Must see attractions in Lisbon
Lisbon is one of Europe's most underrated cities. It may not have the glitz and grandeur of more well-known European cities but the Portuguese capital charms visitors with its rustic and picturesque sidewalks, neighbourhoods and monuments.
During your visit to Lisbon, be sure to visit the follow attractions!
1. Belem Tower
The Belem Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage monument that is a symbol of the country and represents Portugal's Age of Discovery. It was built in the 16th century as a fortress to defend the port of Lisbon and is an example of Manueline architecture, which is reflected in the monument's lavish details. Such an architectural style symbolises the wealth and prosperity that Portugal was enjoying then.
2. Feira Da Ladra
If you are hoping to snag a good deal during your stay in Lisbon, visit Feira Da Ladra, a flea market held every Tuesday and Thursday. The name of the market translates into 'female theives' market' but fear not, the market is safe and legal and packed full of bargains. You can expect to find antiques, hand-made crafts, books, clothing, furniture and other knick knacks here. Do drop down early if you are intending to do some serious shopping here!
3. Roman Theatre Museum
Discover Lisbon's Roman Past at the Roman Theatre Museum, which features the remains of Lisbon's Roman theatre as well as other archaeological findings such as columns and structures. It is believed that the Roman theatre was built during the Augustan age but was abandoned by the 4th century. The massive earthquake that struck Lisbon in 1755 piled rubble onto this site and it was only during the 1960s that excavations of the city's Roman Theatre began.
4. Jeronimos Monastery
Like the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and a monument to the Portuguese Age of Discovery. It is one of the most iconic examples of late-Gothic Manueline style architecture and houses a church, cloister and two museums – the Maritime Museum and Archaeology Museum. Discover Portugal's rich maritime history and its expeditions at sea as well at the Maritime Museum as well as Egyptian antiques and relics excavated throughout the country at the Archaeology Museum.
5. Carmo Convent
Carmo Convent was once Portugal's largest church. Following the massive earthquake that struck Lisbon in 1755, the church was ruined and its library of 5,000 books were reduced to ashes. All that remains of Carmo Convent are its ruined arches and its roofless nave is a feature intentionally kept as a reminder of the disaster then. There is a small archaelogical museum at where the main altar was once situated, displaying a collection of artifacts, old coins as well as ancient tombstones.
6. Castelo de Sao Jorge
Located at the top of a hill, the Castelo de Sao Jorge visible from nearly anywhere in Lisbon. The castle was mainly used to house military personnel but was once the residence of the Moorish royals. During the 1755 earthquake, much of the castle was destroyed but a series of rebuilding and restoration projects soon followed. Today, the castle houses a Camera Obscura, archaeological site as well as a gallery. Given the hilltop location of the castle, you will also get to enjoy spectacular views of the city.
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