Where It's Located
The Lisbon Portugal Temple is located at Avenida Dom João II, Nº 75, Parque das Nações, 1990-364 Lisboa, Portugal. Situated in Lisbon's modern waterfront district, the temple stands on a beautifully landscaped 4.6-acre site. The temple complex includes an arrival center and a distribution center, though it does not include patron housing or a visitors' center.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), also known as Lisbon Airport, located about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the temple. Travelers from the United States can reach Lisbon on nonstop or one-stop flights from cities such as New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Miami, and other major hubs. From the airport, the temple is typically a 10- to 15-minute drive, making it one of the most conveniently located international temples for visitors.
A Bit of History
The Lisbon Portugal Temple was announced by President Thomas S. Monson during the October 2010 General Conference on October 2, 2010. It became the first temple in Portugal and the 14th temple built in Europe. Before its dedication, Portuguese members generally traveled to the Madrid Spain Temple, a journey of nearly 390 miles (625 kilometers) from Lisbon.
The Church's history in Portugal began after religious freedom was established in 1974. Missionaries arrived shortly afterward, and Elder Thomas S. Monson dedicated Portugal for the preaching of the gospel in 1975. The first branch was organized that same year, the first stake followed in 1981, and Church membership has since grown to more than 50,000 members across the country.
Groundbreaking services were held on December 5, 2015, with Elder Patrick Kearon presiding. Following a 14-day public open house in August 2019, Elder Neil L. Andersen dedicated the temple on September 15, 2019, making it the 166th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Design and Architecture
The Lisbon Portugal Temple contains approximately 23,730 square feet of floor space. Its exterior is clad in Portuguese Moleanos limestone, quarried near Lisbon, and reflects late Art Deco and Modernist architectural influences. The temple features a single attached end spire topped with an angel Moroni statue, rising approximately 134 feet above the surrounding neighborhood.
Inside, the temple includes two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry. Decorative elements throughout the temple are inspired by Portugal's famous azulejo tile patterns, incorporating shades of gold, blue, ochre, and lavender that reflect the nation's artistic heritage.
Final Thoughts
The Lisbon Portugal Temple represents a historic milestone for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Portugal. As the nation's first temple, it fulfilled decades of faithful anticipation and brought temple blessings much closer to members throughout Portugal and neighboring regions. Its elegant Portuguese-inspired architecture, prime location in Lisbon, and rich Church history make it one of Europe's most beautiful and meaningful temples.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
https://broughmade.com
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