Trolleys and More

Description:

Arco da Rua Augusta is one of the most highly regarded landmarks in the city of Lisbon. Seen by some as Portugal s Arc de Triomphe, it was constructed in 1873 and designed by the notable French sculptor, Antoine Calmels. Be sure to see its breathtaking nine statues signifying Portugal's social and political history. Included are Vasco da Gama, who discovered the maritime route to India in 1498, Nuno Álvares Pereira, who helped the Portuguese gain independence from Spain; and the politician Marquês de Pombal, who contributed to the reconstruction of Lisbon after its devastating earthquake in 1755.

Description:

The Christian foundations of Lisbon's landmark Sé (cathedral) date from 1150 on a site once occupied by a mosque. Commissioned by Portugal's first king Afonso Henriques shortly after his forces liberated the city from the Moors, the original design of the building has altered over the centuries due in part to earthquake damage and the whim of subsequent renovation. The twin castellated belltowers are a familiar city skyline feature, and a focal point of many a camcorder. The stained glass rose window embellishing the façade is best appreciated from within. The refurbished nave hints at what the original interior must have looked like and the nine Gothic ambulatory chapels are worth noting, especially that housing the carved tomb of the 14th-century nobleman Lopo Fernandes Pacheco. Excavation of the cloister has revealed vestiges of Moorish, Visigoth, Roman and Phoenician activity. The first-floor Treasury is a museum of religious art. © NileGuide2011 This is the main cathedral in Lisbon and should not be missed even if your stay in the area is brief. Its construction was a long process, and spanned from the 12th century until its completion in the 20th century. Its architectural influences... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

Picture postcard views don't come much better than this.

Description:

Lisbon's position, built as it is on seven hills, affords impressive panoramas from viewpoints knows as miradouros. One of the city's finest is Miradouro de Santa Luzia. This miradouro is in fact the terrace by the church of Santa Luzia and is set under a pergola with tiled pillars. During the summer, purple bougainvillea embellishes the veranda. The sweeping views take in the chalk-white dome of Igreja de Santa Engrácia-Panteão Nacional to the east, and the churches of Santo Estevão and São Miguel, surrounded by Alfama's terracotta rooftops, below. The adjoining café is a useful snack-stop but lacks the view. Recent scaffolding erected directly below the terrace has somewhat blocked the nearview but beyond the scene is still picture perfect.

Description:

Over to the east of the city punctuating the Alfama skyline is much-admired Lisbon landmark - the milk-white dome of Santa Engrácia. The baroque monument dates from 1682 and was built over the ruins of an earlier church that collapsed the previous year during a violent storm. Incredibly, it took 284 years to complete the building work; the aforementioned dome was in fact added as recently as 1966. But it's this modern architectural feature that is the most endearing quality of the exterior. Pink and gold-coloured marble embellishes the interior which, as the National Pantheon, houses the cenotaphs to some of Portugal's most revered historical and cultural figures including Vasco da Gama and Henry the Navigator. The fadista Amália Rodrigues is also commemorated here. The giant cupola echoes to the footsteps of a regular flow of visitors but it's the city panorama enjoyed from the exterior platform circling the dome that is the real draw. It's 181 steps to the top, or a quick jaunt by elevator.

Our Local Expert Says:

A must-see for any visitor if only for the staggering views from the ramparts.

Description:

This most ubiquitous of Lisbon tourist attractions welcomes a steady stream of visitors throughout the year. Commanding a strategic hilltop position on the edge of the city's historic Alfama neighbourhood, much of the castle has been completely renovated and few vestiges remain of its 12th-century origins. The heavy-set outer ramparts enclose the narrow, pretty streets of Santa Cruz. Facilities inside the castle grounds include gardens where summer cultural events and festivities often take place, a multimedia centre and a noted restaurant, Casa do Leão. It's possible to walk the entire length of the castle battlements that surround the inner courtyard and to climb some of the lookout towers. The unobstructed views enjoyed from this location are truly captivating and take in a huge swathe of downtown Lisbon, the river and distant Belém. The panorama alone is worth the relatively steep entrance fee and the faux medieval atmosphere reason enough to linger. © NileGuide2011

Our Local Expert Says:

Designed and built by a pupil of Gustav Eiffel.

