The Seven Most Awesome Sites in Lisbon

This article is written by Franklee.

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and is among the few most famous cosmopolitan cities of Europe. It is located near the river Tagus over a series of hills. The city’s geography, as well as its culture and heritage, are inseparable from the sea. The fearless travelers of 15^th and 16^th century embarked on their journeys from this place to unknown lands and to map new lands.

Lisbon is a very spirited city which has a warm and sunny disposition. The city is known for its cultural heritage, museums, historic monuments and many other tourists’ spots. You will be able to enjoy different activities like walking in the narrow streets of the old quarter, promenade along the river bank or simply you can wander in the vibrant and colorful parks and gardens.

Here is a list of top 7 places to visit in Lisbon

1. Castelo de São Jorge: An Iconic Landmark

It is one of the most visited Lisbon’s major attractions and is located near Alfama, on the top of the hill which overlooks Lisbon. St. George’s Castle is actually the amalgamation of many things like its outstanding battlements, attractive museums, and different archeological sites. All these things make this place perfect for a family visit because there are lots of things to do for adults as well as children. Children will especially love to climb the towers and walls which encircle the grounds.

This place has been the main site for battlefield because moors kept on defending it against the Christian invaders when finally it was conquered in 1147 by Afonso Henriques. This place also attracts the people because it offers a fascinating sight of the city.

2. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos: Built in Honor of Portugal’s Age of Discovery

Jerónimos monastery, a sixteenth-century monument is the most astonishing monument of Portugal and has immense cultural and historic significance. This place was honored by UNESCO a world heritage site. The monastery is also known as a Hieronymite convent is located near Belém neighborhood. The order of its construction was given by King Manuel I in 1501. It was built as an honor to the Vasco da Gama’s epic 1498 journey to India.

Because of its association with Vasco da Gama, it is known as a symbol of the age of discovery as well as a worship house.

3. Oceanário de Lisboa: A Modern Aquarium

It is among the largest aquariums in the world and it is also considered Europe’s finest aquarium. It is also a good place to visit with family. Originally it was built for the Expo 98 World Exposition and it was designed by Peter Chermayeff. The place is home to different varieties of fish, marine animals, and birds. There are four different parts and they represent Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Antarctic oceans respectively.

A variety of animals are present here with different sizes. This place has also proved itself for the marine life awareness and different campaigns regarding it.

4. Museu Calouste Gulbenkian: A Priceless Collection of Western and Eastern Art

If you are a good fan of cultural heritage then don’t forget to visit this place because it is considered as the most celebrated museum in Europe. The place is named after Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, who was a famous oil magnate. He willingly gave all his art collections to Portugal before he died in 1955.

The artworks cover 4000 years span of time from ancient Egypt to the modern century.

5. Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga:The National Museum of Ancient Art

This place is also considered a famous cultural spot in Lisbon. It is the National Art Gallery of Portugal and features many 15^th and 16^th century Portugal’s paintings. It is not limited to Portugal paintings but also contains a fine collection of oriental, African and other European paintings. The place was built on the remains of the Saint Albert Carmelite monastery. The museum contains many permanent collections and you can also visit many private exhibitions here.

6. Torre de Belém: A Historic Tower

This tower is the most emblematic of all the culturally rich historical monuments of Portugal. It is also the symbol of the age of discovery. It was originally built in the early 1500s as a fortress in the middle of the river but now it stands on its edge because the water has shifted its course. The tower represents Manueline architecture. It is so iconic that it is protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

7. Sé: Lisbon’s Imposing Cathedral

This cathedral was originally built in 1150 and since then it has undergone many structural changes. A series of earthquakes in 1755 ruined it completely and it was rebuilt. What you see today is a blend of different architectural designs. Inside the cathedral, an awe-inspiring window illuminates the interior part of the cathedral. People from many areas visit this place when the cathedral is displaying the collection of its artifacts.

This article is written by Franklee, who works at Rebateszone. He is a travel enthusiast and loves traveling culturally rich countries.