A walking tour of Lisbon

On my last day in Lisbon I did a waking tour to cover off the rest of the sites I had missed. Lucky for me it was not a popular day for touring so I was the only one in the group :)

Dom Pedro IV

My private tour began at Rossio Square which is actually called Praça de Dom Pedro IV but no one would know what you were talking about if you asked for it by name - though he is the guy on the statue in the middle. Dom Pedro IV was the founder and first ruler of the Empire of Brazil and only briefly reigned over Portugal.

Rossio Square is known as the "meeting place" so it is fitting to start the tour there. 

A lot of Lisbon was destroyed in 1755 during an earthquake so much of the city's buildings were rebuilt following this including those around the square.It was also at this time the square was tiled with the wave patterns seen today.

Rossio Square with French inspired fountain

From there we headed to Praça da Figueira which is where people would go to conduct business, eat etc. While I didn't take a picture of that square, it was where I had lunch after the tour so here's a picture of that instead!

Bifana - popular pork sandwich 

Just off this square is an old church which the name escapes me, but it is known for having had a fire and not being renovated following this so the interior still has sign of the burn marks.

We then meandered through the core and stopped by Praça do Comércio. This area was also destroyed during the earthquake and rebuilt to be the centre of commerce. It is right on the river so a lovely spot to spend time.

Walkway on the square

We then took one of the old school trams to make our way to the Alfama neighbourhood - the oldest part of Lisbon. Before heading into the small streets of Alfama we took in the view from Miradouro das Portos do Sol. Standing at the top is a statute of Saint Vincent - the patron saint of Lisbon. He holds a boat and ravens which are the symbols of Lisbon.

Saint Vincent of Saragossa

This spot is also great for taking pics of Alfama and the Tejo river.

Rare picture of me in a city I visited

Alfama

Alfama is very densely built and many homes still don't have their own bathrooms or laundry facilities. It is still very much communal living and most of the area is only accessible on foot. Neighbourhood cookouts are a common feature and everyone says hello when you pass by. It is also the birthplace of fado music which you can find in most local restaurants in this area.

The streets of Alfama

Next stop was the Sé de Lisboa - the oldest church in Lisbon. It started being built in 1147.

Lisbon Cathedral with tram

Interior

After all the sightseeing it was time for a snack, or two. The tour included sampling of local treats which is always welcome!

Green wine, chorizo and local cheese

Pastel de Nata

Last stop of the tour was the Chiado neighbourhood which historically was more of a bohemian place but later became a shopping district which it remains today. A portion of this area appears quite modern as it was rebuilt following a fire in 1988. This neighbourhood is also where you will find the Carmo Convent - a Gothic church - which was also ruined in the earthquake and left as such as a memorial to those that died.

View of Chiado from the Santa Justa elevator

Carmo Convent

At a price tag of 18 euro this tour was definitely worth it!