- JenLara
- First Reviewer
- 4 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 16
- Reviews
-
58
- Photos
Editor Pick
25 de Abril Bridge
- September 19, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
LenR from Townsville, Australia
My engineering background may be showing but I found the 25 de Abril suspension Bridge (25th of April Bridge) to be a very impressive structure. It connects the city of Lisbon, to the municipality of Almada on the left bank of the Tagus River. It was opened in 1966 and a train deck was added in 1999. Soon after the so-called Carnation Revolution in 1974, the bridge was renamed the 25 de Abril Bridge, the day the revolution had occurred. It is a commanding presence from Belem and many other areas of the city.
Upon completion, the bridge had the longest suspended span and the longest main span in Continental Europe, the world's longest continuous truss, and the world's deepest bridge foundation. It was the fifth largest suspension bridge in the world, the largest outside the USA. Today it has been surpassed by many other bridges in various places around the world but it is now undoubtedly one of the world’s busiest structures.
The 25 de Abril Bridge is often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and not just because it was built by the same company. The American Society of Civil Engineers says that "Like its sister bridge, the Golden Gate in San Francisco, the Tagus River Bridge is located in an area with a long history of earthquakes" and seismic data had to be taken into account in its construction. Another sister bridge is the Forth Road Bridge in Edinburgh,
Since 1999, the lower deck has carried two railroad tracks. To accommodate this, the bridge underwent extensive structural reinforcements, including a second set of main cables, placed above the original set, and the main towers were increased in height. The rail line had been part of the initial design, but was eliminated for economy, and the initial structure had been lightened. The original builder, the American Bridge Company, was called again for the job, to carry out the first ever aerial spinning of additional main cables on a loaded, fully operational suspension bridge.
The bridge was projected to have paid all debt in 20 years, and to become toll-free (or reduced toll) after that period. However, the Government has kept charging tolls well beyond the 20 year period. Today the toll applies northbound only, with the toll plaza situated on the south bank of the Tagus River. The toll is currently set at € 1.25 for passenger cars, northbound (into Lisbon).
You can get a great view of the bridge, as well as the rest of the Lisbon area from the base of the Christ (Cristo Rei) monument across the river (free), and an even better view of the area from the top of the monument (5 euros).
From journal Lisbon- Monumental Belem
Editor Pick
Sightseeing Bus
- September 19, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
LenR from Townsville, Australia
The Lisbon Cityline Bus is one of the most convenient ways to discover Lisbon. It enables you to get a good overview of the city while visiting some of the major sightseeing attractions including Jeronimos Monastery, Tower of Belem, and the Monument of the Discoveries.
The bus provides a guided commentary along the route, and you can hop on and off as many times as you like throughout the day, at any of the 13 designated stops. The stops are:
· Marques de Pombal - Terminal and panorama of Marquis of Pombal monument, built in memory to this statesman who ordered the rebuilding of Lisbon after the earthquake of 1755.
· Avenida da Liberdade - The main avenue of the city links Pombal Square with the center. Along this avenue you can find many brand shops, hotels, etc.
· Restauradores - The obelisk in the middle of the square commemorates the independence of Portugal in 1640, after 60 years of Spanish domination.
· Rossio - Also called Pedro IV's Square, it is the heart of the city. All around the square there are shops, famous cafés, and also the National Theatre.
· Terreiro do Paco/Praca do Comercio - Considered to be one of the most beautiful squares of Lisbon. It was here that the Royal Palace was located at the time of King Manuel (16th C.)
· Alcantara / Docas - Principal pier of Lisbon, famous for its night activities such as bars, restaurants, discos, pubs, etc.
· National Museum of Coaches - One of the most visited museums in Portugal. This museum, installed in the former Royal Riding School, occupies the Eastern wing of Belem Palace.
· Jeronimos Monastery - King Manuel, wished to use the building as a monument to the great discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries.
· Centro Cultural de Belem - This building, was inaugurated in 1992 as a Cultural Center. It's a good example of contemporary Portuguese architecture.
