Joanna James
Lisbon is a town famed for its cultural and architectural heritage, which is capable of taking you back in time right into that glorious era of its splendid history.
Located in the northwestern suburbs of Lisbon the Palácio Fronteira is one of the most beautiful and exquisite historic sites in Portugal. This magnificent manor was originally built as a hunting pavilion for João de Mascarenhas, the first Marquês de Fronteira. The house still remains as the private residence of the Marquesses of Fronteira. However, some parts of the historic building are open to the public such as the Room of the Battles, the library, and the chapel. Its beautifully landscaped gardens are also a wonder to watch.
Dating back to the 17th century, the Church of Santa Engrácia had later been converted to the National Pantheon, where several national heroes and important figures such as Vasco da Gama and Afonso de Albuquerqe, and the late Presidents of the Republic rest in peace.
A defensive structure built in the late 13th century on orders of King Dinis; the D. Dinis Wall lies beneath the foundations of the Church of S. Julião in Lisbon's Baixa district. Hidden underground for centuries, this architectural marvel is now refurbished as the main hall of an Interpretation Centre.
Located in Lisbon's Baixa district, the Igreja de São Domingos church is visited by many locals and tourists as a revered place of worship. The church had withstood major disasters such as an earthquake in 1531 and a fire in 1959, which adds to its glory as a sacred place.
The ruins of Carmo church and convent in Lisbon is associated with historical misfortune as it reminds of the incident that a ruthless earthquake buried hundreds of people worshipping the God underneath the shattered walls of the church on the All Saint's Day in 1755.
Discovered during a parking lot digging in 1991 for the Millennium BCP Bank in Rua dos Correeiros, the Núcleo Arqueológico is an archaeological site with many layers of ruins belonging to Roman, Islamic, Medieval, and as early as the Iron Age. The ruins are preserved and displayed in a small museum built on the site.
The Galerias Romamas or the Roman Galleries are one of the most looked forward places to visit by history lovers of the world, as the Lisbon Authorities permit the public entrance to this only on one weekend in the month of September of every year. It is an entrance to the vaulted galleries of the Roman era.
The Lisbon Cathedral or the Sé de Lisboa, which is officially known as Santa Maria Maior is the oldest church in the city. The most famous attractions in this place are the Gothic styled cloister of the cathedral and the treasury.
The Roman Theatre Museum located in the Alfama District is a small museum featuring ancient Roman relics combined with the ruins of a theatre built in the first century BC by Emperor Augustus.
Hidden away in the basement of the Príncipe Real Plaza, the Museu Da Água Príncipe Real-Reservatório Da Patriarcal is one of the most visited attractions in Lisbon. The echoing brick walled galleries under vaulted ceilings are capable of creating a mysterious setting. You are lucky if you are staying at one of the 5 star hotels in Lisbon that offers to arrange visits to these attractions such as Tivoli Avenida Liberdade.
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