1: Jerónimos Monastery (Hieronymites Monastery)
After Vasco de Gama’s return from his voyage to India, King Manuel’s wish to honor his success in the form of a monastery was granted and construction began in 1501. This monastery is a great example of a uniquely Portuguese architecture called Manueline, which is a combination of Gothic, early Renaissance, and Moorish styles. The south portal, with its pillars and statues is especially breathtaking!
Website: www.mosteirojeronimos.pt
2: Belém Tower (Torré de Belém)
UNESCO World Heritage Sites usually live up to their hype, and the Torre de Belem is no different. It sits proudly on the bank of the Tagus River in Lisbon, a grand example of the Portuguese Manueline architectural style. It was originally one of a few quarter façade fortresses that were originally built by King John II as a defense for the mouth of the Tagus River.
Website: www.torrebelem.pt
3: Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)
This cathedral supposedly was a mosque at one time until crusaders took the city and turned it into a church. This is only urban legend in Portugal, but it adds mystique to your visit in knowing it. It’s a formidable looking cathedral that is more comparable to a castle than a church with its battlemented bell towers and reinforced walls. The treasury within is quite the treat to see, with its art, icons and relics to appreciate.
Website: www.sacred-destinations.com
4: St. George Castle (Castelo de São Jorge)
High above Lisbon, offering a great view of the historic part of town as well as the Tagus River sits the Castle of São Jorge. The castle is dated around Portugal’s medieval period and is a citadel that is heavily fortified. Its appearance and location are just two of the reasons it remains a popular tourist attraction in the city.
Website: www.castelodesaojorge.pt/en
5: Gulbenkian Museum (Museu Calouste Gulbenkian)
A tour of this museum is incredibly enjoyable, thanks in part to the excellent organization of the place. The galleries are divided into two main sections called “circuits.” The first emphasizes Oriental and Classical art, which includes Persian, Egyptian and Greco-Roman, as well as Islamic, Far Eastern and Armenian examples. The second section highlights European art, including English paintings and other pieces of artwork from France, Italy, Flanders and Holland. Displays include everything from paintings, sculptures and ivory works to manuscript books and various decorative arts.
Website: www.museu.gulbenkian.pt
6: Elevador de Santa Justa
Every day from 7:00am to 11:00pm the Elevador de Santa Justa transports visitors from the Baixa district up to the ruins of the Igreja do Carmo church. It presents a pain-free alternative for tourists and locals looking to avoid the rough trek up Carmo hill to the ruins. This is a fun (and easier) way to start your journey to the church.
Website: www.golisbon.com
7: Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio)
Public squares historically provide cities with entertainment, and the Praca do Comercio is no different. Its past and present are filled with festivals, concerts, processions, and even executions! This square was also the place where Luis Filipe and King Carlos were assassinated. A stunning seated equestrian statue of King Jose I watches over the lovely buildings from the center of the square. It’s worth a visit to Palace Square to admire the architecture and people-watch for an afternoon in the sun.
Website: www.aviewoncities.com
8: Rossio Square (Praça de D. Pedro IV)
In the middle of the busy downtown cafes and shops is Rossio Square, a different scene from the relaxing atmosphere of Palace Square on the ocean. Here is all the liveliness and flavor you’ve been craving, and all in one spot. Pedestrians and vehicles alike circle the square at all times of the day, making it seem as if the area never stops moving and working. It’s a fantastic place to go to experience the heart of the city with all five of your senses!
Website: www.golisbon.com
9: National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga)
The pieces of artwork and collections of this museum date from the Middle Ages all the way up to the 19th century. Many focus on Portuguese art history, so a visit here is a great way to learn all about Portugal’s best paintings, sculpture and metalwork. The museum can be found on the city’s “Green Windows Street,” and the building itself was once the former palace of the Count of Alvor.
Website: www.museudearteantiga.pt
10: Monument to the Discoveries (Padrao dos Descobrimentos)
The Monument to the Discoveries has a prime location right on the Tagus River estuary, so the beautiful scenery around the monument is another reason to visit. During the 15th and 16th centuries the Portuguese ships would depart from the port in this area to trade and explore around India and Asia. The monument was built to memorialize this “age of discovery” and the early navigators carved into it do an excellent job of this.
Website: www.padraodosdescobrimentos.pt