Editorial Credit: ribeiroantonio / Shutterstock.com
Editorial Credit: ribeiroantonio / Shutterstock.com
Lisboa Monuments
Aqueduto das Águas Livres
Basílica da Estrela
Castelo de São Jorge
Igreja de Santo António
Igreja e convento de São Vicente de Fora
Igreja e convento do Carmo
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Palácio de Belém
Panteão Nacional
Cathedral Sé
Sanctuary Cristo-Rei
Belém Tower
Aqueducto das Aguad Livres means Aqueduct of Free Waters. It is considered as the most outstanding work of engineering in the 18th century of Portugal. The main part is on 18km but the actual length is 58km. Total number of arches is 127, passing over the valley of Alcantra. Lack of pure drinking water had always been a major issue in the city, Lisbon which is the reason of constructing this immense system of water supply though out the city. In 1748, it finally started to work (though the project was not completed yet) and supplied water to the whole city.
House inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture was built in 1523 by Brás de Albuquerque (1501–1581) with diamond shaped spikes on the whole front elevation with gothic style windows. Though the piece of architecture was destroyed in 1755 earthquake, but to an extent which could be rectified and in 1980’s its few portions were rebuilt keeping the original drawings and design in mind.
The late baroque and neo-classical inspired Basilica da Estrela is the first church in the world dedicated to the “sacred heart of Jesus”. Its front is like that of Mafra National Palace. The construction started in 1779 by receiving the order from Queen Maria I of Portugal and completed in 1790. The church contains beautiful statues of saints and has a famous nativity scene made by Joaquim Machado de Castro, which has more than 500 figures made of cork and terra cotta. This wonderful piece of art attracts visitors the most!
Casa dos Bicos
Sao Jorge Castle was built in the times (medieval period) of Moors. The castle with full of intense historical vales is located on top of the hill which is further a central fortified part of the city Lisbon. Due to its location, a breathtaking view of the Tagus River and the city becomes quite mesmerizing for the tourists. With the total of ten towers, its shape is rectangular. The visitors can reach the top through stairs for a better view of the city, Lisbon.
Santo Antonio Church has a very fascinating history behind it. The very name tells that the church was built in 1195 in the reverence of Saint Anthony of Lisbon (Saint Anthony of Padua), exactly where he was born. There are not as such any reminiscent left from the early construction and therefore, the church h was rebuilt again and again; first in 16th century, then in 1730. After the 1755 earthquake, it was built once more in 1767 in Baroque-Rococo style which is its current state. It is now attributed as National Monument.
Originally built in 12h century (1147), Monastery of Sao Vicente De Fora is one of the most imperative monasteries and mannerist piece of architecture in Lisbon. The Sao Vicente De Fora actually means “Monastery of St. Vincent outside the walls” which was later rebuilt in 17th century. The tombs of monks who used to be in the main chapel have now been shifted to the Braganza pantheon.
Church and convent Do Carmo started building in 1389 and completed in 1423. It was built in typical Gothic style and is well known for its brilliant architecture and decoration. Alas! The 1755 earthquake destroyed the church and convent immensely, leaving behind its bits and pieces. The building in 18th century was turned into a museum which contains historical valuables of Portuguese, thus attracting the visitors to it a glace!
Mosteiro Dos Jeronimos is also known as Hieronymites Monastery is a proper portrayal of late Gothic Manueline style is situated close to the Belem parish, nearby Belem Tower. In 1983, the site is designated by the UNESCO as World’s Heritage Site. The site is full of architectural style decorated with complex theme of sculptures everywhere portraying the merriments and other stories of exploration of the natives engraved in limestone.
Monument to the discoveries (started building in 1958 and inaugurated in 1960) is devoted to the Age of Discoveries in Portugal. It was the time when explorers like Vasco de Gama went to explore India, the eastern face of the world. On the northern bank of Tagus River, the monument stands aloof displaying a side pose of explorers standing on the edge of the ship.
National Pantheon in the city Lisbon is also known as Church of Santa Engracia, belongs to 17th century. The most important thing about this place is its conversion into a National Pantheon in 20th century. Alfama, the most primitive region holds this church into its neighbourhood. Important political personalities as well as historical ones are buried here.
The very look of Christ the King statue (a Catholic monument) reminds you of Rio de Janeiro’s famous statue of Christ which is erected up high on a hill. This shrine and monument is dedicated to the sacred heart of Jesus Christ projecting his widespread arms towards the city of Lisbon. It was mainly put up to articulate a humble gratitude for not being getting effected by the horrors of World War II.
National Palace of Belem had been the residence of monarchs and after setting up the republic system, the Presidents reside in. near the water front of the Tagus river, the Palace is located upon a small hill. The five buildings made in Baroque and Mannerist style, make up the whole façade of the palace. Back in 17thcentury, the palace was specially built for the Monarchs and Royalties who wished to escape the urban surroundings.
Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Mary Major or Lisbon cathedral is a Roman Catholic Cathedral was built in 1147. It has a history of surviving many earthquakes. Due to modifications (many at times), it has developed different architectural styles. The two Romanesque heavy towers are iconic signpost of the city Lisbon.
In Santa Maria De Belem, on the bank of the Tagus River, stands the iconic tower of Belem which has taken an immense part in the “age of Discoveries” of Portugal that is why it has been announced as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. It was built in early 16th century in pure Manueline style. It is a four storey tower with the height of 100 (approx) feet which was actually built to improve the defensive system on the bank of River Tagus.