- JenLara
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Lisbon a Bon Day Trip
- June 14, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
catsholiday from ashbourne, United Kingdom
A Day trip to Lisbon
We spent a week in the Algarve in June 2009 and during this week we chose to book a trip with ‘Follow Me’ tours to Lisbon for the day. The trip was 34 Euros per person which we thought was good value as the toll on the A2 is 18 Euros each way for a car and then we would have had to pay to park the car and of course petrol as well as the fact that we were not sure where all the sites were.
We had to meet by the Dolphin roundabout in Albufiera for 6.55 and the coach was only 5 minutes late but we were virtually the last people to be picked up before heading for Lisbon. We made a stop about an hour away for coffee and the toilet. This was at a motorway service station so functional rather than interesting. We stopped at the same place on the return journey too. Initially our guide introduced herself and explained what we would see on the way going across the Serra do Caldeirao and which regions we would pass through and then as it was early she said she would be quiet until nearer Lisbon.
As we approached Lisbon she told us about the toll on the A22 and the various industries approaching Lisbon and the fact that we would go into Lisbon over the April 25th Bridge and see the huge statue of Christo Rei which is a bit like the Corcovado in Rio and overlooks the city of Lisbon from a great height. This bridge was the first to cross the Tejo and was originally called Saladar Bridge until the coup overthrew the Fascist dictator Saladar in 1974 and Portugal became a democratic Republic. The Portuguese are justifiably proud of this bridge and liken it to the Golden Gate bridge of San Francisco which is does resemble to be fair.
We drove over the bridge and then under it to the area of Belem which is along the river bank and harbour area of Lisbon. We made our way along to our first stop which was the Belem Tower. The is a very ornate tower built in the Manueline style of Architecture – so called after Manuel II as this was the style of design during his reign. The tower is not large and sits in the water and served to guard the entrance to the port of Lisbon. It is marble coloured and ornately carved rather similar to the carved architecture seen in India so may have been inspired by Indian influences. The tower and dates back to the early 16th Century.
Just close to the tower is a replica of a seaplane flown by Portuguese aviators Sacadura Cabral, as pilot, and Gago Coutinho, as navigator, across the Atlantic from Lisbon, Portugal to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1922. This is a tiny aircraft and I know I wouldn’t want to fly across the Atlantic in it today with all our satellite navigation and rescue facilities, never mind in 1922 when they did it.
After the Belem tower we visited the Monastery of Jeronimos which is built in the same style as the Belem Tower and is very picturesque. We went into the church of Jeronimos or Our Lady or Belem which was quite plain inside compared to a lot of the South American and Spanish catholic churches but architecturally very beautiful. The ceilings were very high with tall carved pillars for support. The ceilings were decorated with carvings but not coloured at all. The altar area was not original as the original was destroyed in the earthquake 1755 and it was more decorated than the rest of the church.
There were five main stained glass windows which had all been restored after either the earth quake or other damage. One was of Our Lady of Belem (The Virgin Mary) is also the guardian of sailors. The window shows her with two caravels guiding them on their way. The other windows all depict St Jeronimo who is apparently the Patron Saint of navigation. Another item of interest in the church was Vasco da Gama’s tomb (the famous Portuguese explorer who discovered the route round the Cape of Good Hope to the East), although as he died overseas no-one is quite sure how much of his remains are buried within.
Just on the River front in this same area as Jeronimo’s Monastery there is the Monument of the Discoveries built to honour Portuguese heroes of discovery in the past; these include, Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus. It is a very impressive monument built in the shape of a stylised caravel with the heroes in relief on either side. In front of the monument is a huge marble wind rose donated to Portugal by the South African Republic and the map of the world depicted is of the era of Portuguese navigational prime showing their colonies such as Goa, Malacca, the Moluccas ( Indonesia) and others in Africa and South America. Australia was only mapped roughly in shape with the bottom very indistinct.
We moved into the city after this and we dropped off outside the Swiss cafe on Rossio Square. We had three hours of free time to wander around as we wished. We were starving having left Albufiera at 7am and it was now 12.45 so we went straight to a cafe in the pedestrianised road to eat.