· Tower of Belem - The master piece of "Manueline" style. Built between 1515 and 1521 at the entrance of the harbor it marks the point of departure of many maritime expeditions.
· Monument of the Discoveries - Designed to commemorate the age of discoveries, the central figure is Prince Henry the Navigator who was the great supporter of the famous explorers.
· Basilica da Estrela - A church from the 18th century where one can find paintings of Batoni and Pedro Alexandrino
· El Corte Ingles - One of the biggest and more complete shopping centers in Lisbon area.
· Eduardo VII Park - Beautiful panorama of Eduardo VII gardens, Marques de Pombal monument, Avenida da Liberdade, downtown, Tagus River and south.
This tour must be booked at least 24 hours in advance of your travel date. The tour is operated in English, French, German, and Portuguese. The ticket is valid for 1 calendar day.
From journal Lisbon- Monumental Belem
Editor Pick
Viewpoints
- August 31, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
LenR from Townsville, Australia
One of the real joys of wandering Alfama is the spectacular views which are seen from many terraces and street corners. It is a photographers paradise as the sun reflects of bright coloured walls and interesting shaped roofs.
From the cathedral head upwards onto Rua da Rosa, edged with dusty antique shops and tourist pit stops. Streets fan out into warrens of tiny blind alleys and lovely miniature squares.
Lisbon’s dazzling vistas are the most memorable images of the city and the Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of the most romantic. Under vine-draped pergolas lovers swoon, old men play cards and a constant stream of tourists gasp at the views across Alfama, the Tagus and the Graca. The tourists noisily taking photographs here starkly contrast with the elderly Lisboêtas, who somehow manage to relax over cards and coffee.
Close-by, the tiled scenes on the outer walls of the church of Santa Luzia depict Martim Moniz, Lisbon’s famous knight and martyr, who tied himself to the castle gate in order that Afonso Henríques’ crusaders could take Lisbon from the Moors.
The narrow, cobblestone streets of Rua de Chão da Feira lead up to the castle and it's an unashamedly touristy prelude of brash souvenir shops and suited waiters brandishing laminated menus. The castle provides some of the best vistas available in the whole city so don’t miss them. Walk out on the ramparts and gaze over the central city. It really is a lovely view.
Go back to the church and climb Rua de São Tomé, where tourists flock, and justifiably so, to another stunning viewpoint. The Largo das Portas do Sol, or the ‘Gate of the Sun’, was named after the city gates which once stood here and the views are truly spectacular. To the north the pristine white towers of the church of São Vicente de Fora and the dome of the church of Santa Engrácia, soar from above Alfama.
From Largo Portas do Sol, Rua de São Tomé leads to the Calçada de Graça, where, just off to the west, the Miradouro de Graça provides more breathtaking views over Lisbon. The terrace café is more popular with locals than tourists – especially on Sundays – enjoying ritualistic strong bicas, buttery torradas and the weekend papers.
To the right is a former convent and about 700 metres north-west is the Miradoura da Senhora do Monte which is the best point in town for views of the castle and the area to its north. There are also excellent views back towards the central city.
Tram 28 deposits passengers on the Largo de Graça, the area’s social hub which goes about its business with lackadaisical charm
From journal Lisbon's Marvelous Alfama Quarter
Editor Pick
Other Churches
- August 31, 2007
- Rated 3 of 5 by
LenR from Townsville, Australia
While Lisbon cathedral is the prime church in Alfama, as you wander the streets you will run into several other interesting churches and religious buildings. One of these is the Baroque church of Saint Anthony which is adjacent to the cathedral.
Santo Antonio, revered as a matchmaker, protector of young brides, and patron of the lost and found, was born in Lisbon, supposedly on the site of this church.
Work began in 1757, and the facade blends the Baroque style with neoclassical Ionic columns. Inside, the altar features an image of the saint with Christ in his arms, the sacristy is faced with 18th century tiles, and there is a modern tile panel commemorating the visit of Pope John Paul II to the church in 1982.
