BASÍLICA DA ESTRELA Largo da Estrela, district of Estrela Open: 08.00-12.30/15.00-19.30 every day Bus: 20, 22 and 38 Tram: 25 and 28 During the second half of the 18th century, Queen Maria I promised to build a church in the event of her bearing a son and heir to the Portuguese throne. Her wish was granted and construction of the imposing Basílica da Estrela subsequently began in 1779. Set on a hill in the western district of Estrela, the domed basilica is visible from most parts of the city. The church’s spacious interior houses the queen’s body, which lies in an elaborate Empire-style tomb.