    Located next to Rossio, the church deserves a look. Devastated by the 1959 fire, it was not renovated and kept in its current state. Impressive settings and atmosphere

  • 5/5 nayana m. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the oldest church in lisbon city. This is a single church in the world for it's history, the memory of greatness and misfortune, and the scars of fire. A sanctuary in the center of Lisbon, that leaves no one indifferent.

  • 5/5 Olú A. 1 year ago on Google
    A #little #history : This church was dedicated in 1241 and was, at one time, the largest church in Lisbon. Typically it once hosted Portuguese royal weddings (no wonder the chairs are arranged perfectly). This church is the epitome of #resilience as it was two times damaged by earthquakes in 1531 & 1755 and one time damaged by fire in 1959. Today, the church is accessible by all (persons with special needs won’t have any problem at all getting into or out of the church), daily mass in Portuguese starts at 8:00 am to about 8:25 or 8:30 am and it’s a very welcoming church.

  • 5/5 Arthur R. 2 years ago on Google
    Love the architecture of old chaples. The generations of parishioners who graced the pews in times of great happiness and of great sadness can be felt in the very fabric of its walls. Lit a candle and said a prayer for us all.

  • 5/5 Wendy L. 2 years ago on Google
    So sad to read that it was destroy by earthquake and fire. I've never see anything like this church!

  • 5/5 Vlad B. 1 year ago on Google
    Very unusual Church inside. I've never seen this before. Walls are untouched by ruins of war, and new walls surround them.

  • 5/5 Justin R. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful historic church. Absolutely stop by during your visit.

  • 4/5 Nidhi S. 4 years ago on Google
    Oh what an amazing experience this was, plus we got lucky as we entered there was a opera concert and it was just breathtaking. Plus this Church is different from any other usual churches, it's fully stone carved and has an amazing feel to it. It's a definite one time visit!

  • 5/5 Ekaterina Z. 4 years ago on Google
    Impressive architecture! The Church was opened after reconstruction in 1994. Due to the complexity of the work, the interior was partially restored.

  • 5/5 yw17 2 years ago on Google
    The church was destroyed by the fire before, and it’s refined. Nice work 👍

  • 5/5 Neil D. 2 years ago on Google
    A church which looks like it has received damage at some point in its life. When you go inside the ceiling has been painted red and the sides are very basic. When I went there was a service going on. Only downsize was begging going on outside the entrance


Call +351 21 342 8275 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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