Day 01
Alfama, Chiado and Belém Heritage Discovery
- We will start the day by exploring the old quarter of Alfama.
- Alfama is the oldest and one of the most typical neighbourhoods in Lisbon. Its name derives from the Arabic al-hamma, which means baths or fountains. We will stop here so you can stroll through the narrow streets and admire its viewpoints.
- We will stop at one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the city, the Senhora do Monte viewpoint.
- We will cross the centre of Lisbon.
- You can then see Augusta Street and Comércio Square, also known as Terreiro do Paço.
- We will head towards the Chiado neighbourhood, passing the ruins of the Carmo Convent. The Carmo Convent was once the main Gothic church of the capital. It remains in ruins today due to the 1755 earthquake and stands as one of the main testimonies to the catastrophe still visible in the city.
- Fifteen minutes from the centre of Lisbon is the neighbourhood of Belém. In Belém, you will find the traditional Belém pastry shop. Very close by is the Jerónimos Monastery. The Jerónimos Monastery is the culmination of Manueline architecture. In 1983, UNESCO classified it as a World Heritage Site. In 2007, it was chosen as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
- Belém Tower is an architectural icon from the reign of King Manuel I. It is a synthesis of the tower of medieval traditions and the modern bastion, where pieces of artillery were once displayed. A few metres ahead, we find another monument built in 1940 on the occasion of the Exhibition of the Portuguese World. The Monument of the Discoveries honours the historical figures involved in the Portuguese Discoveries, which took place between 1415 and 1543. The monument also stands on the Tagus riverside.
