Then we headed out on our own to see a few of the iconic Lisbon sights:
Padrao dos Descobrimentos:
This Monument of the Discoveries sits on the bank of the Tagus River.
Monument of the Discoveries |
The eastern side of the monument has statues depicting the great Portuguese explorers.
Portuguese Explorers |
The western side honors the 15th & 16th century visionaries who empowered the "Age of Discovery".
"Age of Discovery" Visionaries |
This monument was built in the 1960s to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos:
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos |
We visited the Cloisters of the Jerónimos Monastery. This two-story cloister delivers breath-taking decoration!
Lisbon is known as the City of Seven Hills. Actually there are a LOT more hills than seven and climbing them provides a real work-out! We wanted to see some views of the city, so we chose to take a Tuk-Tuk tour!
Our Tuk-Tuk |
We drove through Mouraria, the Moorish Quarter. Sloping cobblestone alleyways are lined with centuries-old houses.
The highest viewpoint in Lisbon is Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. This was our 1st stop and what stupendous views we had! This photo shows the Castelo de São Jorge on top of a hill to the left.
During our ride our guide played Fado music sung by Amália da Piedade Rebordão Rodrigues. Amália, also known as the 'Rainha do Fado' ("Queen of Fado"), was instrumental in popularizing fado worldwide. Fado is traditional Portuguese music. Amália is buried in the Lisbon National Pantheon.
Lisbon National Pantheon |
Next we drove through the area known as the home of Fado music, the Alfama.
We stopped near the Igreja de Santa Luzia (Church of Santa Luzia) and were thrilled to see these exquisite, handpainted, azelejo tile murals depicting the liberation.
Azelejo Tile Mural |
The connected arbored terrace provided magnificent views!
Alfama and Tagus River Views |
More to come....