Church of São Domingos de Benfica

Church of Our Lady of the Rosary (Church of São Domingos de Benfica) and Castros Chapel

The Church of São Domingos de Benfica, also called the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, belongs to the former Convent of São Domingos de Benfica, founded in 1399 in the Paço de Benfica, on land granted by King John I. The convent was largely rebuilt in the seventeenth century and preserves from the medieval building only an annex, the relic chapel. In the novitiate area stands the Castros Chapel, a simple rectangular building linked to the Castro family. Inside the church lies the tomb of João das Regras, chancellor to King John I, classified as a National Monument. The former convent is now occupied by the Military Institute of the Army Pupils, and the church, known as the Air Force Church, opened to the public as a church-museum on 11 September 2024, following a musealisation project led by the Portuguese Air Force. According to the release of that date, it can be visited on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 10:00 to 16:30. The current schedule, and whether the Castros Chapel can be seen, should be confirmed before going.

Located at: Património Cultural (SIPA)
Address: Largo de São Domingos de Benfica, 1500-554 Lisboa
Opening hours: Friday, Saturday and Monday 10:00-16:30 (2024 release; to be confirmed); Castros Chapel: to be confirmed
Coordinates: 38.7418314, -9.1807499
Buses: 58B, 716, 746, 754, 758, 768
Metro: Alto dos Moinhos (Blue)
Opened: 1399 (627 years)