Lisbon is the capital of Portugal. As such, it offers a lovely list of tourist attractions and events that visitors can spend their time enjoying. Beyond that, Lisbon has plenty in the way of shopping, relaxing, and of course vacationing. Furthermore, Lisbon is a specifically historical city and has a lot of rich culture to offer visitors and tourists alike.
Whether you’re thinking about visiting Lisbon for the first time, or you’re considering planning a return trip, there are plenty of beautiful places to see all throughout Lisbon. This is a list of just some of the gorgeous and beautiful places to see in Lisbon.
Arch of Rua Augusta
The Arch of Rua Augusta is a testament to humanity and our resilience. The construction of this monumental piece of Lisbon architecture began in 1755 after the devastation of the earthquake that ruined Lisbon. The arch was erected to commemorate the effort of reconstruction all throughout the city. However construction on the arch itself didn’t conclude until 1873. Over a year later.
Today it stands as a reminder of what we can rebuild from ruin. It is a gorgeous piece of architecture and a very historic landmark in Lisbon. As such, it is also a very attractive tourist stop, and makes many travelers must-see list.
National Pantheon
The national pantheon was originally a church named Santa Engracia. It wasn’t long before it was transformed into the national pantheon though. This building is the burial site of many important people of Portugal, and is another major tourist attraction in the city of Lisbon.
Construction began on the church in 1681 but the building wasn’t completed until 1966 – nearly 300 years later. The roman catholic church was constructed in a baroque style making it a gorgeous piece of architecture, and a living piece of history. The national pantheon is a great place for visitors to come and check out especially because of its proximity to other main attractions that the city of Lisbon has to offer.
Carmo Convent Ruins
Speaking of history, the Carmo Convent Ruins are another historic landmark. This convent was originally a Roman Catholic convent before the earthquake of 1755. This building was never refurbished or reconstructed in the aftermath of the earthquake. The ruins are gorgeous, though, and a reminder of a time that came long before us. The ruins are located in the old town of Lisbon and make a wonderful site for a day trip. If you’re staying in Lisbon for more than a few days, these ruins should definitely make it onto your itinerary. Seeing them in person is awe-striking and inspiring on a variety of levels. If you’re going to be in Lisbon, you may as well get a taste of some of the history.
These ruins truly are a piece of history, as the church was first constructed in 1389.
Church of Santo Antonio
The church of Santo Antonio is another Roman catholic church that is iconic to the historic city of Lisbon. This church specifically is dedicated to Saint Anthony, or Antonio, and was built on the site of the saint’s birthplace in 1195. This church was constructed in the mid 1700’s, and remains a national monument in Lisbon today.
As one of the most famous churches in the capital city, it is conveniently located within walking distance to a number of other attractions and sites.
Bemposta Palace
A city chock-full of history, Lisbon also has palaces to visit, if you’re feeling like getting a sense of how the royals used to live it up. This palace was actually designed by a Portuguese architect for the widow of a king. After Queen Catherine of Braganza passed away in the early 1700’s, she left her palace and the associated land to her brother, King Peter II of Portugal.
Undoubtedly one of the most historic and famous tourist attractions in the city of Lisbon, the Bemposta Palace will add a whole new layer to your vacation or trip to Lisbon.
Sunset and Sipping Wine
Finally, when it comes down to it, the best part of any vacation is resting and relaxing. Lisbon offers visitors and residents alike a variety of sunset wine-tastings. These events allow the participants to enjoy a curated wine-list while taking in the stunning views of a Lisbon sunset over the historic city.
Visitors can even take advantage of luggage storage in Lisbon after checking out of their hotel in order to catch one final sunset and wine tasting before bringing their trip to a close.
Wrapping Up
No matter if you’re an experienced traveler or a first time vacationer, Lisbon is a wonderful destination for your next planned trip. Between the sites to see, the wonderful weather, and the pure history captured throughout the city, there’s something here for everyone.