Sightseeing in Lisbon on the River Tagus
Visiting Portugal’s Historic Capital and the Nearby Beach at Estoril
Jul 6, 2009
The heart of Lisbon, capital of Portugal, is the flat Baixa district between the broad River Tagus and the seven hills which surround the city.
Lisbon's Avenues
Lisbon's grid of symmetrical avenues was laid out after a huge earthquake destroyed the original medieval area in 1755.
They lead from the grand Comercio square by the river through an intricate pillared archway to Rossio square. Both squares are adorned with imposing columns and statues, including a striking equestrian one of the 14th-century King Joao I.
Lisbon’s Rua Augusta and 100-year old Iron Elevador Santa Justa Lift
The broad pedestrianised rua Augusta is a place to stroll and watch the world go by. It is lined with shops, ranging from large department stores to small boutiques, and cafes whose outside tables spread across the road’s intricately patterned black and white cobbles.
Just off it, there’s a curious 100-year old iron lift, Elevador Santa Justa, which goes up to a platform above the rooftops beside the Chiado hill, another area for avid shoppers. The view from it shows how the city is laid out beside the river estuary which broadens out west towards the Atlantic with hills all around.
Lisbon Trams
The best way to get up to the hilly medieval Alfama district is to ride in one of the famous old Lisbon trams which snake up the steep narrow streets, screeching around sharp bends and clanging their bells to warn cars and pedestrians to get out of the way. The Se (cathedral) on the way looks more like a fortress than a church.
On the hilltop the Castelo de Sao Jorge, St James Castle, is surrounded by wooded gardens where peacocks mingle with the tourists. There are tremendous city and river views from its formidable walls.
The Lower Alfama in Lisbon
Just off the tram route, the Lower Alfama running down to the River Tagus is Lisbon’s oldest area, once just a fishing village. It is a crowded maze of buildings, houses, shops and bars on hilly narrow lanes where washing hangs above the alleyways and children play on crumbling squares.
This once notoriously unsavoury area is being renovated though it retains its distinctive character and at the night is the place to hear traditional fado music.
Belem Beside the River Tagus
Completely different is Belem, a wide open area beside the River Tagus where the famous explorer, Vasco da Gama, set sail for India in 1497. At the water’s edge, the 16th-century Moorish-style Belem Tower with turrets, battlements and balconies commemorates Portugal’s ‘Golden Age of Discovery’.
Nearby, the impressive Monument to the Discoveries erected in 1960 also looks out over the Tagus from a patterned promenade of polished black and white cobbles. Opposite it, the Jeronimos Monastery, built as a thanksgiving for Gama’s successful voyage, now houses maritime and archaeological museums.
Trains Run Westwards from Lisbon beside the River Tegus to Estoril and Cascais
For a trip to the beach, there are frequent trains westwards from Lisbon to Estoril, from either Belem or Cais do Sodre in the city centre. The scenic journey beside the Tagus takes only 30 minutes.
Estoril became fashionable with the Portuguese aristocracy around 100 years ago when the royal family holidayed in the area, building palaces and villas. These decorative buildings with fancy stonework, often set in large gardens, give the town an elegant feel. The casino, all mirrored and glitzy inside, is one of the largest in Europe.
The Resort of Cascais
A wide promenade beside the sandy beach leads to Cascais, the next little resort. Once a fishing village, it now has a smart marina, small shops and fish restaurants.
Trips to the seaside at Estoril and Cascais make a relaxing contrast to sightseeing in Portugal’s historic capital and thanks to the train are easy to organise.
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