I chanced upon a little chapel whilst walking along the Rua de S. Julião in downtown Lisbon and felt it would be a fitting Easter post for the blog. You easily miss the discreet entrance to the tiny church if you’re not looking for it, but now that you know about it, you have no excuse!
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira dates back to 1762. It was built after the original one, constructed 500 (!) years earlier in 1262, was ruined in the earthquake of 1755, which destroyed most of Lisbon.
The artwork inside features a ceiling mural and many detailed azulejo tiles – all of which depict the life of the Virgin Mary. If it weren’t so ornate and beautiful, I would describe the church as “adorable”… which it is, but only in regards to its size. The decor is far from adorable: its artwork is rich and regal.
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira will charm you with its Narnia-like capacity to take you from busy downtown Lisbon to a peaceful, spiritual oasis. If you happen to be near the Praça do Comércio, treat yourself to a little peek inside. Happy Easter! Boa Páscoa!
I would love to sit and rest here. I love the blue. Someday my friend and I shall go here.
It was lovely to sit here and rest after walking around the hilly streets of Lisbon. It was like a tranquil mini-museum