Site Seeing in Lisbon
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
It should come with no surprise that this site is a UNESCO world heritage site. One of the last remains of the Age of Discoveries after the horrific earthquake in 1755 and a great representative of those rich times of the city. The building was built in 1501 by King Manuel the First to honor Vasco da Gama’s journey to India in 1498. On site you can find Vasco da Gama’s tomb.
Belem Tower
This tower is not just another site on the UNESCO World Heritage list, it represents what Lisbon once was, the capital of the first global empire. The tower was built in the years 1515-1521 on the edge of the Tagus river as it spills out into the Atlantic Ocean and is symbolic to the voyages of the heroes of the age of explorers. It is built in the style of Manueline architecture and is a wonderful representation of styles brought back to Europe by the explorers.
Elevador de Santa Justa
An elevator is considered a form of transportation, especially in a hilly city. However, the mid-city elevators are not usually as easy on the eye as this one. When walking by it you can think it resembles the Eiffel Tower, this is not by accident, it was built by Raoul Mésnier du Ponsard, and apprentice of Gustave Eiffel. The elevator opened to the public in 1901. Even know it was built to transport people between neighborhoods, it is a popular tourist attraction due to its beauty and terrific view.
Oceanário de Lisboa
One of Europe biggest Aquariums, if not the biggest. A true representation of Lisbon’s long-lasting bond with the Ocean. At the aquarium you will find sea creatures from all over the world. There are many educational purposes to the aquarium, aiming to educate as many s possible to learn as much as they can about the ocean, quite successfully as they have around a million visitors every year.
Castelo de São Jorge
Overlooking the capitol, the Castelo de São Jorge lies on top of the mountain protecting the city. The site has been located here since the Iron age (thousands of years), making Lisbon one of the oldest cities in Europe, even older than Rome. The castle’s impressive walls and battlements are a must-see site when in Lisbon, and the view…
Sé
This Romanesque styled cathedral has been in the city since the mid-12th century. Unfortunately, what you see today is a rebuild after the 1755 horrible earthquake. The dark interior holds treasures beyond belief.
The original church was built over the ruins of a masque from the Moorish period, and that is built over Roman ruins. There is much to see in this building, the history of the city from different periods, and of course the beauty of the building.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Lisbon has its heroes, such as Vasco de Gama and Magellan, but the most important of all and not well known is Prince Henry the navigator. The Age of Discovery was all thanks to him since he opened a school for modern sailing and taught all these famous voyagers how to set sail.
This monument is dedicated to those heroes, all standing on a ship shaped stone looking out to upon the riverfront, and lead by Prince Henry the Navigator.
Arco da Rua Augusta
This is the most important monument in the city which displays the days after the catastrophic Lisbon earthquake in 1755. The arch is beautiful on its own, however, the view of Rua Augusta and the city that it overlooks is sensational.
If you want to reach the top of the arch, you must go up and elevator and after that climb steep stairs. But it is completely worth is.
Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira
Sitting on the outskirts of the city is its magnificent Palace survive the 1755 massive earthquake. Originally built in 1681 and gives an incredible look of Lisbon’s former glory. Walking through the gardens of his Castle is a great way to spend your day. This land was given to the Marquises of Fronteira because of his loyalty to the Portuguese Crown during the restoration war in the 17th century.