Life of Old Lisbon

What to Expect

Churches with a Surprise
By funicular, we will ascend to a viewpoint where you will see the hills of Lisbon and overlook the city panorama. We will visit the ancient Church of St. Dominic - I will tell you about the events related to it: the persecutions of Jews, the turning point in Lisbon's history of earthquakes and fires. And the Church of St. Roch will amaze you with its decoration: 8 chapels skillfully adorned with gilded gold, wood carvings, and tiles.

Vibrant Baixa
We will take a walk through the streets of Baixa: the houses in this area are seismically resistant. I will tell you about the Pombaline style in which these buildings are made, about Marquis of Pombal, and the unusual Portuguese pavement "calçada".
Arriving at Shiado Square, you will admire Lisbon's modernism. Strolling along cozy shops and cafes, you will learn about the Portuguese gastronomic culture. I will tell you about the "Scandinavian" origins of bacalhau (salted cod) and why everything is yellow in local pastry shops.

Chronicles of Alfama
Walking along the photogenic Rua Augusta - Lisbon's central street - we will reach the old district of Alfama. You will explore its streets from the viewpoint of "Portas do Sol", and then wander through this labyrinth. You will hear about fado songs, the native inhabitants and their traditions, and unusual summer festivals. On the waterfront, you will see 25th of April Bridge and learn about the "Carnation Revolution", and at the end of the walk, you will admire the splendid Triumphal Arch.