The 5 Most Important Monuments to Visit in Lisbon
Lisbon, the stunning capital of Portugal, is a city rich in history, culture, and breathtaking architecture. From medieval castles to grand monasteries, Lisbon is home to some of the most iconic monuments in Europe. Each of these landmarks tells a unique story about Portugal’s glorious past, its maritime discoveries, and its cultural heritage.
If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, certain historical sites should be at the top of your itinerary. In this article, we will explore five of the most important monuments in Lisbon, discussing their history, architectural style, and interesting facts. Get ready for an incredible journey through the city’s most famous landmarks!
1. Belém Tower: The Guardian of the Tagus River
History and Significance
The Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) is one of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks. It was built between 1514 and 1520 during the reign of King Manuel I. Originally, the tower served as a military fortification to guard the entrance to the Tagus River against potential invaders.
Over the centuries, the tower has had multiple functions. In addition to being a defensive fortress, it was also used as a prison, customs checkpoint, and even a lighthouse.
Architecture and Style
Belém Tower is a stunning example of Manueline architecture, a Portuguese late-Gothic style that incorporates maritime and exotic motifs inspired by Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Some of its most striking elements include intricate stone carvings, twisted ropes, and the Cross of the Order of Christ.
The tower is divided into five levels, with a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the river and surrounding area. Visitors can climb the narrow spiral staircase to reach the top, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Fun Fact
In 1983, Belém Tower was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.
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LISBON CITY TOUR2. Jerónimos Monastery: The Jewel of Manueline Architecture
History and Significance
The Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) is a masterpiece of Portuguese architecture. It was commissioned by King Manuel I in 1501 to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage to India. The monastery was funded by taxes collected from the spice trade, highlighting Portugal’s wealth during the Age of Discoveries.
For centuries, the monastery was home to the Order of Saint Jerome (Hieronymites monks), who provided spiritual guidance to sailors departing on long voyages.
Architecture and Style
The Jerónimos Monastery is the most outstanding example of the Manueline architectural style. Its detailed stone carvings, maritime symbols, and grandiose cloisters make it a truly spectacular sight.
Inside, you’ll find the Church of Santa Maria de Belém, which houses the tombs of two of Portugal’s greatest figures: Vasco da Gama (the explorer who discovered the sea route to India) and Luís de Camões (Portugal’s most famous poet).
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Fun Fact
Like Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was also the location where the Treaty of Lisbon was signed in 2007, marking an important moment in the history of the European Union.
3. São Jorge Castle: The Medieval Fortress of Lisbon
History and Significance
Standing on one of Lisbon’s highest hills, São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) is a medieval fortress with a fascinating history. It dates back to the 11th century, built by the Moors when Lisbon was an Islamic city.
In 1147, the castle was captured by King Afonso Henriques during the Christian reconquest of Portugal. From then on, it became a royal residence and a key military stronghold for the kingdom.
Architecture and Style
São Jorge Castle is a traditional medieval fortress, featuring thick defensive walls, sturdy towers, and battlements. Inside the castle grounds, visitors can explore archaeological ruins, stone pathways, and hidden courtyards.
One of the highlights of visiting the castle is the breathtaking panoramic view of Lisbon, overlooking the city’s red rooftops and the Tagus River. The sunset from this vantage point is truly unforgettable.
Fun Fact
According to legend, the castle is haunted by Martim Moniz, a Portuguese knight who sacrificed himself by blocking the castle gates so that Christian forces could enter during the siege of 1147.
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4. Monument to the Discoveries: A Tribute to Portugal’s Explorers
History and Significance
The Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) is one of the most modern historical monuments in Lisbon. It was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, the man who played a crucial role in Portugal’s maritime expansion.
Located along the Tagus River in Belém, the monument celebrates Portugal’s explorers, who discovered new lands and established trade routes around the world during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Architecture and Style
The monument was designed by architect Cottinelli Telmo and sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida. It is 56 meters tall and shaped like a caravel, the type of ship used during Portugal’s maritime explorations.
The façade features sculptures of historical figures, including Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares Cabral, Ferdinand Magellan, and Prince Henry the Navigator, who stands at the front, leading the way.
In front of the monument, there is a large marble compass embedded in the ground, showcasing the routes of Portuguese explorers across the globe.
Fun Fact
Visitors can climb to the top of the monument for a breathtaking view of the Tagus River, Belém, and the 25 de Abril Bridge.
5. Santa Justa Lift: A Unique Vertical Landmark
History and Significance
The Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa), also known as the Carmo Lift, is one of the most unusual and charming landmarks in Lisbon. It was inaugurated in 1902 and designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, an engineer who was a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, the man behind the Eiffel Tower.
The lift was built to connect the lower Baixa district with the higher Bairro Alto, making it easier for residents to navigate Lisbon’s hilly streets.
Architecture and Style
Santa Justa Lift is a neo-Gothic masterpiece, made entirely of iron and adorned with intricate geometric patterns. It has two elegant cabins that transport visitors 32 meters up, leading to a panoramic terrace with a spectacular view of downtown Lisbon.
Fun Fact
The Santa Justa Lift is the only vertical street lift in Lisbon, making it one of the city’s most unique and recognizable attractions.
Conclusion
Lisbon is a city filled with history, and its monuments reflect Portugal’s incredible past. Each of the five landmarks featured in this article – Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, São Jorge Castle, Monument to the Discoveries, and Santa Justa Lift – offers a different perspective on the city’s heritage, from medieval fortresses to grand maritime tributes.
If you’re visiting Lisbon, don’t miss the opportunity to explore these extraordinary sites. They are not just tourist attractions but symbols of Portugal’s rich history, culture, and achievements.
Have you ever visited any of these landmarks? Which one is your favorite? Let us know! 🇵🇹✨