Sight Sailing in Lisbon

The Belém Tower, built at the narrowest point of the Tagus estuary, was intended to defend Lisbon. Initially surrounded by the waters around its perimeter, today, this structure is symbolically linked to land by a pedestrian bridge. This was the way found to preserve its original context. Classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, since 1983, Belém Tower is undoubtedly one of the most expressive monuments of Lisbon.

With 50 meters high, the Discoveries Monument has the shape of a ship, comprising two ramps that ends on the prow with the statue of the initiator of the Discoveries Age – Henry, the Navigator. Also, Fernão de Magalhães, Luís de Camões, Pedro Álvares Cabral and Vasco da Gama are some of the 32 figures sculpted in stone and that can be found on the monument. These represents an historical summary of personalities linked directly or indirectly to the Age of the Discoveries. The original Discoveries Monument was built in 1940 for the Portuguese World Exhibition. It was designed by the architec and film-maker Continelli Telmo. It was built on perishable materials and dismantled three years later, in 1943.

The earthquake that destroyed Lisbon started around 9:30 a.m. on November 1, 1755. The earth shook violently. Thousands of buildings collapsed mainly in the downtown area and on the hillside to the Chiado. The Palácio Real da Ribeira, the Teatro da Ópera, convents, palaces, schools, hospitals, … Everything collapsed. The square adopted in the reconstruction plans made it possible to design Terreiro do Paço, a majestic square open onto the Tagus estuary. Today this square hosts major events all year round. One of the most impressive is the fireworks display put on by the Lisbon City Council on New Year’s Eve.

Sometimes named as the “Portuguese Golden Gate Bridge” because of its similarities with the suspension bridge of San Francisco (USA). In fact, after more than 50 years of ideas and projects, the construction of this bridge was attributed to the same North American company. Originally known as Ponte Salazar, this engineering work would go down in the city’s history for several reasons. Having cost less than anticipated and being executed in record time were two of them. This bridge is essential in the communication of the two banks, connecting the cities of Lisbon and Almada.

Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe. It is located on the slope of the hill next to the Castle of São Jorge and has the Tagus River as one of its limits. It is one of the most characteristic and picturesque neighborhoods in the city, with narrow cobbled streets, colorful houses and stunning views over the Tagus River. Alfama is also famous for its musical culture, especially Fado, a traditional form of Portuguese music. There are several bars and restaurants in the neighborhood that offer live Fado performances, where visitors can enjoy an evening of music and gastronomy.

Christ-King is made up of a 75-metre-high portico, topped by the statue of the Most Holy Redeemer with open arms facing the city of Lisbon, 28 meters high. The pedestal, including the portico, rises to 82 meters in height. The monument to Christ-King is the biggest attraction in the municipality of Almada. But, in reality, the monument to Christ-King was built in fulfillment of a vow made by the Portuguese episcopate in 1940, which asked God to free Portugal from participating in the Second World War. The President of the Council of Ministers, António Oliveira Salazar, preferred to remain neutral, as Portugal did not participate in that war.

Ajuda Palace is a historic landmark in the Portuguese capital. Built in the 19th century, the palace was designed as a residence for the Portuguese royal family and is now an important national museum. In addition to its historical and architectural importance, Ajuda Palace is also known for its privileged location, with stunning views over the Tagus and the city of Lisbon. Today, Ajuda Palace is an important national museum, with permanent exhibitions on the history of the Portuguese royal family and on the architecture and decorativism of the palace.

São Jorge Castle rises in a dominant position on a high hill in the historic center, offering visitors one of the most beautiful views over the city and the Tagus river estuary. The castle itself was founded in the 10th and 11th centuries, when Lisbon was an important Muslim port city. In 1147, the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, conquered the castle and city from the Moors.

The National Pantheon, also known as the Church of Santa Engrácia, is one of the main tourist attractions in Lisbon, located in Alfama district. It certainly is an important architectural attraction in the city, with a rich history and stunning panoramic views. The imposing appearance and unique character of the work justify its classification as a National Monument and legitimize its choice to house the remains of exceptional Portuguese people.

Jerónimos Monastery is 16th century Portuguese architecture masterpiece classified as a national monument. It´s located in one of the most emblematic areas of Lisbon, in a historical and monumental setting – along the river Tagus. Between the Monastery of Jerónimos and the river you can also find the Empire square. It was from here that the Portuguese navigators departed. It is here that you can find Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões, the maximum representatives of the Portuguese maritime discoveries.

