Church of St. Anthony

The basics

Many tours of Lisbon include a visit to the Church of St. Anthony, often in combination with the neighboring Lisbon Cathedral. See the church as part of a walking tour of the surrounding Alfama district, Lisbon’s atmospheric old quarter; ride the historic Tram 28, which stops right outside the church; or explore more of the city on a bike, tuk-tuk, or hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Lisbon. Inside the church, peek inside the crypt, built on the site where St Anthony was born, and admire the striking azulejo tiles and the elaborate altarpiece. Next door to the church, the Museum of St. Anthony houses a small collection of paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts devoted to the saint.

Things to know before you go

• It’s free to visit the church, but there’s a small fee to visit the neighboring museum (part of the Lisbon Museum).
• The church remains an active place of worship, so it’s recommended to dress modestly and be mindful of other worshippers when visiting.
• There are two flights of stairs at the main entrance to the church, so visitors requiring wheelchair access should contact the church in advance.

How to get there

The Church of St. Anthony is easy to find, just west of Lisbon Cathedral. You can walk there from other attractions in the Alfama district or take the tram (12E or 28E) to the Sé stop, right outside the church.

When to get there

The church is open to visitors daily, typically from mid-morning to evening, although the schedule may vary, and it may be closed to visitors during services. Each June, the church hosts several services, processions, and weddings as part of Lisbon’s annual Saint Anthony Festival, a citywide celebration of the Franciscan saint.

A walking tour of Lisbon’s Alfama district

With its cobbled streets and colorful houses, Alfama is one of Lisbon’s oldest and most distinctive neighborhoods, home to attractions such as the Fado Museum, São Jorge Castle, and the National Pantheon. Once you’ve visited Lisbon Cathedral and the Church of St. Anthony, take a ride on the historic tram, enjoy the views from Miradouro de Santa Luzia, and browse the famous Santa Clara flea market (Tuesdays and Saturdays).