Cristo Rei, Lisbon: Tickets, Ferry and Viewpoint Guide

Cristo Rei, the giant statue of Christ with outstretched arms, stands high on the south bank of the Tagus, facing Lisbon across the river. A lift takes you to a viewing platform with one of the best panoramas of the city and the 25 de Abril Bridge. Getting there is half the fun: a ferry ride across the river.

Quick answer: take the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas (about 10 minutes), then a bus or taxi up to the sanctuary. Ride the lift to the platform for the view (small fee). Afterwards, eat seafood in Cacilhas or walk along the riverside to the Boca do Vento lift. Allow half a day.

Why go

Most Lisbon viewpoints look across the city. Cristo Rei looks at it, from the other side of the river, so you see the whole waterfront at once: Belém, the bridge, the Baixa, Alfama and the castle. The trip also gets you onto the river and into Almada, a side of Lisbon most visitors never see.

About Cristo Rei

The monument was inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer. It was built after the Second World War, partly as thanks for Portugal being spared from the conflict, and inaugurated on 17 May 1959. The architect was António Lino and the sculptor Francisco Franco.

The statue itself is 28 metres tall and stands on a pedestal of about 82 metres, shaped like a huge gateway. Together they stand about 110 metres tall, on a clifftop well above the river.

It’s still a working Catholic sanctuary, so behave as you would in a church inside the chapels.

What to see

• The viewing platform: on top of the pedestal, reached by lift. Views over Lisbon, the river mouth and the bridge. Most people spend 20 to 30 minutes up there.
• The sanctuary grounds: chapels, a small exhibition and a lower viewpoint facing Lisbon. The grounds are free; you only pay for the lift.
• Cacilhas: riverside seafood restaurants and the old frigate D. Fernando II e Glória, a 19th-century sailing warship now open as a museum ship.
• Boca do Vento: a lift and riverside walk in Almada with city views.

What you see from the top

Looking north, the 25 de Abril Bridge is right beside you, with cars and trains rumbling across. Beyond it, look for the Belém waterfront to the left, the red roofs of the Baixa and Alfama straight ahead, and São Jorge Castle on its hill. To the west, the river opens out towards the Atlantic.

Tickets and opening hours

• Hours: usually 10am to 6pm from October to March and 10am to 7pm from April to September. The last trip up is usually about 20 minutes before closing. Hours change on some holidays, such as Christmas.
• Lift ticket: about €8 to €10 for adults, with lower prices for children. Prices change, so check at the ticket office.
• Free areas: the car park, picnic areas, main chapel, exhibition rooms and the lower viewpoint are free.

Getting there

• Ferry: boats run from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas throughout the day, and the crossing takes about 10 minutes. See Cais do Sodré.
• Bus: from the Cacilhas terminal, a Carris Metropolitana bus goes up to the sanctuary, a short ride. At the time of writing this is route 3001, but check the current route number and times at the terminal.
• Taxi or ride-hailing: a short, cheap trip from Cacilhas. See Uber, Bolt or taxi.
• Car: drive over the 25 de Abril Bridge and follow signs for Cristo Rei. There is a car park at the sanctuary.
• On foot: from Cacilhas you can walk along the river to the Boca do Vento lift, ride up, then follow the clifftop road to the monument. Allow about an hour.

The riverside walk

The walk west from Cacilhas follows the old quay of Cais do Ginjal, lined with crumbling warehouses on one side and the river on the other. Lisbon is spread out across the water the whole way. At the end, the Boca do Vento lift takes you up the cliff to the old centre of Almada. It’s flat and easy, but quiet after dark, so do it in daylight.

A half-day plan

Take a mid-afternoon ferry, bus up to Cristo Rei and ride the lift. Head back down to Cacilhas, walk along the riverfront for the views, then have an early seafood dinner before the ferry home. If you time it right, you see Lisbon turn gold in the evening light.

Check the ferry times for your return before you sit down to eat, as boats run less often late in the evening.

Food

Cacilhas is known for its seafood. Look for grilled fish, clams in garlic and coriander (amêijoas à Bulhão Pato), prawns and shellfish rice. See the Portuguese seafood guide.

Seafood is often priced by weight, so ask the price before you order.

When to go

Clear days are what matter most. Spring and autumn usually give the sharpest views and the most comfortable temperatures. Summer afternoons can be hazy and hot. In winter the light is lovely, but check the forecast, as low cloud can hide the city.

Tips

• Light: late afternoon and sunset are best for photos. See the best sunset spots.
• Ferry: pay by contactless card or Navegante. See ferries in Portugal.
• Lift fee and hours: the lift ticket costs about €8 to €10. Opening times change with the season, so check before you go.
• Wind: the platform is exposed. Bring a layer, even in summer.
• River views: see Cristo Rei from the water on a sunset cruise.

FAQ

How do I get to Cristo Rei from Lisbon?

Take the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas, which takes about 10 minutes, then a short bus or taxi ride up to the sanctuary. You can also drive over the 25 de Abril Bridge.

How much does it cost to go up Cristo Rei?

The grounds are free. The lift to the viewing platform costs about €8 to €10 for adults, with lower prices for children.

How tall is Cristo Rei?

The statue is 28 metres tall and stands on a pedestal of about 82 metres, so the monument is about 110 metres high in total.

Is Cristo Rei worth visiting?

Yes, especially on a clear day. It gives you a view of the whole Lisbon waterfront that you can’t get from the city side, plus a ferry ride and a seafood meal in Cacilhas.

More: the best Lisbon viewpoints and unusual things to do in Lisbon.

See also: Pillar 7.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.