Igreja de São Domingos

The Igreja de São Domingos, also known as the Church of St. Dominic, is a historic Catholic church located in Lisbon, Portugal.

History

• The church was dedicated in 1241 and has played a significant role in the city's history.
• In the past, the church typically hosted Portuguese royal weddings before the establishment of the modern Portuguese republic in 1910.
• It also served as the former home of the Inquisition, where Jesuit missionary Gabriel Malagrida was executed in 1761 after being accused of treason.
• The church was also the site of the Lisbon massacre in 1506, when thousands of New Christians were murdered by a Christian mob.

The church suffered significant damage during two major earthquakes: the 1531 Lisbon earthquake and the 1755 earthquake. Rebuilding began quickly but wasn't completed until 1807.

Architecture

• The Igreja de São Domingos is classified as a National Monument and features a mix of Gothic and Manueline architectural styles.
• The church's current structure dates back to 1807, although it was built on top of an earlier foundation.

Notable features include the church's façade, which is adorned with intricate stone carvings and ornate details. The interior of the church boasts stunning stained-glass windows and a beautiful organ.

Location

The Igreja de São Domingos is located in the heart of Lisbon, on Praça da Igreja in the Triunfo district. The church is easily accessible by public transportation or on foot.

Notable Features

• The church features a stunning pipe organ that dates back to the 19th century.
• The church has several bells, including a large bell tower that stands at over 60 meters tall.
• The church contains many important paintings and statues, although some were destroyed in the 1959 fire.

Heritage Status

The Igreja de São Domingos is classified as a National Monument, recognizing its historical and cultural significance.

Visiting Information

• The church is open to visitors during regular hours, although it may be closed for special events or ceremonies.
• The church is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators providing access to all areas of the building.

Due to the destruction caused by the 1959 fire, some parts of the church may not be fully restored or accessible.