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Historic Sites in Lisbon

Historic Sites in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon Historic Sites

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  • BradJill
    Hong Kong, China157,256 contributions
    Masterpiece of Manueline architecture, really long queues these days
    Jerónimos Monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, a unique Late Gothic Portuguese style prominent during the nation's Golden Age of Discovery. It is also one of two UNESCO World Heritage attractions in Belem and one of the most visited attractions in Lisbon.

    Opening hours are 10am to 5.30pm (Oct - April) and 10am to 6.30pm (May to Sept). Tickets are €10 and can be purchased online where you can also select timed entry slots. During our recent visit, we selected 10am opening time tickets. Unfortunately, queues were so long when we arrived at 9.30am, we were unable to enter until around 10.45am. Do make sure you bring a hat and some sun screen as there is no shade while you stand in queue waiting for entry.

    What you will see within the monastery is a two floor open cloister with ornate Gothic Manueline architecture which has an organic and whimsical quality that is both beautiful and amusing, typical of the richly ornate prevailing architecture of the 16th century when the monastery and Church of Santa Maria of Belem where constructed. You can easily spend half an hour in the cloister admiring the decorative rib vaults, arches, gargoyles and open views into the cloister courtyard. It is a remarkable place to see.

    You will also be able to enter the Refectory room to see decorative azulejo style tiles that line the walls. There are artworks and a few other items of interest to see within the monastery. Afterwards, you can enter the attached Church of Santa Maria of Belem free of charge. The interior is richly decorated and includes the the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luis de Camões, two prominent figures of Portugal's Golden Age. Before or after your visit, make sure to allow some time to view the exterior facade of the monastery and church as well. Then carry on with other intended sightseeing you have in Belem.
    Review of: Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
    Written June 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • John J
    6 contributions
    Skip the Audio Guides
    The views here are amazing. The lines ridiculous. We bought our tickets the day before online but were cheaper in person. Lots of history here, but our audio guides that we downloaded as part of our tour, was very very difficult to follow so what we paid for had to be abandon, which meant I am sure we missed much of the history we could have learned. I think there needs to be more instruction and guidance with the audio guides provided.
    Review of: Castelo de S. Jorge
    Written May 30, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BradJill
    Hong Kong, China157,256 contributions
    Late 17th-century Baroque church converted into the National Pantheon
    The National Pantheon is situated at Campo de Santa Clara in the Alfama neighbourhood. Opening hours are 10am to 6pm (April - Sept) and 10am to 5pm (Oct - Mar) and entry is €4 per person. There are a couple of ticket combo options that include entrance to other museums as well. It is a massive building that dominates the area skyline.

    Historically, this was the Church of Santa Engracia that was built in the late 17th century in Baroque style. The building is laid out in the shape of a Greek Cross and features curved nave and four corner square towers as well as a massive centre dome (added in the 19th century).

    The church was converted into the National Pantheon in 1916 and is now the resting place of many important historical Portuguese figures with tombs and cenotaphs situated in the ground floor corner rooms. You can also walk up several series of staircases that take you to higher levels of the Pantheon, where you have elevated views of the nave area down below. Walk all the way to the top and you can enter the rooftop area where you also have remarkable views of the surrounding Alfama neighbourhood and large stretch of the Tagus River.
    Review of: Panteao Nacional
    Written June 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jennifer L
    Richmond, VA2 contributions
    Favorite Stop on Lisbon Trip
    Happened upon this monastery on the way to the Alfama Flea Market. So glad we stopped. Entrance fee was only €5. We ended up spending almost 2 hours here. Beautiful tile work, religious relics, mausoleum of kings and queens, and views for days.
    Review of: Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora
    Written May 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hsteinmiller
    Yorktown, VA519 contributions
    So much gold & jewels...
    Gorgeous building, but it was painfully evident to me why Protestantism developed - the sheer number of precious jewels and amount of other gold & silver plate was a little ostentatious - it could have been used to help many poor people over the centuries. (I'll keep my other opinions to myself.)
    Review of: Igreja de São Vicente de Fora
    Written January 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Asluxembourg
    Luxembourg City, Luxembourg223 contributions
    A travel into Amalia life: privacy and intimacy
    This was an amazing visit for me and my friend as big fans of Amalia. Allowed to visit the private home of Amalia, was a visit to her privacy and intimacy.
    Felt like Amalia soul still there and a travel into her personal live. Loved all…her parrot Chico still alive and living there, often calls Amalia. One of the biggest voices of this planet, thank you Amalia for sharing your life with us.
    Review of: House Museum Amália Rodrigues
    Written July 21, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BradJill
    Hong Kong, China157,256 contributions
    Charming square just outside the Carmo Convent ruins and museum
    This is a charming little square just in front of the historic Carmo Convent. The square is surfaced with typical Portuguese patterned cobblestones and lined with beautiful Jacaranda trees that are gorgeous during June while they are in bloom. You will also see a delightful late 18th-century Chafariz (fountain) and find a seated area and kiosk if you fancy having a seat to enjoy the nice environs along with a drink or snack.

