We spent our first few days near Lisbon exploring the area. We were saving some of the bigger “must see” items for when our niece, Jamie, arrived. But we were still eager to see the area around our Airbnb and the city. Here are a few of the highlights from our first few days.
Cascais & Estoril
Our Airbnb is a holiday destination area west of Lisbon. We are conveniently located near the beach, a park, bakeries and the train station. We also have relatively easy access to Lisbon and the mountains (near Sintra). Less than 24 hours after our arrival Rich was on the mountain bike trails and I was running on the beach. We also enjoyed lounging in our sunny courtyard. But it was Züri who had the most exciting welcome to the area. He was “scouted” during our run and invited to join a group of models doing a photoshoot on the beach!
Calçada Portuguesa
Calçada portuguesa is the name of the distinctive black and white tilework found throughout Lisbon. The tiles are made of limestone (or white limestone and basalt). They are beautiful to admire, but hazardously slippery when wet.
The first picture was taken at Rossio Square, one of the original locations of this tilework. The second was taken at Mirodouro de São Pedro, one of the city’s numerous viewpoints.
Covenento do Carmo
One of my favorite places was the former convent for Carmelite nuns. The church was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake that devastated much of the city. Walking through the nave of the church is particularly moving because the earthquake occurred on a Sunday and on All Saints Day, when many people were in churches. This church was left in ruins as a reminder of the devastation.
Street Art
Lisbon is also a city with plentiful street art. I don’t support graffiti as destruction of property, but had to admit that it added color to the city. I thought that my nephew would particularly enjoy the one resembling Legos.
There are also organized pieces of art and guided tours to highlight street art throughout the city. One piece that caught our eye was a 3-D mural created from garbage and waste. The artist, Bordalo II, has a series titled Trash Animals that aims to bring attention to waste production and its effect on the planet.
Elevator de Santa Justa
This famous elevator was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel who designed the Eiffel Tower. I’m not a fan of small spaces or old elevators, so I did not ride the lift but I did climb to the top to enjoy the view. Below are some pictures of the Baxia neighborhood from the viewing deck.
Commerce Square
This last picture is especially for my dad and family members who strongly dislike snakes. In the middle of Commerce Square stands a monument of King José I trampling snakes on horseback as a symbol of power. The snakes are difficult to appreciate, but I couldn’t pass up the picture.