Description:

Looming somewhat incongruously above the terracotta rooftops of the city's Baixa district is this handsome wrought-iron elevator, built in 1902 by French architect Raoul Mésnier du Ponsard, a pupil of Gustav Eiffel. The neo-Gothic design does tend to conjure up images of the tower in Paris, even down to the embellished filigree motifs. And it's equally alluring. An antique-styled car takes passengers to the near top of the structure to disgorge them onto a walkway that links the Largo do Carmo in Bairro Alto. From here it's a short, steep climb up a narrow spiral staircase to the viewing platform, 45m above street level. The giddy 360-degree views embrace Lisbon's busy downtown grid, the nearby ruins of the Convento do Carmo and the River Tejo. Unfortunately the rooftop café is no longer functioning. For a cheaper thrill, pass on the ride and walk up to Largo do Carmo. From here you can cross the bridge and take the stairs. © NileGuide2011

Our Local Expert Says:

This remains one of the most visited museums in the city.

Description:

This stunning collection of horse-drawn carriages is one of the finest in Europe, perhaps the world. The range of coaches, cabriolets and chaises is remarkable, with examples from Portugal, France, Italy, Austria and Spain spanning three centuries. While decorative, some of the vehicles on display are fairly humble in appearance. Most however are truly astonishing in their design, especially the ceremonial carriages that feature magnificent gilt carved woodwork, gold brocade, satin, and red silk velvet. Exemplifying this sumptuous craftsmanship is the coach built in 1716 for the Marquês de Abrantes, the Portuguese ambassador to Pope Clement XI. Another outstanding example is the 1777 carriage built for the marriage of Maria Francisca, sister of Queen Maria I, to her nephew Prince José. The exterior features carved Rococo woodwork and paintings attributed to Pedro Alexandrino de Carvalho. The collection is currently housed in the east wing of the Palácio de Belém, formerly a riding school. © NileGuide2011

































The National Coach Museum is the most popular museum in Lisbon. It is located in the area of Belém, a neighborhood with pretty gardens. In this museum,... read more

Description:

The Centro Cultural de Belém is one of the most important places of culture in Lisbon, but it also has some of the best places to have a meal. The restaurant A Commenda has a distinctive kind of service. The options available in the menu are diverse, you might want to choose the buffet mode at lunch or to have the most refined choices of typical Portuguese dishes at dinner.

Description:

A ubiquitous city landmark, the 25th April Bridge was originally called the Ponte Salazar after António Salazar, the dictator who commissioned its construction in 1966. It was renamed to commemorate the peaceful revolution of 25 April 1974. The 2 km (half a mile) steel suspension bridge connects central Lisbon with the south bank of the River Tejo and is a major road and rail link. Its design resembles that of San Francisco's Golden Gate in the United States; it was the American Bridge Company that built it and strengthened the structure in 1999 when railway platform that runs underneath the six-lane upper tier was added. The bridge is tolled northbound, with the pay booths located on the south bank. There is no toll charge southbound or during the busy holiday month of August. This is not a visitor attraction, although it's possible to jog across the span during the annual Lisbon half-marathon event.

Description:

Not an elevator at all but instead a funicular, which translates as "elevador" in Portuguese, the Elevador da Glória connects the Restauradores district of Lisbon with its lofty neighbour, Bairro Alto. This novel mode of transport is a 19th-century invention and is one of three operating in Lisbon. The other two are Elevador do Bica and Elevador do Lavra. Glória was the second to be built and began service in 1885. Today it is the busiest, used as much by residents as curious tourists. Resembling a shortened version of a train carriage, Lisbon's funiculars were formally open-top two-tier cars, propelled along a rail track using a water gravity system. Steam power was later used but after 1915 Glória ran on electricity. Two cars ascend and descend the very steep Calçada da Glória. The journey only takes a few minutes but your legs will appreciate the gesture. Unfortunately, insensitive graffiti artists find some perverse gratification in daubing the vehicles with spray paint overnight and it's rare these days to see one in its original livery. © NileGuide2011





















































These lifts are perfect pathways between between Avenida da Liberdade and... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

The best vantage point in Lisbon for that picture postcard image.

