Panteão Nacional

The Pantheon under the dome of Santa Engrácia

The Panteão Nacional is housed in the baroque church of Santa Engrácia, whose vast white dome shapes the skyline of eastern Alfama. Construction of the new building began in 1682 to a design by architect João Antunes (1643-1712), on a Greek-cross floor plan, but the dome itself wasn't completed until 1966. That nearly 300-year build time turned "obras de Santa Engrácia" into a Portuguese byword for a never-ending project. Since its completion, the building has served as the National Pantheon, honouring distinguished Portuguese figures.

Who rests here

Beneath the dome and in the side niches lie notable figures from politics, literature, music and sport:

• Presidents including Manuel de Arriaga, Teófilo Braga, Sidónio Pais and Óscar Carmona, plus presidential candidate Humberto Delgado.
• Distinguished writers: João de Deus, Almeida Garrett, Guerra Junqueiro, Aquilino Ribeiro, Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen and Eça de Queiroz.
• Fado singer Amália Rodrigues, interred here since 2001 as the first woman in the Pantheon, and footballer Eusébio.

There are also honorary cenotaphs, memorials without a grave, for national heroes whose remains lie elsewhere: Luís de Camões, Pedro Álvares Cabral, Afonso de Albuquerque, Nuno Álvares Pereira, Vasco da Gama, Henry the Navigator, and the diplomat Aristides de Sousa Mendes, known as the "Consul of Bordeaux".

Rooftop terrace over Alfama

For many visitors the real highlight isn't inside but up top: a terrace running all the way around the dome opens up views over the rooftops of Alfama, the Tagus and the harbour district as far as the container terminal to the east. Because the Panteão sees far fewer visitors than the major monuments in Belém, this view can often be had almost to yourself, a quieter alternative to well-known miradouros such as Santa Luzia and Miradouro da Graça.

Visiting: the practicalities

Allow 45 to 60 minutes. It's open Tuesday to Sunday, in summer (Apr-Sep) from 10:00 to 18:00 (last entry 17:30), and in winter (Oct-Mar) until 17:00; the Pantheon is closed on Mondays, as well as on 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 13 June and 24-25 December. It's quietest in the mornings.

Admission costs €10 (as of 2026). There's a 50% discount for ages 13-24, over-65s and the family ticket; children up to 12 and others go free. With the Lisboa Card, entry is included at no extra cost. Tickets are available on site or online via the official byMEO Blueticket platform run by Museus e Monumentos de Portugal; queues are rarely an issue here.

The Panteão stands on Campo de Santa Clara in Alfama, with no direct metro connection. The usual way to get there is Tram 28 or bus 734 to Campo de Santa Clara. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the famous Feira da Ladra flea market spreads out right next door, if you'd like to take in the market too, plan your visit for one of these days and aim for the morning.