Memories and hints of a travelling IT professional.
The memorial of discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) is a huge monument in Belém at the river Tejo. It was created by the regime of dictator Salazar to honor Prince Henry “the Navigator” who was an important figure for the Portuguese to discover the unknown world. Continue reading “Padrão dos Descobrimentos”
The Torre de Belém is one of the main sights in Lisboa, Portugal and obviously not very well suited for tourist masses. It was opened in 1521 as a lighthouse on a rock in the river mouth of the river Tejo. It was mostly used to greet leaving or arriving ships – not so much to protect the city. Continue reading “Torre de Belém”
The Carreira 28E dos Eléctricos de Lisboa is an historic streetcar line in Lisboa, Portugal and connects the city quarters Alfama, Baixa and Lapa. Especially because of narrow streets only short ancient streetcars are used. Continue reading “Eléctrico 28”
When accessing the Praça do Comércio in Lisboa, Portugal you will immediately see a triumphal arc – the Arco da Rua Augusta. It was planned after the earthquake in 1755 and commemorates the Portuguese exploration activities throughout the world. Continue reading “Arco da Rua Augusta”
The Igreja de Santa Engrácia is a church in Baroque style from the 17th century and maybe the most beautiful church in Lisboa, Portugal. It was only finished in the 20th century and it was never used as a church and became the national pantheon (Panteão nacional) instead. Continue reading “Panteão nacional”
The Castelo de São Jorge is a fortress on a hill in the city quarter Alfama in Lisboa, Portugal. It was built by the Moors and was conquered in 1147 and destroyed to large extend during the earthquake in 1755. Today you can enjoy the nice viewpoint, walk on the restored walls of the castle and watch pheasants. Continue reading “Castelo de São Jorge”
When standing in front of the church of Saint Roch in Lisboa, Portugal you won’t expect what you’ll find inside. Behind the simply front portal there is the first Jesuit church in Portugal showing all the former richness of the country. Continue reading “Igreja de São Roque”
The Elevador de Santa Justa or Elevador de do Campo is an elevator transporting people between the city quarters Baixa (downtown) and Chiado (uptown) in Lisboa, Portugal. It was built until the year 1901 after plans of engineer Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard. Continue reading “Elevador de Santa Justa”
The river Tejo (Portuguese) or Tajo (Spanish) gathers his waters in Spain and runs from somewhere around Madrid to Portugal and into the Atlantic ocean close to Lisboa. It is the longest river on the Iberian peninsula. Continue reading “Rio Tejo”
The Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is a nice viewpoint high above the old city of Lisboa, Portugal. It can be best accessed with the Ascensor da Glória. From there you have nice views on the city, even though some parts are currently closed due to deterioration. Continue reading “Best views and Christmas market”