Description:

This large and attractive terrace is one of Lisbon's favourite meeting points for locals and tourists alike. Fountains, wooden benches and a couple of welcoming kiosk bars add to the allure. But it's the outstanding views from the upper level that make São Pedro de Alcântara so appealing. The unobstructed panorama embraces Saldana across to Avenida da Liberdade and the city's Baixa (downtown) district. Framing the picture is the castle and Sé (cathedral) while the River Tagus provides a perfect backdrop. During the summer months the gardens are flecked with colourful flowers, and the fragrance is intoxicating. Afternoon visits provide better photographic opportunities, when the sun starts to dip. The location is idea for nipping into nearby Bairro Alto, or sauntering down to Chiado. But it's sometimes enough to linger a while, order a drink and soak in the scene from this beautiful and historic vantage point. © NileGuide 2011
























































































This strategic outlook has a great view of the St. Jorge Castle and of historical Lisbon. Located close to downtown, this spot is frequented by the youth of the city. Perfect... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

Former Expo'98 site turned 'city within a city'.

Description:

Lisbon's Nations Park evolved from the very successful Expo '98, the last world exposition of the 20th century. Before that, the whole site was an abandoned oil refinery. Regarded as a shining example of imaginative urban redevelopment, Parque das Nações - located east of the city centre near the Vasco da Gama road bridge - is a veritable "city within a city". Visitor attractions abound. The centrepiece Oceanário de Lisboa is Portugal's most popular tourist draw. The Pavilhão Atlântico hosts big name music concerts. There's a theatre and casino, a huge shopping mall and a plethora of cafés and restaurants. A riverfront cable car affords picture-postcard views of the skyline. Lush botanical gardens and water features embroider the landscape. Commercial zones are characterised by eye-catching contemporary architecture. Sleek hotels compete for business. A new marina welcomes an international yachting fraternity. And a network of footpaths, cycle tracks and a skate park keep the active occupied.

Our Local Expert Says:

Lisbon's Oceanário is the second biggest aquarium in Europe, and Portugal's most popular visitor attraction.

Description:

Lisbon's Oceanário is the most popular visitor attraction in Portugal, and is the second largest aquarium in Europe. Designed by American architect Peter Chermayeff for the Expo 98 world exposition, the Oceanário is a fascinating trip through the world's oceans and is home to around 8000 aquatic species organized by habitat and viewed on two levels. A series of smaller aquariums surround a vast central tank where sharks, rays and a host of other mesmerizing marine life, including huge funky-looking sunfish (these gentle giants weigh on average 1,000 kilos!), swim and glide. Elsewhere, cuddly sea otters Eusebio and Amália win hearts and minds with their playful antics and look out, too, for the beautiful filigree sea dragons. This living exhibition teaches you to appreciate the oceans' richness and diversity and motivates to protect. It makes for a great family day out, and Parque das Nações can be explored afterwards.

Description:

Apart from being a well known bar in Lisbon, the Bugix also has a good quality restaurant with excellent service.The dishes are diverse but the main specialties are the Picanha or the steaks, grilled or fried. This restaurant also has outdoor tables, where the view and unique atmosphere of the Tagus can be enjoyed.

Our Local Expert Says:

A real after-dinner conversation piece – riding one of Lisbon’s oldest modes of transport!

Description:

One of three 19th-century funiculars that operate in Lisbon, these wonderfully nostalgic modes of transport should not be mistaken for lifts. Funicular translates as "elevador" in Portuguese. Elevador do Lavra is the oldest of the three and began operation in 1885. These days it's powered by an electric motor but it used to run on steam. Before that it was propelled by cog-rail and cable, with a water counterweight. The sunflower-hued cars run on a track between Rua de São José in Restauradores and Rua Câmara Pestana, up in Campo de Santa - handy for the Miradouro do Torel viewpoint. Out of the three, this is probably the least known of Lisbon's funiculars, and also its least used. But it's worth investing in the short ride to the top of the hill to explore an area of the city often overlooked by the guidebooks. © NileGuide2011












































The Lavra Elevator is one of the oldest elevators in Lisbon, as it was built in 1884. The elevator is used by the people of Lisbon when they have to get to the centre of the city. The Elevator da Lavra runs through Rua de São José and Portas de Santo Antão, near Avenida de Liberdade and Rua Camilo Pestana. read more

Description:

Built between 1947 and 1949 and sculpted by Francisco Franco, the Cristo Rei is a replica of the Christ the King statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There are people who say it was built to thank God for Portugal's non-involvement in the Second World War. The pedestal is 82 metres high and the statue is 28 metres high, and an elevator takes you to the top, where there is a splendid view over Lisbon, Almada and the Tagus River.