We ordered Bacalhau (My husband) and hake (for me) with iced tea. I am sorry to say that service was extremely slow but the food was okay. Not sure that salt fish is really that great, we have both had it before (salt fish and ackee is the Jamaican National dish) but my husband always likes to try whatever is the dish of the area and he hadn’t tried salt fish in Portugal. It is quite strong and very bony so I didn’t bother. My hake was very nice and the atmosphere in the area was lovely unfortunately our waiter was rather slack and we had to ask for everything twice and then wait some considerable time – he didn’t get a tip!
Feeling much better now our blood sugar levels were up we decided to go and investigate to Lisbon Elevator. This antiquated lift takes you from the level of the river up to the old quarter of Alfama. It costs 2.80 Euros a person for the ride up and the return down and the ticket is purchased in the lift on the way up. The lift takes 20 people going up but only 15 coming down. It is an unusual looking piece of architecture, quite ornate and the lift itself is polished wood with two bench seats.
Once you get to the top you have an excellent view up to the Castel de Sao Jorge and fortified walls, down to the river Tagus and also over Rossio square. You then walk out over a metal walkway under a church buttress into the area of Alfama with its old fashioned narrow tram lines, hilly cobbled narrow streets and balconied houses. In the square there was a wonderful display of blooming Jacarandas set against a pink building in the sunshine – a real photo opportunity.
We were then driven through to the area of a former Expo now called the Park of Nations and we left Lisbon by the other famous bridge across the Tagus, the Vasco de Gama Bridge which was completed in 1998 and is the second longest bridge in Europe at 17,185 metres long.
We spent only one day in Lisbon but I felt we got a good idea of the city and we were able to explore a little by ourselves. Obviously if you spend more time you will have the opportunity to see more but this trip was excellent. The guide was very knowledgeable, her English was perfect and the trip covered most of the sights of Lisbon and gave a good idea of what Lisbon offers the tourist.
On the way back our guide put a DVD of 'Fado' music which is quintessentially Lisbon's own music. It is extremely melancholy urban folk a sort of singing poetry accompanied by a classic guitar and a 12s string Portuguese guitar. It was very strange and definitely an acquired taste and I have not acquired it!
I would thoroughly recommend this day trip if you are staying in the Algarve. You get to visit the capital city and learn a little about the history and culture of the country.
Editor Pick
Suggestions for a Couple of Day Vacation in Lisbon
- July 9, 2008
- Rated 4 of 5 by
karlyad from London, United Kingdom
A couple of day in Lisbon
Day 1|
I began my journey through Lisbon by tram. Spent day to tour in tram 28 (Martim Moniz-Campo de Ourique). I bought a daily pass (www.carris.pt) so I can explore all by myself and to treat myself to some astonishing places and sights.
Some places in Lisbon that you have to visit: S. Vicente de Fora, take a look at the Church, particularly the tiles which are based on some La Fontaine tales. Visit Feira da Ladra (Flea Market), where you can buy really cheap second-hand clothes, cd's or books, only on Tuesdays and Saturdays. A street above, you’ll find Panteão Nacional (National Pantheon) take a strole on the terrace, it will offer you a beautiful sight of Tagus River. Castelo de S. Jorge (St. George Castle), Miradouro de Santa Luzia (Santa Luzia belvedere) with its garden and a fabulous views over Alfama. Constructed after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, in the Pombaline Lower Town you’ll find a nice place to go shopping or keep going to the next stop and have a "bica" near Fernando Pessoa (he doesn’t mind if you take a photo with him).
It’s already getting dark, I’ve decided to have dinner at "A Severa" (www.asevera.com), a restaurant and house of Fados where Amália Rodrigues used to eat portuguese tapas. Outside Bairro Alto’s nightlife is starting. Thanks to a free guide I have found in my hotel "Tips Guide Lisboa" (www.tipsguidelisboa.com), I have found a place to end the night, I chose a small disco in the Bairro Alto called "Bedroom"....nice place!
Day 2 |
Early morning and here I am, ready to discover new worlds. Arriving in Belém, we go back to 1500, to the Age of Discoveries.
First Palácio de Belém, the official residence of the President of Portugal then had my morning coffee in the famous Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém(www.pasteisdebelem.pt).
Then finally arrived to a magnificent monastery, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, it was from here that Vasco da Gama sailed to India.
This building is the most successful achievement of Manueline architecture; the motifs are mainly the armillary sphere (a spherical astrolabe) and the cross of the Order of Christ, you can find these in the church, in the cloisters and in the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Camões.
