Igreja de São Miguel Lisbon

Igreja de São Miguel, Alfama, Lisbon, Portugal. — Igreja de São Miguel in the Alfama district of Lisbon

The Igreja de São Miguel (Church of Saint Michael) is a notable landmark in the Alfama district of Lisbon.

The church has a pleasant façade with two bell towers flanking a central niche. It is located in Largo de São Miguel next to the large Junta de Freguesia de São Miguel building.

Igreja de São Miguel, Portugal. — The interior of the church showing the superb altar

History

The church has a long history going back to the mid-12th century (1150) but was completely rebuilt between 1673 and 1720 in Mannerist and Baroque style by architect João Nunes Tinoco.

The church has a single nave with six side chapels and is full of beautifully-preserved ornate gilded woodwork (talha dourada) and exquisite paintings.

Interior Art

The interior is quite breath-taking in a city of breath-taking interiors. There are paintings by the 17th century Portuguese artist Bento Coelho da Silveira, who was the royal painter of Pedro II (1648-1706).

The incredible altar begun in 1723 survived the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake.

Access & Hours

Largo de São Miguel 6
1100-117 Lisboa, Portugal
Tel: 218 866 559

Only open twice on weekdays and Sunday morning for mass, though these openings may change without notice.

Lisbon buses #206, #210, #728, #735, #759 and #794 stop close to the church on Av. Infante Dom Henrique near the River Tagus. Tram 28 is also convenient for Alfama as is bus #737.

Igreja de Santo Estêvão, Portugal. — The Igreja de Santo Estêvão is nearby

Nearby

The Museu do Fado is close by as well as another historic church, the Igreja de Santo Estêvão.

Several eateries line nearby Rua de São Pedro. Santa Apolonia Station and Lisbon Cathedral (Sé) are also within easy walking distance as is the interesting Fundação Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva dedicated to Portuguese decorative arts.

There are several hotels nearby including the Palacete Chafariz Del Rei, housed in a 19th century aristocratic family home and the four-star Memmo Alfama, also housed in a 19th century building with outdoor pool with views of the River Tagus.