Church of St. Dominic (Igreja de São Domingos)
Largo São Domingos, Lisbon, Portugal, 1150-320
The unassuming facade of the Church of St. Dominic (Igreja de São Domingos) doesn't do justice to the stunning interior when you step inside the doors of this church, which dates back to the 1200s. An orangey-peach ceiling draws the eye to the altar and alcoves surrounding it, and you may notice that the columns that line the building appear to be scorched—the baroque church survived a massive earthquake in 1755 and then a fire in 1959.
The basics
The Church of St. Dominic is located just off Rossio Square, and many walking tours of the Chiado and Baixa areas stop by to peek inside. If you have more time and no religious service is in progress, visitors are welcome inside the church to learn about its history and observe its statuary and artwork. Walking tours will often head to the nearby Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa) after visiting the church to get a stunning view of the city below.
Things to know before you go
There is no admission fee for the church.
Modest clothing is recommended, which means covering shoulders and knees.
The church is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.
In front of the church is a monument to the 1506 massacre in which thousands of "new Christians" (previously Jews) were killed.
How to get there
The Church of St. Dominic is located in Lisbon's Baixa neighborhood. The closest metro station is Rossio on the green line. Other tourist attractions can be found nearby, including the Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa) and the Arco do Triunfo (Arco da Rua Augusta). Booklovers will enjoy a stop at nearby Livraria Bertrand, the world's oldest bookstore.
When to get there
The church is typically open from 7:30am to 7pm, with Masses and other services happening throughout the day. Visitors are welcome inside the Church whenever services are not taking place.
Where to find the best views in Lisbon
After visiting the church, head to the nearby Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa) to see a view of the city from above. It's no surprise that this is just one of the amazing viewpoints you can find in the City of Seven Hills. Head down to the river to see the view from the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), or up the hill to the Castelo de São Jorge for miles and miles of vistas.
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