PORTUGAL MONUMENTS

Hieronymites monastery

The Hieronymites monastery, or  Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, is set in the beautiful district of
Belem, facing Tagus River, this imposing monastery, classified by UNESCO as a World
Heritage Site in 1983, reveals the glory of the Portuguese Age of Discoveries. It is the
greatest symbol of the Manueline style, a sort of Portuguese late-Gothic, which depicts
navigation symbols along with sculptures of plants and exotic animals from the new lands
discovered by the Portuguese explorers.
Belem tower

Belem tower, or  Torre de Belem is a fortified tower situated nearby the Hieronymites
Monastery in the Belem area, built to be part of the defensive system for the Tagus River
estuary, providing crossfire with the Fortress of São Sebastião da Caparica on the south
bank of the river.
Lisbon Cathedral

Lisbon Cathedral was built under the orders of Afonso Henriques, in 1147 (right after the
city reconquest) over an old Muslim mosque. The initial project followed the Romanesque style
of the Coimbra Cathedral, however it has been changed throughout the centuries, combining
traces of different architectonic styles that result in an iconic monument.
São Jorge Castle

Rising up on the top of a Lisbon hill, São Jorge Castle is one of the most visited monuments of
the Portuguese capital not just for its historical importance but also due to its beautiful
gardens and breathtaking views from the city.

According to several archeological researches, it is known for a fact that the first
construction existing in this site dates back from the 2nd century b.C.
Estrela Basílica

Considering the age of the majority of Lisbon monuments, Estrela Basílica is quite recent. In
fact, it was only built during the 18th century, between 1779 and 1790 to be more precise,
under the orders of Queen Mary I of Portugal who was fulfilling the promise of erecting a
convent for the Carmelite religious order if she would give birth to a son.

The Basilica, which combines Baroque and Neo-classic features, offers a Nativity scene,
carved in cork and terracotta by Machado de Castro, as its biggest highlight.
Casa dos Bicos

Even though being closed to the public as it houses the Culture department of Lisbon City
Council, Casa dos Bicos is worthy of a visit just for its original façade covered with diamond-
shaped stones. Situated nearby Terreiro do Paço, it was built in 1523 by a rich business man
named Brás de Albuquerque who was inspired by the Italian Renaissance architectonic style
of the Diamond Palace of Ferrara and the Bevilácqua Palace in Bologna.

Nowadays it houses the headquarters of José Saramago foundation (Portuguese Literature

Nobel Awarded).
Ajuda National Palace

Ended in the 19th century, the Ajuda National palace, constructed according to the
neoclassic architectural style, was built on the location of a temporary wooden shelter
erected to house the royal family after the 1755 earthquake. At this palace were held
several important events until the end of the Monarchy and even nowadays it houses the most
important State ceremonies held by the President of the Republic, such as banquets in honor
of the highest dignitaries of other States.
Church of Santa Engrácia – National Pantheon

National Pantheon is situated in the Church of Santa Engrácia, in the São Vicente de Fora
district. Built according to the Mannerist architectural style from the 17th century it also
presents Baroque features from the 18th century renewal.

It functions as a Pantheon since 1916 and it houses the thumbs of Presidents of the
Portuguese Republic, National Poets and Artists as well as high personalities of the
Portuguese History.
Carmo convent ruins

Set in the cosmopolitan Chiado quarter Carmo convent is one of Lisbon must visit spots as the
ruins of its Church are one of the few still existing testimonies left by the 1755 earthquake.

After serving its original religious purpose, Carmo Convent was used as a military dependence
and it will stay in the Portuguese history as the place where the President Marcelo Caetano
took refuge from the rebellious soldiers during the 1974 coup d’état, named Carnation
Revolution.

Nowadays, it houses the headquarters of the Portuguese Archaeological Association and the
Carmo Archaeological Museum that offers pieces that portrait the city’s history from pre-
historic times until the Middle Ages.
Monument to the Discovers

The Monument to the Discovers is shaped as a caravel prow was erected to honor the main
characters of the Portuguese Discovery Age. Thus, Henry the Navigator, the Discoveries
sponsor is sided by kings and queens, explorers, navigators, artists, scientists, cartographers
and missionaries whose deeds granted them a place in Portugal’s history, during the 15th and
16th centuries.