Basilica of Our Lady of the Martyrs
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Martyrs (Basílica de Nossa Senhora dos Mártires) was built by King Dom Afonso Henriques in 1147 after the successful siege of Lisbon.
About this building
In the 12th century Portugal was immersed in the Christian Reconquest of the territory occupied by the Moors. The church was built in honour to those who perished in 1147 during the Siege of Lisbon. A significant number of European crusaders also took part in the military campaign.
The magnificent 12th century building was severely damaged by the 1755 earthquake.
The ceiling and altarpiece of the current church building were designed Pedro Alexandrino de Carvalho.
