Historic Landmarks in Lisbon

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Belem Tower

Commissioned in 1514 as part of a Tagus defence system planned by King João II, the Belem Tower was completed in 1519 — too late to defend Lisbon during its golden age of expansion, but in time to become the ceremonial gateway of returning explorers. Over the centuries it served as customs post, lighthouse,

Verified: 2026-06-01

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Jerónimos Monastery

Construction began on 6 January 1501 on the site of a small chapel where Vasco da Gama and his crew had prayed the night before sailing to India in 1497. King Manuel I funded the works with the "vintena"

Verified: 2026-02-10

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São Jorge Castle

The hilltop has been fortified since the Iron Age, but the castle that stands today owes its layout to the Islamic period (8th–12th centuries) when Lisbon, then known as al-Ushbuna, was the western frontier of al-Andalus.

Verified: 2026-03-09

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Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Set on the highest of Lisbon's seven hills, the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is the city's most sweeping natural viewpoint — a small terraced square 107 metres above the river offering a 180° panorama that opens straight onto São Jorge Castle, Mouraria's red roofs, the Baixa grid, the Tagus and the long line of the 25 de Abril Bridge.

Verified: 2026-03-09

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Praça do Comércio

The square's earlier name, Terreiro do Paço, recalled the Ribeira Royal Palace — built here in 1500 by King Manuel I to be closer to the river and the spice trade. For 250 years it was the heart of the Portuguese empire, until the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami of 1 November 1755 destroyed both palace and city

Verified: 2026-03-26

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Alfama

Alfama's name comes from the Arabic al-hamma ("hot fountains"), a reference to the thermal springs the Moors used along its lower edge. Inhabited since pre-Roman times, the hill was fortified by the Romans, then by the Visigoths and finally by the Moors in the 8th century.

Verified: 2026-03-26