Santa Catarina Church

Also known as Paulistas Church, this magnificent building (originally part of a convent from 1647) can easily go unnoticed on the way to Chiado.

Inside, however, it has one of the most beautiful and sumptuous golden baroque decorations in the city, almost all in gilt added in 1727.

It’s one of Lisbon’s most impressive artistic constructions, including a stucco rococo ceiling and a monumental organ which is a masterpiece of gilded woodwork.

The altar is considered a highlight of gilding during the reign of John V, and includes sculptures of Saint Catherine, Saint Paul and Saint Anthony, of Flemish origin.

On the side walls are large paintings in gilded frames, some of them by Vieira Lusitano and André Gonçalves, two of Portugal’s top 18th-century painters.   paroquiacatarina.lx@gmail.com