Igreja de Sao Roque (Church of St. Roch), Lisbon

The Church of Saint Roch holds the distinction of being the earliest Jesuit church in the Portuguese world and one of the pioneers of Jesuit churches globally. It served as the principal church for the Jesuit Society in Portugal for over two centuries until the Jesuits were expelled from the country due to their power-seeking endeavors. Following the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake, the church, along with its accompanying residence, came under the ownership and management of the Lisbon Holy House of Mercy. This organization continues to oversee the site today as one of its many historical properties.

São Roque was one of the few buildings in Lisbon to astonishingly survive the earthquake relatively unscathed. Its plain 16th-century façade should not dissuade you from entering inside; as the old adage goes, "don't judge a book by its cover", because it is radiant with Royal wealth: gilded gold altars, marbles and alabasters, stones of amethyst and lapis lazuli, highly inlaid artistry that climbs the wall, and some of the finest 'azulejos' (tiles) adding a further luster to the glorious space.

Remarkably, this was one of the few buildings in Lisbon to endure the earthquake with relatively minimal damage. Despite its unassuming 16th-century facade, don't be deterred from venturing inside. As the saying goes, "don't judge a book by its cover". The interior gleams with royal opulence, featuring gilded gold altars, intricate marbles and alabasters, precious stones like amethyst and lapis lazuli, intricate wall adornments, and some of the most exquisite 'azulejos' (tiles) that enhance the overall grandeur of the space.

Why You Should Visit:
One of the most stunning churches in Lisbon, even though its baroque design may feel a bit too lavish in places. Inside, the trompe l'oeil painting on the ceiling is a true masterpiece, while each of the eight chapels flanking the nave is a testament to decorative excellence.

Tip:
If you have the luxury of time, consider exploring the adjacent São Roque Museum, where you'll find two floors filled with artworks, antiquities, reliquaries, and other valuable possessions collected over centuries by the church. On Sundays until 2pm, entry is free. Among the most precious items are the treasures originally situated in the Chapel of Saint John the Baptist within the church nave.