Bruce K.
Yelp
Formerly the Church of Santa Engrácia when construction of the current structure began in 1681, it was converted to being the National Penthon in 1916 and construction completed in 1966. The Greek cross shape and the general feel of a church is undeniable. Visiting in the lows of the off-season in mid-January, it was very uncrowded and I was completely alone for most of my visit.
Masks are still required and they've laid out the stairs to be one-way up and a separate set of stairs down. A bit of a workout climbing the flights but once up on the roof terrace, the view of Lisbon is beyond perfect. On this sunny afternoon, it was absolutely ideal. And then climbing further up to the dome and getting a look down from the narrow ledge was a bit vertigo-inducing but I wouldn't miss it.
Once back down to ground level, you can visit the cenotaph where several important Portuguese are buried (or tributes). These include Presidents of the Portuguese Republic, Presidential Candidate Humberto Delgado (they named the LIS airport after him), Afonso de Albuquerque, Vasco da Gama and others.
An absolute bargain at €4 for entrance and unlimited access. Do not miss it when you visit Lisbon. Obviously, only the ground floor is handicapped accessible. There is no lift or escalator or ramp.
[Review 16595 overall - 112 in Portugal - 105 of 2022.]