Lisbon

Worship Options for Expats in Lisbon

In Portugal, religion has always been a significant aspect of culture. Throughout most of Portugal’s history, Christianity and Catholicism have played a prime role in governance. Today, in the 21^st century, religion is still a significant aspect of Portuguese life and culture.

In 711, the Moors from North Africa invaded the Iberian Peninsula and managed to control southern Portugal for centuries. The 8^th century Castle of the Moors at Sintra and the Castle of Silves on the Algarve are impressive examples of the Moor’s influence.

In 1249, the Moors were defeated and driven out of Portugal, and it returned to being predominately Roman Catholic. Portugal was considered to be the ‘second Rome’ with a church, cathedral, or convent on every corner.

Lisbon has a wealth of glorious churches and cathedrals. Whether you are religious or not, many of them are worth a visit to experience the grandeur of the architecture. The iconic blue and white tiles are known as azulejos and can be seen in panels decorating the interior and exterior of churches and cathedrals.

• Santa Maria de Belem Church is in the Jeronimos Monastery and is a spectacular example of Gothic architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bodies of the famous explorer Vasco da Gama and the poet Luis de Camoes are entombed here.

• Santa Caterina Church is an impressive example of baroque architecture in the Bairro Alto district.

• Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha is a magnificent church which has an English-speaking mass every Sunday at 11:00.

• Sao Miguel Church is in the Alfama district. It has services on Thursdays and Saturdays.

• Lisbon Cathedral is also known as ‘Se.’ Constructed in 1147, it is the oldest church in Lisbon. It has survived many earthquakes and has been renovated and restored numerous times. Hence, it has examples of Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque architecture.

• Saint Paul’s and Saint George’s are two Anglican churches that serve the English-speaking community of Lisbon.

• Riverside International Church is an interdenominational church in Cascais with services in English. It is a community that has youth groups, care groups, and weekly prayer meetings.

• Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness has various locations in Lisbon. Services are in English.

• Shaare Tikvah Synagogue serves the Jewish community in Lisbon.

• Lisbon Central Mosque serves the Islamic community.

• Mesquita Baitul Mukarram serves the Islamic community in Lisbon.

Our Lady of Fatima

Fatima is one of Portugal’s holiest sites and one of the most important religious pilgrimage sites.

In 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in the countryside of Fatima. She appeared on the 13^th day of the month, May to October. Each month attracted more onlookers. It is believed that up to 100,000 onlookers witnessed this event. Today, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims come from all over the world to visit Fatima to attend a service at the church.