Basilica da Estrela, Lisbon – Everything You Need to Know to Visit

Where is the Basilica da Estrela?

The Basilica da Estrela is located in Portugal, in the capital city, Lisbon. It’s in the southwest part of Lisbon, not far from the 25 de Abril bridge. It’s a bit outside of the main city center, which means it’s less crowded and there are fewer tourists around.

The Royal Basilica and Convent of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the full name of the Basilica da Estrela, is not one of the most famous monuments in Portugal, not even in Lisbon. In fact, it’s often skipped by tourists, because it’s outside of the main attractions center.

If you have already visited the classic sights such as the Santa Justa Lift or the Cristo Rei, and you’re looking for more things to do in Lisbon, then I definitely recommend visiting the Basilica.

Interesting Facts About the Basilica da Estrela

Are you fond of facts? I know I am! I love learning more about a place and its history with some quick & interesting facts, so I’ve gathered a few facts about Portugal‘s Basilica da Estrela for you:

• the Basilica da Estrela’s construction started in 1761; it was finished in 1790, 29 years later
• it was the very first church in the world to celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus
• the basilica was built by Queen Maria I of Portugal. She swore to God she would build the best church in Lisbon if she gave birth to a child; in 1761, she became a mother, and initiated the construction the same year
• her child, José Prince of Brazil, died 2 years before the end of the construction of the basilica. Queen Mary of Portugal lived the rest of her life in grief (for 28 years); her tomb is now in the church.

Read more: Discover more facts about Lisbon

Guide to Visit the Basilica da Estrela

Find out below all the information you need to visit the basilica properly, as well as details about the visit itself. 

Get the Lisbon Card to have unlimited access to public transportation.

Lisbon’s Basilica da Estrela Entry Fee + Best Tours

Visiting the Basilica da Estrela Lisbon is free. You can enter when you want, and you don’t have to purchase a ticket.

If you want to visit the Nativity scene or go up the roofs, you’ll have to buy a ticket. You’ll find the prices below:

Basilica da Estrela Opening Hours

The opening hours of the basilica are a key point because it’s closed during lunch, and a lot of people who come to visit during these hours end up not being able to enter. You’ll find below the Basilica Estrela’s opening hours:

How to Get to Basilica da Estrela

🚗 By car:  If you’re driving from the center, it takes around 10-15 minutes to reach the church. Because there is a lot of traffic in Lisbon, I would recommend leaving your car in the center if you’ve already found a parking spot, and using the public transportation system to go to the basilica.

🚊 By public transportation: To reach the Basilica da Estrela in Lisboa with public transportation, you can use the trams Tram 25 or Tram 28 from Praça do Comércio to Estrela. It will take about 20 minutes. 

What to See in the Basilica 

During my first visit to Lisbon, I visited the main “famous” attractions and stayed in the main city center. The second time I visited the capital city, I looked for less popular things to see and found the Basílica da Estrela, a bit off the main tourist area.

I first went to one of the best spots for sunrise in Lisbon, the Cristo Rei, to enjoy the first light of the day over the Tagus estuary and over the 25 de Abril bridge. After sunrise, I drove back across the suspension bridge, got stuck in traffic, and then finally arrived at the Estrela Basilica.

The first thing that surprised me is that the church is in the middle of the city, next to ordinary buildings. The white massive construction contrasts strongly with its surroundings.

The second thing that surprised me is how stunning the basilica is! I’m from Paris, and I’ve seen my fair share of churches. But this one truly is beautiful. The white dome towers over the city, massive and sumptuous. On each side, a bell tower with a clock add to the general beauty of the church.

All over the facade are marble statues, pretty massive yet very detailed, making the Basilica da Estrela one of the most ornate churches in Portugal capital city, Lisbon.

The interior: 

If you found the basilica stunning from the outside, wait till you step inside. While the outside is made of white marble, inside you’ll find a combination of pink, grey, and yellow marble. The geometric patterns formed by the marble are truly grand, and together with the colors of the light and the marble, create an overall majestic atmosphere.

Tomb of Queen Mary: 

One of the two major features inside the Basilica de Estrela is the tomb of Queen Dona Maria I of Portugal, who is now resting inside her beloved church.

The Nativity Scene:

The other major feature you’ll find in the basilica is the Nativity Scene of the Estrela Basilica. The nativity scene, created by sculptor Joaquim Machado de Castro, took 4 years to complete and was finished in 1785.

It’s made of more than 400 figures and is made of wood & cork (for the structure) and terracotta (for the figures). The whole scene is 5 meters wide and 4 meters high (16 by 13 feet).

To see the Nativity Scene, you’ll have to go in the presepio, a small room after the tomb. The entry costs 2€.

The view from the rooftop:

The one thing people often miss when visiting the Basilica da Estrela is going all the way up to the top, and onto the roof!

You’ll first climb the 112 steps that lead up to the dome. From the top of the dome, you’ll have a different view of the dome itself, and you’ll be able to look at the stunning details from up close.

The whole nave of the basilica also looks a lot different from above, and you’ll see a lot of new details from this higher vantage point.

The terrace: 

Once you’ve enjoyed the inside of the church, you’re ready to go outside. Use the door, and step out onto the big Basilica Estrela terrace.

The view from the terrace is a really nice addition to the visit; you can see the dome and the twin bell towers from very close, and you’ll also have a nice view over the neighborhood. As a bonus, you’ll also have a good view over the Ponte 25 de Abril!

Relax in the Lovely Park Jardim da Estrela: 

After your visit, and the hard climb to the top of the basilica, reward yourself with a little relaxing time. Simply cross the street to reach the Estrela garden. Take a stroll in the garden, or simply sit on one of the benches, and enjoy a nice moment, surrounded by flowers, singing birds, and away from the hustle of the city for a second.

Where to Stay near the Estrela Basilica in Lisbon (Hotels + Tips)

If you’re visiting the Basilica da Estrela and Lisbon, you have several options for where to stay. You’ll find below hotels depending on your travel style:

💰 Budget –Host Bell Rooms and Suites: Very cheap accommodation, around 14€ per night for a bed in a 12 beds dorm room. This hostel has the best location, it’s right next to the main square, and everything is within walking distance. There are also tea and coffee machines in every room, which is a big plus.

✅ Comfy –Lost Lisbon: Avenida House: Very comfy rooms, with private bathroom, for around 78€ per night. The two nice bonuses? It’s within walking distance of the city center, and it also comes with a free breakfast!

⭐️ Luxury –The One Palacio da Anunciada: If you’re looking for the perfect dreamy place to relax and enjoy your stay in Lisbon, look no further. The One Palacio da Anunciada might very well be your favorite place in the city; private bathroom, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, indoor pool, and even a sauna! It also has breakfast included, and its location is hard to beat.

Not satisfied with this selection? Find more options in my guide of the 19 best hotels in Lisbon.

For more travel tips to discover Lisbon, make sure to check out these posts that will certainly help you: 

• Best areas to stay in Lisbon
• Lisbon best free walking tours
• The best itinerary to visit Lisbon (with map)
• Best spots for sunset in Lisbon

I hope you enjoy your trip to the Basilica da Estrela and to Portugal! If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply. 🙂