CHRIST THE KING
(P) N38.67805; W9.17113
Cristo Rei statue is the magnificent statue of Christ that stands on the southern bank of the Rio Tejo and overlooks Lisbon. The statue is popular (and highly recommended) due to the 80-meter high viewing platform which provides stunning views over Lisbon and the suspension bridge.
The journey to the Cristo Rei statue from Lisbon is enjoyable, as part of the route involves a ferry ride across the Tejo River. This guide will provide a detailed description of how to travel from Lisbon to the Cristo Rei Statue by public transport.
To travel to the Cristo Rei Statue from Lisbon requires a ferry that departs from Cais do Sodré ferry terminal and then a short bus ride from Cacilhas bus station. The entire journey takes approximately one hour (depending on connections) and the return trip costs less than 6 euro.
The excursion makes for a pleasant half-day activity while based in Lisbon but as the main attraction is the fabulous view always goes on a clear bright day. The following section explains in detail the different stages of the journey to Christ Rei from Lisbon.
The ferry to Cacilhas departs from the Cais do Sodré ferry terminal which is connected to the train and metro station of the same name. Cais do Sodré is the last stop on the green metro line and is the departure train station to Cascais and Estoril. The ferry terminal is just outside the station but is clearly signed.
The Cacilhas ferry is an important commuter route and there are numerous services during the day. It is suggested to avoid the busy rush hour and outside of this time, there is a ferry service at least every 20 minutes. The ferry journey takes 15 minutes and the Cacilhas ferry continues until 1am. The single ferry ticket cost around € 1,40 and is charged to the Viva Viagem ticket, the reusable public transport ticket of Lisbon.
The bus service from Cacilhas bus station to Cristo Rei is the number 101 route. The bus journey takes around 20 minutes and is the final stop of the route. The service has regular departures from Cacilhas bus station. The tickets are purchased from the driver and are not charged to the Viva Viagem ticket. Buses from Cristo Rei back to Cacilhas departs from the same bus stop as the incoming service. Cacilhas bus station is a directly connected to the ferry terminal, next to the overland metro station. The bus station is much quieter than the bus stations in Lisbon and is very easy to navigate. Each of the bus stands is clearly labeled with the services that depart from each stand and at each stand is a clear bus timetable.
After entering the zone of the Shrine, the pilgrim/visitor is invited to experience his pilgrimage by visiting several sites before touching the foot of the Statue of Christ-King.
Next to the terrace, besides viewing the City of Lisbon, the pilgrim/visitor runs into the 14 Stations of the Cross. In this itinerary, the visitor turns pilgrim, and the pilgrim experiences profoundly the love of God for him.
To meditate on the Passion of Christ is to enter into the project of the love of God for mankind.
Throughout the Way of the Cross, the spirit of silence and prayer is essential.
When he turns towards the Parking Lot, he will find, within the monument itself, the niche of the Angel of Portugal ( aka Angel of Peace) giving Holy Communion to the Little Shepherds of Fatima, according to the Apparitions on Loca do Cabeço (Hilltop Grotto), in 1916.
On this site, the visitor will feel deep respect for Jesus and thus will try to promote an environment of peace in his own life.
At the entrance hall of the Monument, we find two oil paintings: one portraying the Consecration of the World to the Immaculate Heart of Mary by Pope John Paul II on March 25, 1984, in St. Peter's Square; the other portraying the Fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989. These two works are closely linked to the message of the Peace of this Shrine.
Entering the Monument, he will find, on the right side, a hall dedicated to Pope Blessed John XXIII, housing eight paintings allusive to the Encyclical ' Pax in Terris' written by this Pope.
These paintings give away the message that the Universe will only live in harmony, in a climate of Peace, if all men promote their rights and fulfill their duties.
In the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace, the call is to pray.
Beyond the symbolism of the works of art housed in this Chapel, an invitation is made to pray for peace, a prayer which may be written and placed in a box in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. These intentions will be presented to God once a month in a Sunday Mass.
Inside the Chapel, to the right of the space reserved for the Blessed Sacrament, there is the hall dedicated to the Mercy of God.
Upon entering the zone of the elevator, the environment is circular, thus transmitting the idea of moving towards God. The climb of the elevator may remind us of our heavenly vocation.
Once on top, we face the Chapel of the Confidants of the Heart of Jesus. In it we find the relics of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, to whom Jesus, in the XVII Century, asked for the instauration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; and those of Blessed Maria do Divino Coração, to whom the same Jesus, in the XIX Century, requested that the Pope consecrate all mankind to His Divine Heart.
In this sacred space, we also find one relic of Saint Faustina Kowalska, a Polish Nun, to whom Jesus appeared to ask her to spread, in the Church, the devotion to Divine Mercy, whose feast we celebrate on the Second Sunday of Easter.
On the side of the Chapel is the souvenir shop where the pilgrim/visitor may purchase his souvenirs.
In the terrace, we contemplate the beautiful statue of Christ-King, as well as His Divine Heart, sculpted on His chest.
Weather permitting, the visitor will enjoy a magnificent view, within a radius of more than 20 Km. From there he can contemplate the City of Lisbon, with its typical neighborhoods and historical monuments, such as the Monastery of the Friars of St. Jerome, the Tower of Belem, the Monument to the Discoveries, the Palace of Ajuda, the Valley of Alcântara, the Monastery of St. Vincent Extra-Walls, the Castle of St. George, Vasco da Gama Bridge, etc.
From the terrace, one can still see the Bay of Seixal, the 'Mar da Palha' (Sea of Straw), as well as Sierra of Arrábida and Palmela Castle. On a clear day, one can still see the sierra of Sintra, with its Palace of Pena and the zone of the Sanctuary of Cabo Espichel ( Espichel Cape), Sesimbra.
LISBON saw from Cristo Rei
LISBON saw from Cristo Rei
LISBON saw from Cristo Rei
LISBOA seen from Cristo Rei