    There are some good sightseeing attractions at Largo do Carmo. You'll find the Guarda Nacional Republicana Museum as well as the above mentioned Carmo Convent to see the eerie Igreja do Carmo ruins and Archaeological Museum. It is a neat little plaza, worth spending a bit of time to soak up the nice atmosphere while sightseeing in the area.
    Review of: Largo do Carmo
    Written June 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BradJill
    Hong Kong, China157,256 contributions
    Skeleton ruins of the church destroyed by the 1755 Earthquake
    This is the former Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel that was destroyed during the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. At the time, this Gothic style convent was one of the largest in the city. Plans to rebuild the main church were eventually abandoned leaving the skeleton ruins that you can see today along with the restored chancel which now houses an archaeological museum.

    You can enter Carmo Convent (€3.50 per adult) from 10am to 6pm (Nov to April) and 10am to 7pm (May to Oct). Here you can walk the open air grounds of the old church, seeing broken ceiling faults and column structures along with old structures and historic artefacts from the church. Then you can enter the chancel in the back where you can view more precious artefacts representing archaeological endeavours around Portugal along with a history film of the old Lady of Mount Carmel church, learning how its fate and future where shaped by the disastrous quake in 1755.
    Review of: Convento do Carmo
    Written June 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LuizDutraNeto
    Rio de Janeiro, RJ8,621 contributions
    Visiting the great poet of the Portuguese language at his very home ...
    At Lisbon's trendy "Campo de Ourique" quarter and not far from its famous "Mercado de Campo de Ourique", stands "Casa Fernando Pessoa". It is a small museum honoring one of the most important poets of Portugal and of the Portuguese language, Fernando Pessoa. He lived his last 15 years with his family at this very building. As far as possible, the Museum tries to re-create the original atmosphere - his room, his typewriter, his books ... Visiting "Casa Fernando Pessoa" may be a very touching experience for all those that have learned to love his poems and books. As a Brazilian, Fernando Pessoa is part of my student fond memories ... Just at the back of the Museum, "Flagrante Delitro" can be a nice option for lunch, a glass of wine or simply for a warm expresso coffee. A perfect combination: "Casa Fernando Pessoa" + "Flagrante Delitro"! Enjoy!
    Review of: Casa Fernando Pessoa
    Written March 28, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Thomas Liam
    Montreal, Canada273 contributions
    Found a Book on Salazar I'd Been Searching for Everywhere!
    I came here a couple days after Livraria Bertrand (the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world) and I kind of preferred this one, actually.

    Don't get me wrong they're both wonderful, but this one has a more authentic local bookstore feel. A bit grimier, messier, minimal lighting inside, overall a bit more history in its walls. I love it. Less tourists too, and that's never a bad thing.

    I tried looking for a particular book at Bertrand called "Salazar: The Dictator Who Refused to Die" by Tom Gallagher. I couldn't find it there so I came here and I found it right away.

    In my experience in other countries that have had their share of history with authoritarianism, finding books on the subject isn't always easy. I'm not sure if it has to do with willful ignorance, or being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but it's refreshing to find a book about this Portuguese dictator, in Portugal, and in English for a tourist like myself to be able to read. Portugal is a fascinating country with a rich history, and finding books like these - that happen to discuss hard and unflattering topics - only makes me respect them more.
    Review of: Livraria Ferin
    Written May 28, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • belgianguy1
    Bruges, Belgium11,267 contributions
    Beautiful location
    This church is standing on a hill with an excellent viewpoint right next to it, with sweeping views over the city in general and the castle in particular...I only could check out the exterior of the church, it was unfortunately locked :-(
    Review of: Igreja & Convento da Graça
    Written February 25, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sgtshan
    Muncie, IN115 contributions
    Portugal 2019
    It doesn't look like a palace from outside, and the first floor is tourist info, and other services. You can buy your Lisboa Card here, and every form of public transportation is right outside the door.
    Review of: Palácio Foz
    Written June 10, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Liltrave
    1,365 contributions
    Small memorial of Jewish massacre of 1506
    Visited this small memorial, it is located in front of the church & area where the slaughter of almost 4,000 Jewish people was held. There is also another small memorial right in the area with a tree that was planted from Israel. It took over 500 years for this to be placed, we were told by our tour guide this information but you can read more details on line. Would like it to have also been in English as a lot of high points of interest are.
    Review of: Memorial às Vítimas do Massacre Judaico de 1506
    Written June 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BradJill
    Hong Kong, China157,256 contributions
    Decorative pillory at Municipal Square
    The Pillory of Lisbon is a declared National Monument in the centre of Municipal Square in front of the City Hall building. What you will is a twisted pillar of Manueline architectural style and topped by a spiralling armillary ball. Historically this has been a pillar where criminals would have been chained for public shaming. Today, it is simply a decorative feature and link to local history.
    Review of: Pelourinho de Lisboa
    Written June 8, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Samuel A
    Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal283 contributions
    A place worth visiting
    Lisbon is full of history and the Academia das Ciências is another place to add to your itinerary.
    Well decorated with classic furniture and paintings, the Great Hall is just beautiful, with paintings on the ceiling and book cases full of books that I suppose are full of scientific literature.
    Save 30 minutes and definitely visit this attraction.
    Review of: Academia das Ciências de Lisboa
    Written October 22, 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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