Just a few meters away is the Centro Cultural de Belém (www.ccb.pt), a modern building that hosts cultural events and is also a conference centre. I ate a light meal at Quadrante, located in Jardim das Oliveiras.
If you turn to the other side of the road in direction to Padrão de Descobrimentos take a ride up by elevator because from the top you can get the best view of the gigantic compass rose on the pavement. It has a diameter of 50 meters and the central map shows the sea routes of the Portuguese Discoverers during the XV and XVI centuries. There’s a funny joke about this monument, some people say that the character at the back is screaming "don't push in the queue!"
It you take a walk close to the river soon you will see the so-called square tower, World Heritage by Unesco, Torre de Belém. This ancient fortress is unique, above all for its distinctive sharply outlined shape.
I am getting hungry. I went to Cervejaria Portugália (www.portugalia.pt), I also recommend the original restaurant/beer house at Almirante Reis Avenue. As a starter I decided to take caldo verde, a typical Portuguese vegetable soup and after that the very famous steak submerged in a special sauce. Its always served with a fried egg on top, French Fries and bread. I couldn’t imagine myself picking any other drink than a cold blond beer.
Ok..that was my short but intense experience in Lisbon.
If you don't have much time to organize your trip I recommend these three links to help you:
Low-cost flights (www.bravofly.co.uk)
This website is very good, you can easily find low cost flights to Lisbon and also for other destinations.
Tips Guide Lisboa (www.tipsguidelisboa.com)
Has a daily calendar with concerts, nightlife and expositions. You can download it for free directly from the website
Hotel Booking (www.booking.com)
I use always this website to find cheap hotels.
Editor Pick
Praca do Comercio
- October 3, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
LenR from Townsville, Australia
This is one of the most majestic squares of Lisbon and was once the main maritime entrance to the city. You can still see the old marble steps leading up to Commerce Square from the River Tagus. The name Palace Square is clearly a reference to the Palace that was located here for 400 years, until the 1755 earthquake that almost completely destroyed it.
On the north side, an impressive 19th-century triumphal arch that leads to Rua Augusta centres the square. The arch is decorated with statues of historical personalities, like Vasco da Gama and Marquês do Pombal. Government administrative offices and some restaurants now occupy the spacious arcaded buildings that extend around three sides of the square. At the centre of the square, stands the equestrian statue of King José I, King of Portugal during the earthquake in 1755.
As most visitors originally arrived by boat, the Praça do Comercio was considered the entry gate into the city of Lisbon. It was therefore important that it be grandiose, and that is exactly the word that comes to mind when you see it for the first time.
The royal palace Paço da Ribeira, into which Manuel I moved in the 16th century, stood on this site on the river bank until 1755. The Terreiro do Paço was consequently used as a place to receive kings and guests, who arrived by ship - although it was also used as a setting for burning heretics and for bullfights.
After the Terreiro do Praça was completely destroyed by the earthquake and had been flooded, the present Praça do Comércio was built. Uniform arcaded facades line three sides of the square. It enjoys an unrestricted view of the Tagus and has been called "Lisbon's reception room.
On the north side is one of the city's legendary cafes, Café Martinho da Arcada. It dates from 1782 and was a favorite of poets Fernando Pessoa and Almeida Garrett and of novelist Eca de Queiroz.
The Lisbon Welcome Centre is located in one of the classical building on the west side of the square. Here visitors can request information about the city, buy a tourist card that provides discounts on several attractions, use the Internet service, or shop at a store offering traditional Portuguese products.
From journal Downtown Lisbon - the Baixa Quarter
Editor Pick
Elevators and Funiculars
- October 3, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
LenR from Townsville, Australia
Lisbon has three working street funiculars and one street elevator which allow its citizens and visitors to move to and from its hilly districts more easily. All are operated by Carris, the Lisbon city transport undertaking and all are tourist attractions.
The Santa Justa Elevator opened in 1902 and rises vertically some 45 metres from the Rua de Santa Justa in the Baixa area to the Chiado district. The structure was designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, from Oporto. The structure houses two staffed lifts which normally allow direct access to the Carmo square and its monastery ruins, which are now an archaeological museum.
