Igreja de Santo António

As you step into this bewilderingly beautiful church, you will feel like you have entered into an enormous pirate’s treasure chest stuffed with golden coins. Almost every surface is covered in glittering gilded woodwork - some of the finest in Portugal. The intricate decorative blue and white panels date back to the 18th century and are a feast for the eyes.

This church is dedicated to Saint Anthony of Lisbon and it is classified as a National Monument. June 13th is Saint Anthony’s patron saint day and every year on June 13th since 1755 a procession has left the church, passing by Lisbon Cathedral and through the steep slopes of Alfama neighbourhood.

Saint Anthony is the patron saint of newlyweds, so it is the tradition that young men who are about to get married will go the church to leave flowers and pray.