Lisbon

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Monument to the Discoveries

Inaugurated in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator, this iconic caravel-shape monument protrudes over the river in celebration of the city’s illustrious seafaring history.

Palácio da Fronteira

Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira

Fronteira Palace, often called the Palace of the Marquises, occupies a rural location in Lisbon’s northwest suburb of Benfica. The private property, open to visitors, was originally built as a hunting pavilion for João de Mascarenhas in 1640 and features splendid reception rooms decorated with tiles, panels, contemporary furniture and oil paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Jerónimos Monastery

A masterpiece of Manuelinearchitecture, the monastery’s flamboyant decoration includes detailed sculptures of maritime symbols and motifs. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Palácio Nacional de Queluz

Queluz National Palace

Located 15 kilometres (9 miles) outside Lisbon, this ornate Rococo palace was originally built in 1747 as a summer retreat for Dom Pedro of Braganza (who later became King after marrying his niece Maria I). It became the official residence of Portuguese royalty in the late 18th century and was most famously used to incarcerate Queen Maria when she descended into madness.

Torre de Belém

Belém Tower

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, this one-time defensive fortress and ceremonial gateway to Lisbon was built in the early 16th century during Portugal’s golden Age of Discovery.

Palácio de Sintra

Sintra National Palace

Having been inhabited by the monarchy and court for eight centuries, the Sintra National Palace is the most well-preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal.

Palácio da Pena

Pena National Palace

Perched dramatically atop a hill in Sintra, the colourful Pena National Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. Pena Park, an elaborately forested area featuring exotic trees and a fern garden, surrounds the palace.

Cristo Rei

The Christ the King Statue

Inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Lisbon’s Cristo Rei overlooks Lisbon from an elevated position on the river’s south bank, just past the 25th of April bridge.

Castelo de Sao Jorge

St. George’s Castle

Situated atop Lisbon’s highest hill, above Alfama’s maze of alleyways, the oldest parts of this sprawling castle complex date back to the 6th century.

Santa Justa Lift

Also known as the Elevator of Carmo, this impressive 45-metre (147-foot) iron structure links downtown Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo. Opened in 1902 (and originally powered by steam), it was built by the Portuguese-born French architect Raoul de Mesnier du Ponsard, apprentice to Gustave Eiffel (note the similarities to the Eiffel Tower!). Take the ride to the top for great views of the river, castle and Praça do Rossio, or ascend higher still, via the spiral staircase, to the top-storey café for a bite with serious city views.

Quinta da Regaleira

Built between 1904 and 1910 and recently treated to an extensive restoration project, Quinta da Regaleira is a palatial 4-hectare (9-acre) estate near Sintra. The expansive grounds of this UNESCO World Heritage Site include beautiful gardens, a romantic palace and chapel, impressive towers and gates, ornate fountains and made-man lakes, mysterious subterranean passageways and fascinating museum exhibits.