Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Encarnação
The Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Encarnação in the Chiado district of Lisbon dates from 1708.
History
Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Encarnação, like so many other churches in this part of the Portuguese capital, was completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. It was subsequently rebuilt under the direction of the architect Manuel Caetano de Sousa, though the rebuilding works continued until 1873.
The late-Baroque, neo-classical façade has six Corinthian pilasters which accentuate the church's height. The façade is crowned by a triangular pediment.
On the side doors, two small niches house seventeenth century statues.
The interior of the church has a single nave, without a transept, with a large chancel and barrel vaulting. Four small chapels flank the central nave.
The superb sculpture of Our Lady of the Incarnation is by Machado de Castro (1731-1822), Portugal's most celebrated sculptor.
The ornate ceiling paintings by Simon Caetano Nunes are also works of outstanding beauty.
Access
Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Encarnação
Largo Chiado 15
1200-108 Lisbon, Portugal
Tel: 21 342 4623
Admission: Free
The Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Encarnação is close to the Santa Justa elevador, Cafe A Brasileira, Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Loreto, Basílica dos Mártires (Basilica of Our Lady of the Martyrs aka Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Mártires) and the ruined Convento do Carmo.
The nearest station on the Lisbon metro is Baixa-Chiado.
By Lisbon bus take the 758 to Baixa-Chiado Station. The 28 tram also runs close by.