Written by Gustave - Updated on Jun 15, 2025
This article will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about the statue of Christ the King in Lisbon, a historical and religious monument.
There are several statues around the world that have a special history. The one in Portugal, known as “Christ the King,” is a monument that is well known throughout the world and visited by thousands of tourists every year. In addition to being an interesting structure, Christ the King in Lisbon has a direct link to the Christian religion, hence its name.
It is the most visited monument by tourists in Portugal. Its popularity is almost identical to that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. To help all Christians understand the meaning of the statue of Christ the King, we have put together an article that provides all the important information about the history and significance of the statue of Christ the King in Lisbon. What is the value of the monument for Christians? Why was this statue built? Why is it in this location today?
In this article, you will find:
- The characteristics of Christ the King in Lisbon
- The history of the statue of Christ the King of Portugal
- The significance of the statue of Christ the King
- Christ the King symbolizes faith
- The monument of the Lord protects Christians
- A symbolic reminder of Jesus for all Christians
Let's start reading this article now!
The characteristics of Christ the King in Lisbon
Christ the King of Lisbon is a religious sanctuary and monument that depicts the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is important to note that this statue is not located in the city of Lisbon, as its name suggests, but rather in the municipality of Almada, Portugal. It is because the religious statue faces the city of Lisbon, relative to the mouth of the Tagus River, that it is called “Christ the King of Lisbon.”
This enormous structure is 110 meters high, making it the tallest structure in Portugal. Christ the King of Portugal has two distinct parts. The statue itself was placed on an 82-meter-high portico. The portico was designed by a popular Portuguese architect, Antonio Lino.
The second part of the structure is the statue of Christ. It is 28 meters high and has open arms, which is very meaningful to Christians. This gesture allows believers to feel that Christ is present to bless Christians and, above all, to protect them from evil. Christ is facing the Portuguese capital and thus plays an important role in protecting the region. The sculptor Francisco Franco de Sousa is the creator of this historic monument, which is famous throughout the world.
The statue weighs 40,000 tons. For believers, Christ the King has a chapel dedicated especially to Our Lady of Peace. The latter is also an important structure that plays an essential role in religion and belief.
The Christ the King statue in Lisbon is the most popular tourist attraction in the city of Almada. Its popularity is equal to that of the beaches of the Costa de Caparica. When visiting this structure, you will have a unique and unforgettable view of the areas surrounding the statue.
History of the Christ the King statue in Portugal
Construction of Christ the King
The statue of Christ the Redeemer was erected in 1934 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was this statue that inspired the Patriarch of Lisbon, D. Manuel Gonçalves Cerejeira, to design a monument that would look the same in his home city. It was in 1936 that D. Manuel Gonçalves Cerejeira passed on his idea to the apostolic prayer movement. The latter thought that the idea of building the statue was a very good one, not only for religion but also for the city of Lisbon. The project was then presented to all the bishops of Portugal. The official presentation took place in 1937 during Lent.
On April 20, 1940, in Fátima, the project to build the statue of Christ the King was established following a vow made by the Portuguese episcopate. It was during this time that prayers were said asking God to spare Portugal from World War II.
It was on December 18, 1949, after the end of the war, that the first stone of the monument was laid. It was then inaugurated on March 17, 1959, on Pentecost Sunday, in the presence of all the country's important cardinals and more than 300,000 people. Since that day, the statue has been considered a symbol of gratitude for peace. The monument's 50th anniversary was celebrated on May 17, 2009.
The statue of Our Lady that was in the Chapel of Apparitions was moved to the large building. Portuguese bishops attended this important commemoration for the country.
It took a long time for the first stone of the monument to be laid. This was because the statue almost never saw the light of day. The condition for the construction of the monument was that Portugal would not participate in World War II. The episcopate, which welcomed the Patriarch's proposals for the erection of the statue, promised that the statue would only be built when God answered his prayers for peace. Furthermore, Portugal's participation as an ally of the fascist dictatorships was compromised by the country's relationship with the United Kingdom. It was therefore thanks to various events and the positive decisions taken by politicians that the building was finally erected at the end of the war.
In 1984, all the land surrounding the site was used to house the sanctuary's reception building and the rectory, as well as administrative services for the chapel and various rooms dedicated to exhibitions and meetings. The area around the statue was embellished with the construction of a sacred road.
In 1999, responsibility for the sanctuary was handed over to the Diocese of Setubal. The monument then underwent restoration work from May 2001 to February 1, 2002. Due to the height of the statue, this work took a whole year to complete.
Location and composition of the statue of Christ the King
In terms of architecture, the statue stands 133 meters above sea level with a view of the Tagus River. It measures exactly 110 meters and is considered a monument much larger than a vertical wind turbine. The statue was built in the parish of Pragal, the highest point in the city of Almada. This monument is accessible by car, but you can also get there by train or ferry from the port of Cacilhas in Almada.
The interior of the monument is divided into several different areas. You will find a library, a bar, two rooms, and a main chapel. The latter can accommodate many Christians. Two areas are dedicated to religion, one to the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace and the other to the Confidants of Jesus. Relics are also on display for public veneration.
