Shrine of Christ the King, Almada, Portugal

The Idea to Build the Shrine of Christ the King come Cardinal Patriarch Cereieira of Lisbon, when he had visit the Statue of Christ the King in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in the Year 1934. So in 1936 he bring the idea Portuguese Apostolic Prayers, which had like this idea. It need the approval of all Portuguese Bishops to make the Monument of Christ the King to a national Monument, this is done in the Year 1937.

At 18th December 1949 was set the Stone of the Monument, but first two Years later the Foundation works begins. The Pedestal of the Statue of Christ-King was growing layer upon layer. After being built, the Statue was sculpted in more than 100 meter from the ground.

The Monument was Inaugurated at 17th May 1959 with a Statue of our Lady of Fatíma, a Radio Message of Pope John XXIII. and with all Portuguese Bishops and at guests the cardinals of Maputo (Mozambique) and of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Also come some of authority’s and round about 300´000 people. The Statement of Cardinal Patriarch Cerejeira was: “This will be a sign of national gratitude for the gift of peace.”

The Monument is the architectonic project of Architect Antõnio Lino and Engineer Dom Francisco de Mello e Castro. The Statue of Christ-King was conceived by Master Francisco Franco. In the Chapel of the Monument that´s inaugurated of Our Lady of Peace, was authored by Master Leopoldo de Almeida. In 113 meter over the River Tejo was built the Base with a highness of 75 meters. On the top of the Base is with a highness of 28 meters the 7th biggest Statue of Jesus Christ in the World.

At the 17th May 2008 was the inauguration of the Chapel of the Confidantes of the heart of Jesus in upper Platform. This Chapel have relics of St. Faustina Kowalska, Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. John Eudes and Blessed Maria do Divino Coraçao.

From the platform, where you come with elevator and few steps, you will have a great view over Almada, Costa da Caparica, the Atlantic Ocean, to the Sintra hills with the Castle Pena, The Bridge of the 25th April, to Lisbon and the Bridge Vasco da Gama.

Text &Photos: Rainer Georgius