Cristo Rei (Christ the King) is a prominent monument located in Almada, a city just across the river from Lisbon, Portugal. Standing tall as a symbol of faith, peace, and gratitude, this statue is a major landmark and one of the most iconic sights in the Lisbon metropolitan area.
History
The idea for Cristo Rei emerged after World War II and was largely inspired by the devotion to Christianity and a sense of gratitude for Portugal’s relative safety during the war. The story of its creation is rooted in both political and religious motives:
- Origins: In 1940, Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, Manuel Gonçalves Cerejeira, proposed the idea of a monument to Christ as a way of expressing gratitude for Portugal’s preservation during the war and to foster national unity. This came after the country remained neutral during the war, avoiding the devastation that befell much of Europe.
- Inspiration: The monument was inspired by the famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which was completed in 1931. The Portuguese version, however, was meant to emphasize the Christian values of peace and protection over the country.
- Construction: The construction of Cristo Rei began in 1959 and was completed in 1969, making it a significant post-war religious symbol in Portugal. It was built largely through the efforts of Catholic organizations and donations from the public.
- Purpose: The monument is meant to represent Christ as a protector of Portugal and to express gratitude for the country’s safety during the tumultuous war years.
Architecture
Cristo Rei is notable not only for its religious significance but also for its impressive architectural design:
- Statue Design: The statue of Christ stands 28 meters tall and is made of reinforced concrete. The figure of Christ holds his arms wide in a gesture of blessing, similar to the famous Christ the Redeemer in Brazil. The statue is perched atop a 82-meter-high pedestal, bringing its total height to about 110 meters (361 feet).
- Materials: The statue itself is made of reinforced concrete, but it is coated with a layer of stone. The pedestal is designed with a modernist approach, giving it a strong, monumental appearance. The base includes a chapel, which adds to the spiritual and religious significance of the site.
- Artistic Features: The statue’s design was created by Portuguese sculptor José Aurélio, and it showcases Christ with a serene, welcoming expression. The wide open arms symbolize Christ’s embrace of humanity, a common theme in Christian iconography.
- Chapel: At the base of the statue is a chapel, Capela de Cristo Rei, which is used for religious services and other ceremonies. This chapel adds to the monument’s religious and spiritual dimension, making it an important site for pilgrims and visitors alike.
Location
Cristo Rei is located in Almada, on the south bank of the Tagus River, directly across from the city of Lisbon. The monument is situated on a hilltop in the Pragal area of Almada, providing sweeping views of Lisbon, the Tagus River, and the famous 25 de Abril Bridge (a suspension bridge that spans the Tagus River and connects Lisbon to Almada). Its elevated position ensures that the statue is visible from many parts of Lisbon, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the area.
Interesting Facts
- The Monument’s Size: Cristo Rei is one of the tallest statues of Christ in the world. While it is smaller than the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, it is still an imposing and powerful sight. From its position on the hilltop, the statue towers over the surrounding landscape.
- Symbol of Gratitude: The monument is dedicated to Christ the King, and it was built as a thank you for Portugal’s safety during World War II. The statue was intended to express national gratitude, particularly for avoiding the war’s devastation.
- The 25 de Abril Bridge Connection: Cristo Rei is directly opposite the 25 de Abril Bridge, which is often compared to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge due to their similar design. The statue’s placement across from the bridge creates a striking visual symmetry, especially when viewed from Lisbon.
- Pilgrimage Site: Cristo Rei is an important site of pilgrimage for Catholics in Portugal. The site is visited by thousands of people each year, particularly on religious holidays, to offer prayers and participate in Mass at the chapel below the statue.
- Inspiration for Other Monuments: The design of Cristo Rei in Lisbon was inspired by Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, though it is somewhat smaller in scale. It is part of a global tradition of monumental Christ statues, including those in Poland, Spain, and the United States.
- Viewpoint: The monument offers one of the best panoramic views of Lisbon and the surrounding region. Visitors can take an elevator or walk up the stairs to reach the viewing platform at the top of the pedestal, where they can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the city, river, and bridge.
- Symbol of Peace: Cristo Rei, with its outstretched arms, is not only a symbol of Christian faith but also one of peace, embracing the world with an open and welcoming gesture. This makes it a widely recognized symbol of unity and protection.
- Local Legend: There’s a popular local legend that the Portuguese government initially planned to build a bridge similar to the one in Rio with a statue of Christ on top. However, due to financial and logistical issues, they decided to build Cristo Rei as a standalone monument instead.
Conclusion
Cristo Rei is a stunning example of religious art, history, and architecture, offering a symbolic tribute to Christ as a protector of Portugal. With its breathtaking views of Lisbon, the Tagus River, and the iconic **25 de Abril Bridge**, it has become not only a major pilgrimage site but also one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Lisbon area. Whether you’re a religious pilgrim or a visitor seeking scenic vistas, Cristo Rei is a must-visit destination in Lisbon’s metropolitan area.