The significance of the statue of Christ the King for Christians
Christ the King Meaning: the message of the statue in Portugal
As mentioned above, Christ the King in Lisbon is a statue depicting Christ with his arms outstretched. This monument dominates the region and offers a breathtaking view of the city of Lisbon. The statue is known by all as a symbol of the city. But it is not just a dominant structure; this statue has great significance for Christians.
For Christians, the monument can make everyone who lives in Lisbon feel safe. It is a religious symbol that was erected for various reasons. First of all, placing Christ on a high point in a city means that the inhabitants place the Lord above everything and everyone else. The structure therefore represents a very strong symbol of the height and power of Christ.
Furthermore, from where the statue stands, Christ the King can watch over the entire city and the inhabitants of Lisbon. The posture adopted by the statue is both unique and reassuring. It reminds us that the Lord is present for everyone at all times.
Christ the King: a tourist attraction
In addition to representing God's love for all human beings, the statue of Christ the King in Lisbon symbolizes the fact that the city welcomes all foreigners who wish to come and live there or simply visit the region. Moreover, this religious monument is open to the general public and can therefore be visited by large numbers of tourists. Every year, they come in droves not only to enjoy the view from the statue, but also to ask for God's blessing in their lives. Openness to others is a value that is truly important to Christians. And the statue fully reflects this aspect of the faith.
Christ the King is located in a place that can be seen by everyone. It stands tall and is truly enormous. With its arms wide open, it symbolizes openness to others. This religious statue of Jesus Christ welcomes, above all with love, all those who wish to embrace it and follow the Lord in their lives.
Christ the King represents solidarity
As Portugal is a country where the majority of the population is Catholic, it is only logical to have a monument dedicated to this religion. However, Christ the King does not belong only to Catholics. This monument has now become an emblem of Lisbon and even of Portugal. Once erected, the statue attracted both Catholic Christians and believers of other religions. The statue therefore symbolizes solidarity among all Christians.
Christ the King marks redemption
In addition to all this, Christ the King in Lisbon also represents salvation. Its shape resembles the cross on which Jesus was tortured. It symbolizes the love that God shows us and redemption.
Christ sacrificed himself for all the sins we have committed. Thanks to his will and his true love, Jesus was able to erase all the evil we have done. He therefore granted us eternal life. The statue conveys this message well. It is there to remind us that Jesus died to save us.
Christ the King: a symbol of faith
Christ the King in Lisbon is a statue with an incredible and particularly interesting history. It is an emblem of Portugal that is of great importance to Christians in the country, but also to all Christians around the world who are faithful to their religion. Since its installation, this monument has been one of the most popular religious monuments. All Christians living in Portugal can live freely and with great joy in the presence of this sacred statue in their country.
All Christians, whether Catholic or Protestant, can live in complete harmony. The Christ the King statue in Lisbon, perched on an impressive height, shows that Jesus Christ is above us and watching over us at all times. It is somewhat similar to the statue of Christ the Redeemer at the top of Corcovado Mountain near the city of Rio de Janeiro.
Acceptance of the Lord as the God of the universe
Like all those who believe in God, Portuguese Christians have faith in Jesus Christ and see this building as a powerful symbol of openness to others. Many tourists who come to visit this statue know deep down that it is thanks to the presence of the Lord in their lives that their lives are moving in the right direction.
All the inhabitants of the city of Almada and Lisbon know what this statue represents. And it is thanks to its existence that some have been able to understand that the Lord can protect them and, above all, help them through difficult times in their lives. Christ the King of Lisbon is also known by all as the great protector of the city and even of the country. Portugal is continually blessed by God through this specific building.
The presence of this statue in the city of Almada is truly important, not only for politicians, but also for all religious people and Christians in Portugal. It is with the faith and belief of all visitors that this religious statue exists and that it can be continuously embellished since its creation and installation. It reminds us of the importance of God in our lives and that He remains by our side at all times.
Reasons for keeping religious souvenirs of Jesus Christ
After reading this article, you have seen and learned all about the statue of Christ the King in Lisbon. You now know when the Portuguese statue was designed and erected, along with all the events that took place and are related to the existence of this building. Now you will be able to explain to the faithful in detail the meaning and history of this religious statue. You can share with them the article we have written out of love for our religion. 😇🙏
Many Christians have chosen to wear Christian jewelry featuring Jesus as a lasting reminder and to show their faith and belief in our Lord.
Wearing Christian jewelry linked to the message of the statue in Portugal can help the wearer feel closer to the Lord and understand that life is easier when we have Jesus in our hearts. Indeed, by having a sacred object that symbolizes the image of Jesus, you will be able to better consider the presence of the Lord in your life. In addition to this statue, discover our article on the statue in Brazil, Christ the Redeemer.
A religious piece of jewelry featuring Jesus can also guide you toward the right path in your daily life, whether at work or in the projects you wish to accomplish. A Christian souvenir of Jesus Christ allows you to keep the faith and feel closer to the Savior.
