Madalena Church

Situated in the gorgeous historical centre of Lisboa, next to the Cathedral, the Madalena Church is one of the most popular religious temples in this cosmopolitan town.

Several researches claim that here was once built a Roman temple dedicated to Cibeles, the mother-goddess.

This Church was founded in the 12th century, ordered by the first Portuguese king, D. Afonso Henriques in th 12th century, yet it has suffered many transformations over the centuries, namely in 1363 when it was quite destroyed by a big fire; in 1512 with other architectonic alterations; in 1600 was partially destroyed by a small cyclone; and with the big earthquake of 1755 was almost totally destroyed and rebuilt afterwards, maintaining some ancient elements, as well as several Lisboa’s buildings that were rebuilt after the big catastrophe.

The beautiful neo-manueline Portal is classified as a National Monument, and is one of the ancient element. Some studies report that the Portal was previously part of the ancient Conceição dos Freires Church, that got completely destroyed with the big earthquake.
The church greatest highlights are its interior decoration with marble, golden carved wood, paintings from Pedro Alexandrino and sculptures attributed to Machado de Castro and José de Almeida.