Audio GuidePrazeres Cemetery Lisbon

Cemitério dos Prazeres, the largest cemetery in Lisbon, is a fascinating spot for those interested in history and beauty. Founded in eighteen thirty-three amidst a catastrophic cholera epidemic, it took over as the main burial site in the city, replacing the tradition of church cemeteries due to health concerns. Situated in the parish of Estrela, close to Campo de Ourique, the cemetery is famous for its magnificent mausoleums and intricate Baroque gravestones, which showcase the architectural styles and cultural beliefs of Portugal's upper echelons.

Maik K

As you stroll through Cemitério dos Prazeres, you will be enveloped by towering cypress trees, the most ancient and densely planted in the Iberian Peninsula, which lend the area an air of tranquillity and grandeur. The cemetery's layout is thoughtfully planned, featuring various sections like the Artists’ Plot and the Firefighters’ Plot, each rich with its own stories. It is the final resting place for noteworthy personalities such as the renowned poet Fernando Pessoa and the much-loved singer Amália Rodrigues, contributing to its abundant cultural heritage.

Pedro Moreno Gonzalez

One standout feature is the Mausoleum of D. Pedro de Sousa Holstein, the largest private mausoleum in Europe. This splendid edifice resembles a Masonic temple and accommodates around two hundred family members. Inside, the space is graced by detailed sculptures crafted by celebrated artists, conveying tales of love and legacy.

Additionally, the cemetery includes a historic chapel that now functions as a museum, exhibiting artefacts from deserted tombs and providing insights into local customs concerning death and remembrance. Visitors have the opportunity to view these displays and understand the evolution of burial practices in Lisbon during the nineteenth century.

Open daily from nine in the morning until five in the afternoon, extending to six in the summer, Cemitério dos Prazeres invites visitors to wander its tranquil lanes and admire its extraordinary monuments. It serves not only as the final resting place for many of Lisbon’s notable figures but also as a dynamic open-air museum, safeguarding Portugal’s history and cultural core for everyone who visits.