Church of the Holy Trinity, Miraflores – The “Rocket Church” finally takes flight

Rising prominently above the Lisbon suburb of Miraflores, the Church of the Holy Trinity—affectionately dubbed the “rocket church” by locals for its striking vertical form—is a powerful symbol of architectural persistence and community faith. After more than five decades of delays, setbacks, and renewed hope, the church was finally completed and dedicated in May 2015 by the Cardinal-Patriarch of Lisbon, Manuel Clemente.

Though the project was first envisioned in 1962, during the early urban development of Miraflores by the real estate company Habitat, it remained unrealized for decades due to legal, logistical, and financial challenges. The area’s explosive population growth in the 1970s and 1980s only amplified the local need for a proper place of worship, but the project stalled repeatedly—first over land ownership issues, then over changes in leadership and parish priorities.

The current design, by architect Troufa Real, was completed in 2001. Construction began in earnest in 2007, with the first phase focusing on the pastoral center, which opened in 2009 and quickly became a vital hub for the community. It wasn’t until late 2014 that work resumed on the upper church itself, finally culminating in the church’s dedication on May 30, 2015, during the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity.

The building’s towering silhouette has earned it comparisons to a rocket, a cylinder, or even a control tower. Initially met with skepticism, the church’s unique shape grew to be loved by the local community. It now serves as the spiritual center of the Cristo Rei de Algés parish. Despite its monumental height, the church remains intimate inside, seating approximately 380 people.

The interior of the building includes not only a place for worship but also two mortuary chapels and a garage-level floor. Its pastoral center features classrooms, a small chapel, a hall, and courtyards—supporting youth groups, catechism classes, scouts, and parish gatherings.

The Church of the Holy Trinity in Miraflores stands today not only as a bold piece of ecclesiastical architecture but also as a symbol of patient resilience—an ambitious project that spanned generations and finally found completion, lifted by the collective spirit of its community.