The lift was originally powered by a steam engine mounted at its summit. For the past 100 years, however, it has been electrically powered. On exiting the lift at the top, the area, below, to the left of the walkway was largely destroyed by a major fire in 1988 but has now been rebuilt. There is a viewing area which looks over Rossio to the north east and the Baixa district to the south. To the east are fine views across to the Castle. There is a café at the summit. The walkway runs alongside the ruins of the Carmo monastery which has been left unrepaired since the catastrophic earthquake of 1755.
The Glória funicular opened in 1885, on the west side of the Avenida da Liberdade, connecting Restauradores with the Bairro Alto. Excellent views of the city and castle are to be had from the gardens which lie immediately to the right at the top of the route.
The Glória is the busiest funicular in Lisbon and also the most accessible for tourists as it lies next door to the main tourist information office in the Palácio Foz. It is 265 metres long and has an average gradient of 18%. Operating hours are 7am-12:55am every day. Sadly, the cars are now badly defaced by graffiti. Unfortunately when we visited (April 2007) it was out of action whilst remedial works take place on the Rossio railway tunnel which runs beneath the funicular track.
The Bica funicular opened in 1892 and is the only stepped street funicular in the city. It climbs the Rua da Bica for 245 metres from the Rua S. Paulo, near Santos, to the Calhariz district. Its average gradient is 20% but is much steeper at the lower end. From the street, the funicular is concealed by a building but this is clearly lettered 'Ascensor da Bica'. Originally water-powered, steam-power was introduced in 1896, followed by electricity from 1914. Tram #28 runs past the top end and tram #25 passes the bottom end.
The Lavra funicular was the first street funicular in the world. It opened in 1884 and carried 3,000 people, free of charge, on that day alone. Originally water-powered, it was converted to electricity in 1915. It runs from the eastern side of the Avenida da Liberdade at a 25% gradient for 180 metres to the Torel district.
From journal Downtown Lisbon - the Baixa Quarter
Editor Pick
Monuments and Squares
- October 3, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
LenR from Townsville, Australia
Lisbon is a city of squares and monuments. Many of them were created after the 18th century disastrous earthquake that destroyed much of the city. When the city rebuilt, the downtown area was planned around several important squares. The Lisbon of a century ago can still be seen in the vicinity of these squares and they are still focal points for many activities. This is particularly the case with Rossio Square.
Like many of Lisbon's squares, Rossio has an official and an unofficial name. Its official name, Praça de Dom Pedro IV, commemorates Portugal's first liberal king; however, the square is usually simply referred to as Rossio, the Portuguese name for any large square. This says a great deal about the character and importance of Rossio for the Portuguese capital.
Today Rossio is not only a meeting place for both citizens and tourists but also the workplace of countless newspaper vendors, shoeshine boys, street traders, and lottery ticket sellers. Many buses stop in the square, the main taxi rank is located here, as is a Metro station and a railroad station serving many suburbs. It is the most congested area for traffic in the city center. Amid all this pandemonium Rossio's cafes are popular for sitting and watching the world go by. At lunchtime and after work many local workers from the Baixa come here.
Rossio’s architectural design originates from plans drawn up by the Hungarian Carlos Mardel. The Classical Teatro Nacional Donna Maria II stands on the northern side. Three of the Baixa's eight straight streets join the square on the opposite side; the entrance to the Rua dos Sapateiros is spanned by the decorative Arco do Bandeiro.
In the mid 19th C. the whole inner area of Rossio Square was cobbled with a lovely wave like mosaic pattern; today only a small, central part of this remains. There are two impressive fountains and in the middle of the square there's a statue of Dom Pedro IV. At its foot there are four female figures representing Justice, Wisdom, Strength, and Moderation, qualities attributed to Dom Pedro himself.
Another square not to be missed is The Praça dos Restauradores (Restorer's Square). Easily recognisable because of its Obelisk and the sculpture that commemorates the 1640 restoration of Portugal's Independence from Spain, this square has much to see, but the best is the architecture that can be seen in the surrounding buildings, like Palácio Foz, Orion Eden Hotel, the small bandstand, Avenida Palace Hotel, and many others.
Finally, don’t miss the bronze equestrian statue representing King John 1 (1357-1433), by sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida, in Praca da Figueira. The monument also carries medallions with the effigies of Nuno Alvares Pereira and Joao das Regras, two key characters in the 1385 Revolution.
From journal Downtown Lisbon - the Baixa Quarter