About this experience
Lisbon is like a jewelry box with architectural gems, each of which holds its own colorful history. You will get acquainted with the main treasures of the city: visit the luxurious Jerónimos Monastery and the Church of Saint Roch, see the Belém Tower and the Aqueduct of the Free Waters, touch the art of azulejo, and stroll through the neoclassical Baixa district. Each of the wonders of Lisbon will reveal a new facet of the city and its maritime culture!
What to Expect
Baixa, a district that survived an earthquake
You will walk through the elegant streets of the Baixa district, filled with restaurants, shops, and souvenir stalls. In the late 18th century, the district was completely destroyed by an earthquake, and then rebuilt according to the avant-garde plan of Marquis of Pombal, becoming the first example of neoclassical design and planning.
Antique Jesuit Church
You will visit the Church of Saint Roch, one of the first Jesuit churches in the world. Behind the deliberately modest facade of the church lies a rich interior and baroque chapels: among them, the Chapel of St. John the Baptist stands out, which was built by Italian architects in Rome, blessed by the Pope, and transported to Lisbon on three ships.
Architectural details of Jerónimos Monastery
We will visit the famous Jerónimos Monastery, connected with the era of the Great Age of Discoveries. You will learn about the history of the monastery and examine the features of the unique Portuguese architectural style Manueline, which intertwines maritime motifs, intricate ornamentation, shells, and ropes.
Stories of the Belém Tower
On your way, you will encounter one of the three remaining towers that defended the port of Lisbon in the 16th century – Belém Tower (Torre Belém). I will tell you why this tower, resembling a miniature princess castle, is rightfully considered a heritage of humanity and a symbol of Lisbon.
Amazing Coach Museum
At a time when carriages were becoming a thing of the past and being destroyed in other countries, the Queen of Portugal, Amélia, decided to gather carriages in a museum and allocated part of her palace for this purpose. In the museum, you will see the largest collection of carriages, learning about the lifestyle and customs of other eras.
Quenching Lisbon's Thirst
You will admire the impressive Aqueduct of the Free Waters, which supplied the capital with drinking water until the 19th century. We will walk through one of the 109 Gothic arches that survived the earthquake, discuss the creation of the aqueduct, and its role in Lisbon's life.
Art of Portuguese Tiles
Decorative tiles in Portugal have become part of the national culture and a hallmark of the country. During the walk, you will be able to visit the Tiles Museum: learn about the development history of this art and examine its best specimens.
Organizational Details
- The Church of St. Roch and the Jerónimos Monastery are closed on Mondays and during services.
- As part of the tour, you can visit one of the museums (tickets are paid separately): Coach Museum (closed on Mondays, entrance fee – 6 euros/person) or Tiles Museum (closed on Mondays, entrance fee – 5 euros/person).
