São Vicente de Fora, chasing Lisbon's history

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The Monastery of São Vicente de Fora is considered perhaps one of the most beautiful religious buildings of the city of Lisbon and certainly one of the most underrated. Sure there are other important places to visit, but for those who have already been to Lisbon or for those who want to see something different, and very significant, this place cannot be missed!

The Monastery has arisen in one of the first inhabited areas of Lisbon, situated between the traditional and ancient neighborhoods of Alfama and Graça. Its foundations are age-old and immersed in the cold waters of a natural water source from which the main columns of the structure emerge!

It is possible to visit the interior gardens of the building, its huge rooms filled with Portuguese history, the silence of its cloister, and also have access to the exciting view you can enjoy from the Monastery’s terrace. 

All of this defines this building as a beautiful architectural work to be found, and confirms it’s history as part of the history of Lisbon itself.

Discover the traditional neighborhoods of the city, and their magnificent religious monuments, choose off-mainstream sites, get to know the city from its heart and refuse to be a part of the masses, 
be yourself!

Coffee at Miradouro

 

Lisbon city of colors, landscapes and passions, a city "ao ar livre", to live outdoors. Are you bored of the museums? The "classic rest" in the beach is not for you? Do you want to know the secrets of the city walking among art and monuments? 

Then don't miss the famous miradouros of Lisbon! The miradouros are characteristic viewpoints of the Portuguese capital, in fact, many hills provide the perfect "base" for these artificial terraces from which you can dominate the city. The miradouros are many and not all are worth to be seen, depends on "what you want to see," if you want to drink "an aperitif" or just a cup of coffee, if you want to see the popular areas or the rich districts (etc).

So don't miss the tour "of the three miradouros" that, among ancient roads, amazing monuments, fountains and gardens, will show and tell you the tales of ancient history, and the current problems, of the 'bairros' (neighborhoods) more traditional .

Choose to visit a "Lisbon for you", create your own personal tour, be yourself!

ALFAMA - District

Alfama is perhaps the most typical and characteristic neighbourhood of them all. 

The barrio is a deadalean labyrinth of narrow, windy streets and steep stairs opening up on irregularly shaped squares. Houses, alleys, rooftops with amazing view on Tejo have been centenarian witness of Lisbona’s troublesome history. The relaxing melancholy you feel when strolling around these streets reminds of the feeling when old, wise men tell you of the past, speaking with nostalgia and cold disillusion. And indifference for the future, perhaps. 

The saudade lisboeta has its home in this very neighbourhood: that indescribable feeling that is a cocktail of melancholy, sadness and nostalgia. In these streets you can hear the fado notes grovelling out of the bar’s doors – the emotional tune of Portuguese nights. 

Alfama is not just a silent relic of a forgotten past, though. It is a lively marketplace of nationalities. Pass by the stands at the Feira da Ladra or visiting the Pantheon or the São Vicente de Fora monastery; dwell in the plethora of bars and private clubs with stunning panorama terraces: they will warm up your night that falls discreet on this architectural gem.

Every June, San Miguel square gets packed up with people celebrating with litres of sangria and plenty of jovial moods.