Lisbon and the Tagus River go hand in hand, a setting that always makes you feel like you’re in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s a place loved by locals and admired by tourists. A city alive with centuries of history, of which Lisbon’s many monuments bear direct witness.
We’ve already taken you on a medieval tour outside Lisbon, but now it’s time to travel back in time in the heart of the capital. However, there’s room for everything in our guide, including some very old attractions (and some not so old). Take note of our suggestions.
Monuments you must visit:
1 – São Jorge Castle
Lisbon is the city of seven hills and in every corner you can feel the essence that has inspired so many poets and composers.
And it is precisely on top of one of these hills that the São Jorge Castle, one of the main protagonists of the city’s postcards.
Classified as a National Monument since 1910, its history goes back a long way. It is said that the walls were actually built between the 7th and 11th centuries. However, the first fortification was built before that.
In 1147, with the conquest of Lisbon from the Moors by King Afonso Henriques, the Castle of São Jorge passed into the hands of the Kingdom of Portugal. There was then a golden age, which lasted until the beginning of the 16th century.
Throughout its history, the Castle has undergone various interventions and by the beginning of the 20th century it was in a state of disrepair.
This bleak scenario led to extensive renovation work between 1938 and 1940.
Because of its past and present, but also its future, this is definitely one of the must-see monuments on any visit to the capital.
Address: Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo
2 – Lisbon Cathedral
Located in Largo da Sé, the Lisbon Cathedral, or Church of Santa Maria Maior (as it is also known), has been classified as a National Monument since 1910.
This religious temple is the seat of the Lisbon Patriarchate and the Sé Parish. Its construction dates back to the 12th century and it is therefore one of the city’s oldest historical symbols.
Today, the Lisbon Cathedral is a mixture of architectural styles. In other words, you can find details of the Romanesque style, but also of the Baroque and Neoclassical styles.
Inside, you’ll find archaeological excavations in the Gothic cloister that reveal evidence dating back some three thousand years.
A beautiful monument that everyone should definitely visit at least once in their lives.
Address: Largo da Sé
3 – National Pantheon
The National Pantheon is the final resting place of some of the greatest personalities in Portuguese history.
The building was constructed in the second half of the 16th century, but was completely redesigned at the end of the 17th century.
However, the building wasn’t completed until the middle of the 20th century, due to various reasons such as the 1755 earthquake.
It is classified as a National Monument and offers breathtaking views over the city and the Tagus river.
Address: Campo de Santa Clara
4 – Roman Theater
Lisbon’s history is so rich that it allows us to travel through various periods. We’ve already talked about the Moorish presence, but now it’s time to highlight the Roman era.
Located in the historic area, the Roman Theatre was built during the time of Emperor Augustus, in the 1st century, and was remodeled during the time of Nero, in 57 AD (after Christ).
Currently part of the Lisbon Museum, this is one of the most important monuments of Felicitas Iulia Olisipo.
Address: Rua de São Mamede 3A (Praça de Espanha)
5 – Ajuda National Palace
Who said that there are only palaces in fairy tales?
In and around Lisbon there are several waiting to be discovered. But in this article we’re going to focus in particular on the Ajuda National Palace.
Also known as the Real Paço de Nossa Senhora da Ajuda, Paço de Madeira or Real Barraca, this building was commissioned by King José I.
However, it was with King Luís I that this palace gained greater importance, as it became the official residence of the Portuguese royal family until the end of the monarchy.
The Ajuda National Palace has been open to the public as a museum since 1968.
Today, as well as being a faithful historical reconstruction of the times of the monarchy, it still hosts the state ceremonies of the Presidency of the Portuguese Republic.
One of the many monuments in Lisbon that deserves to be visited and contemplated by everyone.
Address: Largo da Ajuda
6 – Estrela Basilica
The Basílica da Estrela, also known as the Basílica do Sagrado Coração de Jesus, is one of the most important 18th century monuments in Lisbon.
The building is dominated by a baroque style, although the central body of the façade is neoclassical. Its dome stands out and inside there is a nativity scene by Machado de Castro.
Note also that it was once a convent of Carmelite nuns.
Address: Praça da Estrela
7 – Águas Livres Aqueduct
The Águas Livres Aqueduct was built by King João V in the 18th century.
Classified as a National Monument in 1910, it is considered a masterpiece of engineering, given the time at which it was designed.
The building withstood the earthquake of 1755.
Without a doubt, this is one of Lisbon’s most iconic monuments.
Address: CC da Quintinha 6
Photo by @camara_municipal_lisboa
8 – Monument to the Discoveries
Also known as the Monument to the Discoveries or the Monument to the Navigators, the Monument to the Discoveries has a prominent position facing the River Tagus.
It was first built in 1940 as part of the Portuguese World Exhibition.
But it wasn’t until two decades later, in 1960, that it was rebuilt using concrete and rosal stone from Leiria. The interior was only remodeled in 1985.
Address: Avenida Brasília
9 – Tower of Belém
The Belém Tower is not only one of Lisbon’s ex-libris, but also one of Portugal’s most famous national monuments.
It was built in 1515 and is one of the symbols of the Manueline period.
In 1983, the Belém Tower was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal.
So there’s no shortage of reasons to visit this Lisbon monument. When you climb to the top of the Tower, you’ll be treated to an extra treat: a breathtaking view.
Address: Avenida Brasília
10 – Jerónimos Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery is one of Lisbon’s greatest tourist attractions. Built in the 16th century, the Jerónimos Monastery is, together with the Belém Tower, one of the great symbols of the Discoveries and the Manueline era.
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, it is also the “final resting place” of two of the most important names in our history: Luís de Camões and Vasco da Gama.
The Jerónimos Monastery is also one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal, having been chosen in 2007 in a vote involving many thousands of Portuguese.
If you haven’t been there yet, book a place in your diary. After all, this is one of Lisbon’s monuments that you have to see at least once in your life.
Address: Praça do Império
11 – Former Carmo Convent
Located in Rossio, the former Carmo Convent is now one of the must-sees in this part of the city.
After the 1755 earthquake, the building was ruined and the old church is now home to the Carmo Archaeological Museum. The rest of the building now belongs to the General Command of the GNR.
In the case of the Museu Arqueológico do Carmo, you can experience the beauty and aesthetics of the ruin up close and personal with the refurbishment it has undergone.
At the same time, you can travel back in time from prehistoric times to medieval times. A true journey of knowledge.
Address: Largo do Carmo, 27
12 – Elevador de Santa Justa
The Santa Justa Elevator, also known as the Carmo Elevator, is one of Lisbon’s most emblematic monuments. Inaugurated in 1902, the purpose of its construction was to connect Baixa to Largo do Carmo, facilitating mobility with one of the city’s highest areas.
At a height of 45 meters, from the top of the Elevador de Santa Justa you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over Lisbon, stretching from the Baixa to the Tagus. In 2002, it was officially classified as a National Monument.
Address: Rua de Santa Justa