Central Tejo was a thermoelectric plant that supplied electricity to the entire Lisbon region. Built in 1908, its period of productive activity spans between 1909 and 1972. Central Tejo opened to the public for the first time in 1990 as the Electricity Museum. Soon after a new period of restoration work on its buildings and equipment, it reopened definitively in 2006.

The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) is a cultural institution located in Lisbon, which opened in 2016. MAAT was designed by British architect Amanda Levete, internationally known for her innovative and futuristic approach. It systematically presents exhibitions – national and international – with the contribution of contemporary artists, architects and thinkers, as well as events and educational programs.

The National Ancient Art Museum is a testimony of the Portuguese cultural heritage. Founded in 1884, the museum is located in a former palace, the Palácio dos Condes de Alvor, which contributes to its grandeur and charm. Today, its collection covers more than 500 years of art history, with pieces of sculpture, painting, goldsmithing and decorative arts from Europe, Africa and the Orient. In addition to its impressive collection, the National Ancient Art Museum is a typical example of Portuguese civil architecture of the time. The building’s design reflects the grandeur and elegance of the palace it once was, with its ornate façade and intricate detailing.

Cais do Sodré is one of the most historic and iconic places in the city. With its privileged location in front of the Tagus River, Cais do Sodré is a mandatory stop for tourists and residents of Lisbon. In the 17th century, Cais do Sodré was known as the “Port of Vessels”, where ships left for the Portuguese colonies. During the 19th century, Cais do Sodré became an area of bars and entertainment venues, attracting sailors and adventurers from all over the world.

The Lisbon Cathedral is located in the Alfama district. Its construction began in the second half of the 12th century, after the conquest of the city from the Moors. It is the oldest church in Lisbon and one of the most important religious buildings in Portugal. One of the main attractions of the Lisbon Cathedral is its treasury, which includes valuable objects such as relics, jewels and sacred art and extends over four halls.

Santa Apolónia Station is one of the oldest train stations in Portugal, having been inaugurated in 1865 in a building where there used to be a convent. Originally planned as a railway and river station, it is an important connection point for travelers visiting the Portuguese capital. Since 2007 it has also been the final station for one of Lisbon’s metro lines, and is located very close to the Cruise Port terminal. Now, the five-star hotel The Editory Riverside Santa Apolónia occupies part of the station with a total of 126 rooms alluding to the theme of Portuguese railway heritage.

The Maritime Traffic Control Centre, VTS Tower, manages navigation within the area of jurisdiction of the Administration of the Port of Lisbon – provides information and advises ships sailing in the Tagus estuary and approaching it – up to a radius of 16.5 nautical miles, centered on the VTS – Lisboa and having the Vasco da Gama Bridge as an upstream limit. Thus, controllers, through surveillance cameras, radars, sensors, among other support equipment, receive data that allows them to monitor and control maritime movement. Additionally, they are also responsible for managing the wharves. It currently also accommodates the Dolphin observatory on the Tagus River.

This foundation, also known as the Research Center for the Unknown, was created by António Champalimaud (1918-2004) in his will and is primarily dedicated to the development of advanced biomedical research programs and the provision of interdisciplinary clinical care. The Champalimaud Foundation is known for being an institution of excellence in scientific research. Its researchers have already published more than 1,200 scientific articles and have received several awards and distinctions, including the Champalimaud Prize for Medical Research, which is one of the highest awards in Europe in the field of medicine.

Lisbon’s Folk Art Museum (FAM) has a history that goes back to the 19th century. At first, it was designed as a pavilion for the “Popular Life Section” of the Portuguese World Exhibition in 1940. Five years later, a new project emerged that initiated the transformation of the previous pavilion into the Folk Art Museum. This project consisted of adapting the previous building into a museum. The museum opened on July 15, 1948. Nowadays, the museum is in charge of the Ethnology Museum and is a cultural landmark in Lisbon, attracting art lovers from all over the world.

The South and Southeast River Station is an important historical and cultural landmark in Lisbon, offering a variety of transport, leisure and entertainment options for visitors. South and Southeast River Station is located in Commerce Square, in Lisbon, where it is possible to catch the boats that make the connection to the south bank of the Tagus. Next to Navy Dock and Commerce Square, it is a point with history by the river. Inaugurated in 1932, it has undergone several renovations, the last one being completed in May 2021.