Igreja do Menino Deus

Largo do Menino Deus, 27
1100-346 LISBOA

Opening hours:

Monday - Friday: 9.30 am - 12 am
and 2.30 pm - 5.30 pm
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays - closed

Visits only by prior arrangement

Tel: (351) 218863535
Fax: (351) 218885650
E-mail: menino_deus@iol.pt


The Church of the Christ Child (Igreja do Menino Deus) is one of the most beautiful monumental buildings in Lisbon, although it doesn't look very interesting at the first sight. It is located near the Castelo de Sao Jorge and it's hard to meet it opened. The church was built in XVIIIth century by the King Joao V, as a fulfill of a vow he made for the birth of a male heir. He promised to replace the former convent, which housed the small image of the Christ Child, by a new, more impressive building.

Even thought the exterior had never been finished, the interior presents the magnificent picture and is a perfect example of Portuguese Baroque. Apart from its decorations and interesting design, it contains, among others, delightful compositions by André Gonçalves.

After the earthquake in 1755 this church fulfilled the role of parish church, replacing the damaged parish churches until their rebuilt.