Next door is a small museum with images and manuscripts relating to the life of the saint, as well as gold and silverware used to decorate the church.
Canonized in 1232, charismatic Saint Anthony, is the most beloved of Lisbon’s popular saints. “Saint Anthony, Saint Anthony, find me a husband”, remains one of the most popular prayers. It is now traditional for the newly betrothed to visit the church and leave flowers as a gift for him on their wedding day.
You find the church at Largo Santo Antonio à Sé, Alfama. It is open 8am to 7:30pm daily. The museum opens from10am to 1pm and again from 2pm to 6pm but it is closed on Mondays.
In the 12th century King Afonso Henriques made a vow to build churches on sites where Portuguese soldiers and northern European crusaders who fought the Moors lay buried. Today's São Vicente de Fora Church, built in 1582, stands on the site of one of those churches, which was located outside the city walls.
It was inaugurated in 1629 but was severely damaged in the 1755 earthquake, when the main dome and roof collapsed. It was then restored, and in 1855 the old monastic refectory became the pantheon of the Bragança dynasty. Those here include Catherine of Bragança, a Portuguese princess who became the Queen of England when she married Charles II, and the bodies of all kings from 1640 to 1910. The first actual burial here, in 1907, was King João IV, swiftly followed just a year later by King Carlos. The remains of Portugal’s last king, Dom Manuel II, who died in exile in Brazil in 1932, also lie here.
The entrance is through a gate to the right of the facade, and the interior and cloisters are adorned with exceptional 18th-century tiled panels. A visit to the cloisters is probably the main highlight, accessed through the fanciful arcaded courtyard with its tinkling water fountains.
You find the church on Largo de São Vicente, Alfama. It opens from 9am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and from 9am to 12:30pm and from 3pm to 5pm on Sundays
The café serves light snacks but its major draw is the views across the Alfama and the Tagus.
From journal Lisbon's Marvelous Alfama Quarter
Editor Pick
Lisbon Cathedral
- August 31, 2007
- Rated 3 of 5 by
LenR from Townsville, Australia
As far as churches go, this is not a 10 on any scale but it is worth seeing and it is the best on offer in Lisbon. You can walk here from the downtown Baixa district or take tram 28. The cathedral opens from 9am to 7pm. We visited late afternoon on our way down from the castle. We had spent hours enjoying the narrow streets and small squares and watching the people live life on the streets so this was something different.
The cathedral stands within the old, densely built quarter of Alfama on the southern hillside below the castle. It was a pleasant change from the earlier experiences of our day. The cathedral was built in 1150, soon after the city was recaptured from the Moors, by Portugal's first king on the site of an old mosque. It was built for the city's first bishop, the English crusader Gilbert of Hastings.
The cathedral is a Latin cross building with three aisles, a transept and a main chapel surrounded by an ambulatory. The church is connected with a cloister on the Eastern side.
There is insufficient room available here for the spacious square which would allow the church to appear more striking. You only get a good view of the building in one direction. From outside, with two bell towers and a splendid rose window, it resembles a medieval fortress, while inside it appears predominantly Romanesque, with a Gothic choir and ambulatory.
Beyond the rough exterior are many treasures. At the entrance, to the left, is a baptismal font said to be used in 1195 to baptize Saint Anthony who was born nearby. In the first chapel on the left is a beautifully detailed nativity scene.
In the 14th century cloisters, in what were once the gardens, there have been excavations which have revealed Roman and Visigothic remains as well as parts of the former mosque wall.
A notable feature is the 14th-century Gothic chapel of Bartholomeu Joanes. Other items of interest are a crib by Machado de Castro, the 14th-century sarcophagus of Lopo Fernandes Pacheco, and the original nave and aisles.
A visit to the sacristy and cloister requires a guide. Admission to the cathedral is free while the cloister costs €1.50.
From journal Lisbon's Marvelous Alfama Quarter