Lisbon
The River Tagus on the left and the large Praca Comercio on the right.
This large Praca Comercio is pretty much the geographic center of the city (except south, which is the river).
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, predating London, Paris and Rome by centuries. Ruled by the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors (captured in 711), and then conquered in 1147 by the Crusaders. Since that time it has been the cultural, economic and political center of Portugal. So, let's wander through the Rua Agusta Arch onto Rua Agusta and look around.
Looking back through the beautiful archway.
Rua Agusta is a wide pedestrian-only street. Lined with many sidewalk cafes.
This cross street is the Rua da Santa Justa. An important street because of the famous elevator off to the right.
Here on the Rua de Santa Justa we have a great look at the famous elevator, the Santa Justa Lift. Completed in 1902, this has two cars that travel a vertical 148 feet from this lower street level (baixa) up to the Largo de Carmo (Carmo Square). Lisbon is a very hilly city. This elevator provides a quick way to reach the Barrio Alto (high neighborhood) from our sea level Barrio Baxio.
Staying at the Baxio level and continuing inward we come to the large Praca Rossio. Neat area for sidewalk coffe shops and cafes.
The center of Praca Rossio.
And with a special tourist...
Today the streets in downtown Lisbon are blocked off for the annual Lisbon Marithon. There is a story here. Faye had signed up to run in this marithon many months ago. Yesterday when we went to collect her running bib and lots of the normal race handouts, Lisbon experienced one of the worst storms in over 20 years. With winds of 45 km per hour and torential rain it was almost impossible to walk. The weather forecast for today was the same. After some serious thought, we thought it was not worth running is such bad weather. So, about this time of the morning (11:00 am) wouldn't you know it, the sun came out and there was about two hours of excellent weather.
So, we vicariously ran the race from the sidewalk.
And then retired to an appropiate venue where we could watch the runners pass by over an excellent glass of Vinho Verde.
Just past Praca Rossio to the north we come to this interesting piece of architecture. It houses the railroad station - Estacao de Rossio. Inside are ticket booths and the start of a series of long escalators necessary to take passengers up the 150 ft to the level of Barrio Alto where the tracks and loading platforms are located.
The actual station up on Barrio Alto.
Moving north past the Estacao Rossio we come to the wide Avenida Da Liberdade. I consider this to be the most beautiful street in Lisbon.
It is lined on both sides with sidewalk bars and cafes. I have been coming to Lisbon for over fourty years now, and always make it a habit to stop here at least once for a relaxing glass of port.
Continuing north. The Avenida is actually a major center 4-lane road, with one-way side streets. All separated by landscaped gardens. Note the beautiful wide sidewalks.
Looking back (south) down the Avenida. A monument to the World War I lost heros on the right.
If we walk to the west of Avenida Da Liberdade about two blocks we come to this small park, the Praca da Algeria. It is hosting a weekend faire.
Many fun crafts and products for sale.
This park also contains this beautiful tree. Blossoming in late October.
This park is typical of the many similar parks found across Lisbon.
Bairro Alto
There are several ways to get up to the Barrio Alto besides walking up steep hills. These include the Santa Justa elevator (already shown), and several funiculars such as this one. This is actually a streetcar body on a frame that has a 30 degree tilt to keep the car level while going up and down the hill.
At the top after a five minute ride. Really saves energy.
Barrio Alto is high enough to provide excellent views across the city. This park is next to the top of the funicular.
Even on this cool and rainy day the view is excellent. The Castle Sao Jorge is on the hill to the right.
Some good restaurants in Barrio Alto.
We had a window table in this one, with fabulous views to the north. Excellent buffet.
Here is another park in Alto. This one is near the top of the elevator. Also a weekend market.
Across the street from this park is this famous Carmo Restaurant. We had an excellent lunch here.
This is looking out through the doorway of a large retail mall in Barrio Alto. The street ahead is the Rua Garrett, a famous shopping area.
Lots of retail here. Looking back to that retail mall in the center, with high-end stores on both sides of the street for many blocks.
Another famous landmark two blocks up Rua Garrett is the A Brasileira Bar.
Inside are lots of customers enjoying themselves. Even the sidewalk tables were full in spite of the rainy weather.
The Castle of Sao Jorge
Dating back to the 6th century BC this hill has been the site of fortifications. The current wall design was constructed during the 10th century by the Berbers, and enlarged by the Portuguese royalty in 1370's. It served as a royal palace for several centuries.
The large praca in front of the actual castle entrance. Great views over 270 degrees.
The western view fron the top of the castle wall.
West and North.
Several very nice restaurants inside the castle.
Peacocks.
Look back to the entry praca.
We stayed in a wonderful Airb&b apartment on our latest trip to Lisbon. Located just north of the downtown area, near the bridge. When walking around the neat neighborhood our first evening there, we discovered an amazingly good seafood restaurant nearby. Nothing fancy - just superb seafood. They had a giant aquariam full of lobster and crab. We picked these two lobsters.
And out they come!
Really GOOD! We ate at this same restaurant the next two nights.
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