City information
Hello! How wonderful that you have chosen to explore Lisbon: one of the most unique and oldest cities in Portugal. I would like to take you on an unforgettable walk through this beautiful city full of history and charm. Lisbon is built on hills. So you have been warned: we will have to climb a lot.Walk with me through the city and discover interesting facts and the most beautiful places in Lisbon. During the tour I will tell you about the history and highlights, and sometimes I will teach you some Portuguese words. And of course I will show you the most beautiful places to take photos!
Before we start, a quick overview of the history…
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is built on 7 hills and has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the time of the Phoenicians. The city was later occupied by the Romans and Moors before being recaptured by the Christians in 1147. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Lisbon flourished as the center of the Portuguese Empire during the Age of Discovery, when famous explorers such as Vasco da Gama set out to find new trade routes. There is much to see and discover in this beautiful city.
Baixa Pombalina, the 'lower town', is the center of Lisbon. Here is the Rossio, the city's most important square for centuries. In a corner of the Rossio is the Dominican Church. Almost attached to the main square is the Praça dos Restauradores. You will find Rossio station between both squares. The large square Praça do Comércio with the entrance gate Arco da Rua Augusta is located on the Tagus. The Ribeira Palace, the royal residence, was located there.
The Bairro Alto district is bustling with many restaurants and nightlife. The district, located approximately thirty meters higher, can be reached from the center by the Elevador de Santa Justa. This elevator was designed by Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard in the neo-Gothic style of around 1900.
The Chiado district is located between the Baixa Pombalina and the Bairro Alto. More than two hundred years after the 1755 earthquake, this district was ravaged by a new disaster, the fire of 1988.
East of the center is Alfama, an old working-class district, with its steep streets, stairs and alleys. The city's best-known and oldest church, the Lisbon Cathedral, and the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora are located in Alfama.
West of the center is the suburb of Santa Maria de Belém with the Hieronymite Monastery Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and the Torre de Belém, which, as it were, stands in the Tagus. Both monuments are world heritage sites. The explorer Vasco da Gama, among others, is buried in the monastery. This district is also home to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a monument located on the banks of the Tagus and built and rebuilt in tribute to the Portuguese navigators.
Have fun discovering this beautiful city!