Walking tour in Lisbon and old tram ride

This is the central district of the city, the heart of Lisbon, “Baixa Pombalina”, so named because it was rebuilt after the great earthquake of 1755 under the direction of the Marquis de Pombal, Prime Minister appointed by king Joseph I. This area sets itself apart from the rest of the city due to the geometrical plan of the streets (grid) and by the three monumental squares, Comércio, Rossio and Figueira. The Arch of Rua Augusta is the Portuguese Arch of Triumph, embedded with the statues of some of the greatest national heroes and symbolic representations of the two major Portuguese rivers: the Tagus and the Douro. The train station of Rossio, a masterpiece of the “neo-manuelino” style of architecture from the 19th century and the “Santa Justa” Elevator/Lift, designed by Raul Mesnier de Ponsard, a student of the great iron craftsman Gustave Eiffel, are two monuments you cannot miss.

The oldest quarter of Lisbon dates back to the time of the Moors. They lived here from the 8th to 12th centuries. Their legacy is still very much present even in the 21st century. The importance of their culture influenced the future kingdom of Portugal. Examples of this, are the monuments left behind, namely the Castle of St. George and the traditional houses with facades covered with beautiful ceramic tiles. The panoramic views from the famous “miradouros” of “Portas do Sol” and of “Castelo de São Jorge” (optional) shouldn’t be missed by visitors. Two other places of reference are, Lisbon Cathedral (12th century) and Church of St. Anthony (built on the site where the famous saint was born).

From Alfama to Chiado the route is done by Tram car, passing through the narrow streets of Alfama, crossing the heart of downtown and ascending the hilly streets of Bairro Alto.

“Bairro Alto”, is located in one of Lisbon’s seven hills. It was built during the reign of King Manuel I at the beginning of the 16th century. Structurally, nothing has changed since then, the houses, and the narrow alleys are still the same. Walking through these canted streets, we are sent back to the era of the great Portuguese Explorers. The overview of “São Pedro de Alcantara” is a must stop for photographs.

The bohemian neighborhood of Chiado is one of the busiest in Lisbon. The streets, “Rua do Carmo” and “Rua Garrett” are a constant whirlwind of people who frequent this area of the city, attracted to the shops, cafés, restaurants, theaters and the Opera House. The famous Café “A Brasileira” has been a regular meeting place for artists, writers and important politicians in the history of Portugal. It’s a must stop for photos ( statue of the poet and writer Fernando Pessoa).