Igreja de Sao Roque

A rich church with an interesting past, Igreja do Sao Roque, is located just outside Lisbon in Portugal. This church is a very interesting site that has a great story behind it. A visit to the church will expose you to amazing architecture, interesting details of construction and some completely extraordinary artistic touches. You simply can not miss this site when visiting the Lisbon area.

A History Worth Talking About

Igreja de Sao Roque has a history that you will want to know all about. Looking at the church will not even begin to tell you about all that lies within its walls. The story of the church starts with an unheard of construction.

The Igreja de Sao Roque may rest in Portugal, but it was built in Rome. In 1742, the church construction began. Only the most expensive materials were used. There was no concern with cost as it was built to be magnificent. At that time that included alabaster, jade, agate, amethyst and marble. It was built to completion and then blessed by Pope Benedict XIV. After the blessing is was taken apart and shipped to its permanent home in Lisbon. The shipping costs were tremendous, but part by part it made it made its way to Portugal where it was reconstructed in 1747. The great earthquake that struck Portugal in 1755 destroyed most of the original church, leaving only one aisled interior existing.

Igreja de Sao Roque was built in a quiet areas outside of town. It could be easy to miss if you are not looking for it. It is not in the center of a bustling town or even located on a hilltop, like so many of the other historical buildings you will surely tour. It is actually on the busy road, Rua de Sao Pedro, so be sure you don’t go speeding by it. It can be especially hard to miss because the exterior is plain and doesn’t even give a clue as to the extraordinary nature of the building.

Plain Facade with Rich Interior

The plain design of the exterior was based on the Jesuit preferences, but do not let it fool you. Inside this church is extremely breath taking. Upon entering you will see royal art, gold leaf paneling and marble. The paintings found in the church are from the 16th and 17th centuries. Inside the church are some very important areas including the Capela de Sao Joao Baptista, the Capela de Sao Roque and next door is the Museum of Sacred Art.

The Capela de Sao Joao Baptista was the last chapel to be added tot he church. It is considered a work of art. The design of the chapel comes from the Italian baroque period. Inside you will see agate, alabaster, ivory, gold, silver and many precious jewels. There are pillars of marble and wood carved woodwork as well. The alter front even has an amethyst front and the floor is made of stone mosaics.

The Capela de Sao Roque is the oldest area of the church. It is where one of the most important pieces of art is found, “The Angel appears to St. Roches: by Gasper Dias.

Next to the Igreja de Sao Roque is the Museum of Sacred Art. The museum building used to be an old people’s home and an orphanage. Now it holds amazing exhibits of Italian gold works, priests’ vestiments and 17th century paintings. It is well worth your time to stroll next door to this museum where you will see more amazing art and historic items.

Igreja de Sao Roque can be easily overlooked. It may not appear to be that great of a site just looking at it from the outside, but once you step inside you will quickly understand why it is such a treasured piece of Portugal’s history. You will certainly be surprised by the extent of the expensive materials used to build and decorate this church. Along with the amazing building materials, you will also be taken back by the art work that is found at every turn. These pieces are some of the most treasured in the country and are very important in both historical and religious contexts. Igreja de Sao Roque is not to be missed if you want to be awe struck.