Cristo Rei is a towering statue of Christ overlooking Lisbon from the south bank of the Tagus River in Almada, Portugal. Inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, the monument was conceived after Portuguese bishops visited Brazil in the 1930s. Construction began in 1949 and the statue was inaugurated in 1959.

Rising about 110 meters (360 feet) including its pedestal, Cristo Rei stands with outstretched arms, symbolizing peace and gratitude. It was built as a thanksgiving for Portugal being spared the devastation of World War II. The statue itself is around 28 meters tall and rests on a massive concrete arch.

Visitors can take an elevator and climb to a viewing platform at the base of the statue, offering panoramic views of Lisbon, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the Tagus estuary. Today, Cristo Rei is not only a religious landmark but also one of the most recognizable viewpoints and cultural icons of the Lisbon region.