The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Loreto dos Italianos, often simply known as the Church of Our Lady of Loreto, is a magnificent Baroque-style church located in the bustling Chiado district of Lisbon, right on Largo do Chiado. Built in the late 16th century by the Italian community in Lisbon, it served as their main place of worship and remains a testament to their presence and influence in the city.
The church was severely damaged during the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake but was rebuilt in the late 18th century with beautiful Baroque and Rococo architectural details. Its façade is adorned with intricate sculptures and classical elements, giving it an imposing yet graceful appearance. The interior is richly decorated with gilded woodwork, frescoes, and marble that reflect the elegance and grandeur of the period.
A particular highlight is the stunning ceiling fresco, depicting the Assumption of the Virgin, surrounded by elaborate stucco work. The side chapels are equally impressive, with beautifully crafted altars and religious artwork. The main altar is dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto, featuring a statue of the Virgin Mary that is particularly revered by the Italian community.
Visiting this church offers a glimpse into the history of Lisbon’s Italian community and their artistic contributions. It’s a peaceful sanctuary within the lively Chiado neighborhood, and its proximity to other notable sites like the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação and Carmo Convent makes it an easy and rewarding stop.
Visit Notes
Since my first visit to this church, they’ve installed a huge oval ceiling light. On the one hand, it’s nice to see the ceiling frescoes better. On the other hand, it’s kind of an eyesore.
This church is directly across from the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação so it’s natural to compare the two. They are both lovely in their own way, however, I prefer the Encarnação across the street. Both are worth visiting and since they are so close to one another, why wouldn’t you pop into both?
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