8 heritage treasures to discover Lisbon’s history

Discover the palaces, museums and emblematic monuments of Portugal’s breathtaking capital and immerse yourself in the history of an entire country!

To explore Lisbon‘s monuments is to immerse yourself in a history and heritage dating back thousands of years. Rich in the various civilizations that have rubbed shoulders with it, the Portuguese capital today shows a refined and fascinating face. Testimonies of the past inhabit its seven hills and are its pride and joy.

Follow us from Castelo São Jorge to Praça do Comércio for a trip back in time and get inspired by our selection of the best monuments to visit in Lisbon.

The Hieronymites Monastery

Photo credit : Shutterstock

The Monastery of the Hieronymites, located in the Belém district of Lisbon, is one of the city’s landmark monuments. King Manuel I had it built in the 16th century to celebrate the maritime exploits of Vasco da Gama. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monument owes its name to the monks of the Order of St. Jerome, one of whose missions was to bring comfort to sailors.

Built in the Manueline style, the monastery boasts a wealth of ornamental sculptures. When it comes to visiting the monastery, you can choose between the Church of St. Mary, which houses the explorer’s tomb, the royal necropolis, the cloister and the archaeological museum. The latter retraces Portuguese history from its origins to Roman times, through objects from different periods, and includes real mummies.

Belem Tower

Photo credit : Shutterstock

Built in the 16th century, the Belèm Tower served both as a residence for the port’s captains and as a defense system protecting the mouth of the Tagus. This monument is an impressive example ofPortuguese military architecture, with octagonal towers and sculpted ornamentation depicting ropes and marine animals.

The architecture here blends a resplendent Manueline style with elements from its 19th-century restoration and Moorish-influenced ornamentation. The highlight of the show is the breathtaking view over the Tagus and Lisbon as you climb to the top of its 35-metre high tower.

São Jorge Castle

Photo credit : Shutterstock

If there’s one monument in Lisbon that’s a great way to discover the city’s history and heritage, it’s St. George’s Castle. This emblematic building of the Portuguese capital is located in the picturesqueAlfama district. It stands on the highest hill in the historic center, offering one of the finest views of Lisbon from the ramparts.

Once inside, you can visit the Ulysses tower and the periscope with its 360° view, as well as the splendid garden and archaeological site. The latter bears witness to the first inhabitants of the hill in the 7th century BC, as well as the remains of the first Moorish buildings in the 11th century. Exhibitions also present the history of Lisbon’s different districts over the centuries.

Place du Commerce and the Arc de Triomphe

Photo credit : Shutterstock

If you’re traveling to Lisbon, it’s hard to resist a stroll around the Place du Commerce and a visit to theArc de Triomphe in the Baixa district. These sites represent the rebirth of the city after the great earthquake of 1755, and bear witness to the fall of the monarchy in 1908.

The yellow Praça do Comercio is surrounded by neoclassical buildings. At its center is the bronze statue of King Joseph I on his horse, the 1st monumental statue dedicated to a king in Lisbon. The esplanade then elegantly opens onto the Tagus River, offering an unobstructed view all the way to the Cristo Rei. The other star of the square is the Arc de Triomphe, which opens onto Rua Augusta. It is adorned with allegories of Glory and Courage, and its columns are topped by statues in the round of famous figures from Portuguese history.

The Santa Justa elevator

Shutterstock – eskystudio

The impressive Santa Justa elevator, built in the early 20th century, links the upper town, Bairro Alto, with the lower town, Baixa. The wrought-iron, neo-GothicElevador do Carmo may look slightly familiar. Designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a Franco-Portuguese engineer, it bears a striking resemblance to a work that might have been attributed to Gustave Eiffel. Initially powered by a steam engine, it was electrified a few years later.

At a height of 45 metres, this elevator offers unparalleled panoramic views of Lisbon and its estuary. On your way to the top, you’ll be able to admire the elevator’s diversity of ornamentation, with its arches and ornamental details changing register at each landing.

Ajuda National Palace

Photo credit : Shutterstock

Discover the National Palace of Ajuda, an inescapable testimony to Lisbon’s tumultuous past. The Portuguese royal family resided here before the palace became a museum and housed the national library. Here you can admire a collection of works of art, porcelain and furniture that has survived the centuries.

Located in the parish ofAjuda, this neoclassical architectural gem abounds in magnificent ceilings and richly decorated rooms. Take a stroll through the cool reception rooms, the royal chambers and the palace chapel. The boudoirs and cabinets have been restored and staged with such meticulous attention to detail that you’ll feel transported back in time. Here, every detail counts.

The National Coach Museum

Photo credit : Shutterstock

If you’re interested in history and Baroque architecture, you can’t miss the National Coach Museum. It houses a unique collection of royal and aristocratic horse-drawn carriages dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The spacious, well-lit rooms reveal all the splendor of the former Portuguese court.

Take time to browse the various rooms and admire the horse-drawn carriages, sedan chairs and sedans used by the country’s most illustrious figures. Not only can you browse the impressive exhibits, but you can also learn more about thehistory of the Portuguese nobility.

The Fado Museum

Photo credit : Shutterstock

If you’re a music lover visiting Lisbon, consider the Fado Museum a must-see. This institution celebrates the history of this traditional Portuguese song. Housed in a traditional-style building dating back to the 19th century, the museum is as much for your eyes as for your ears.

You’ll be able to browse the various exhibition rooms and discover guitars, show posters and audio recordings of Fado. This melancholy Portuguese melody evokes saudade and impossible love.

From religious buildings to medieval castles and art museums, Lisbon offers an extraordinarily varied cultural experience. So, are you ready to set off and discover these historical treasures? What are you waiting for to embark on your adventure?