The downtown of Lisbon, called “Baixa Pombalina” area is the heart of Lisbon and was completely rebuilt after the devastating 1755 earthquake. Covering an area of about 255 hectares, it contains magnificent squares, which are interconnected by straight avenues filled with grand 18th century architecture.

The Rua Augusta was considered the opening of Lisbon to the world. It´s to symbolise a “portal” to the city of mysteries. By passing the arch, you go from darkness and ignorance, to the light and wisdom that Lisbon provides. Be enlightened with its histories.

This church was build built in the 12th century, when we conquered the Moorish city and made it Christian. On the same place was a mosque, that was destroyed, and this church build on t´s place. It´s the only Church in Portugal that has a “Holy Door”, and one of the few in the Christian World. Why? Come and find out...

Explore the Roman Theater that was built in the first century, in the time of the Roman emperor Augustus. The roman city was called Felicitas Iulia Olisipo. Augustus gave the name to the existing settlement on the occasion of its ennoblement between 31 and 27BC. With the conquest of Hispania, peace is decreed in the empire, promoting the establishment of intense commercial relationships with several roman provinces. The wealth of Olisipo, mainly piscicultural, and its privileged geographical position transformed the city in the maritime capital of Lusitania.
Abandoned in the fourth century, it was only discovered 1798, after the 1755 earthquake, while Lisbon was being rebuild.

View the S. Jorge Castle, located in the old medieval citadel, which was inhabited by the Moors who fortified it for their defence. When D. Afonso Henriques (Portugal´s founding King), took the castle in 1147, after besieging it for 3 months, expelled the Muslims and opened the castle doors to Christianity. In case you want to visit the castle inside, you have the possibility to ask your guide to buy the tickets for you (not included), as he has the “fast track” possibility. In this way, you don´t have to wait in the long lines to get your ticket.

At the Viewpoint of Santa Luzia (one of the nicest in Lisbon), you can see the oldest neighbourhood of Lisbon, Alfama. See the mountain range in the horizon (when good weather), the Arrabida Natural Reserve, 50 kilometres south of Lisbon.

The church in this small square is the “National Headquarters of Portuguese Knights of Malta”. What is their mystery?

Walk up (and down) Alfama, the oldest and one of the most typical neighborhoods of Lisbon. Its name derives from the Moorish al-hamma, meaning baths or fountains.

"Climb" to this part of the city to get an idea of what you are able to do in Lisbon for the rest of your stay.

Surrounded by the Chiado area, is Largo do Carmo with its historical jacaranda trees. In this square, still "resist" the ruins of the Convento do Carmo, built in the 14th century, where the Archaeology Museum and the Carmo Museum is currently installed.

From the top of this neo-Gothic structure (built 1902) you can have another view over Lisbon and the Rossio Square. The engineer Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard was responsible for the design, contrary to the popular belief that there is a connection to Gustave Eiffel. It is well known that Ponsard applied to this lift some of the techniques and materials already used in France.

Sadly this square has a very dark history, as it was the centre of the Holy Inquisition in Portugal. Most public punishments, tortures and killings where done here. If you would be summoned to Rossio, it would never be a good thing… Discover it´s histories.