Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz
In Carnide, the Mannerist church built for the Infanta D. Maria, with its deep chancel by Jerónimo de Ruão and the founder's tomb.
Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz – Carnide
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz stands on Largo da Luz, in Carnide, and is the seat of the parish of Carnide, a role it has held since 1918. According to tradition, Pero Martins, a native of Carnide, was imprisoned in Africa when the Virgin appeared to him, promising to free him and asking him to have a chapel built beside the spring of Machada; he returned in 1463 and the image was enthroned on 8 September 1464. The present church was built in the second half of the 16th century on the initiative of the Infanta D. Maria, daughter of King Manuel I, to a design by Jerónimo de Ruão, with probable contributions from his father, João de Ruão, and from Francisco de Holanda, and is regarded as one of the most important examples of Mannerist architecture in Portugal. The 1755 earthquake damaged the body of the church and the adjoining convent, and the present façade dates from 1870, designed by Valentim José Correia. Inside, the very deep chancel stands out, with a barrel vault of lioz limestone and red Arrábida stone, the altarpiece with paintings attributed to Francisco Venegas and Diogo Teixeira, and the simple tomb of the Infanta D. Maria. The church is open for worship and visits during the parish opening hours.
Located at: Paróquia de Carnide
Address: Largo da Luz, 1600-475 Lisboa
Opening hours: Sunday and Monday 10:00-13:00 and 17:30-20:00; Tuesday to Saturday 10:00-13:00 and 15:00-20:00
Phone: +351 217 144 488
Coordinates: 38.7605, -9.185
Buses: 703, 764, 767, 55B, 726, 768
Metro: Carnide (Blue), Colégio Militar/Luz (Blue)
Opened: 1575 (451 years)
