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Cristo Rei – A Taste of Rio in Lisbon

December 17, 2013

Christ the Redeemer is one of Brazil’s icons. Towering above the city, it shows Christ with his arms outstretched. It was therefore a bit confusing to see an incredibly similar statute across the River Tejo from central Lisbon… especially when coupled with a sighting of what appeared to be San Fransico’s Golden Gate Bridge.

Lisbon, Portugal

The statue of Cristo Rei (Christ the King) was inspired by a visit made by the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in 1934, and is a national sign of gratitude that Portugal was spared involvement in the ravages of World War II. In contrast, the resemblance of 25 de Abril bridge to the San Francisco Bay Bridge is due mostly to the fact that they were designed and constructed by the same company!

Louise suggested that we visit the statue by ferry on our last day in Lisbon, and it turned out to be one of the best things we did during our time there. From the awesome boat ride across, to the stunning views from the base of the statue, I can’t recommend a visit enough!

Ferry, Lisbon, Portugal

Our ride across the harbour

Our last day turned out to be the hottest of our time there with temperatures up to 25C, which was certainly an unexpected bonus in late October. I relished the chance to wear a singlet and skirt one last time before we returned to the rainy London autumn. I’m definitely a summer baby… sunshine just lifts my heart.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon from the ferry with Castelo de Sao Jorge and Santa Engracia crowning the skyline

The ferry sails from downtown Lisbon across to Cacilhas, and from there it’s easy to catch a bus up to the statue. I loved the views from the base of the statue – we could even make out the Pena Palace in Sintra!

Lisbon, Portugal

Cristo Rei, Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

Can you spot Sintra? Belém is a little easier to see in the foreground!

After soaking in the sunshine and the views, it was time to hop into the lift inside the statue’s foundations to be whisked up to the top. From there, the extra height made me glad that there was fencing all the way around – and the views were even better.

Cristo Rei, Lisbon, Portugal

Up close with the statue

Lisbon, Portugal

Visiting Cristo Rei was a fantastic end to our time in Lisbon – I hope to be back again one day to explore more of this fascinating city.

Bits & Pieces

The ferry to Cristo Rei leaves from Cais do Sodré in downtown Lisbon and sails across to Cacilhas where the 101 bus leaves every half hour for the statue complex

Entry to the Cristo Rei complex is free, and the lift cost us €5

Have you visited Lisbon? What was your favourite part of the city?

Adventures in the Alfama

December 12, 2013

The Alfama area in the east of the city offered a very different experience to what we’d found in the rest of the city. As we wandered through narrow alleyways, stepped over locals having their morning gossip, and spotted unusual graffiti I began to appreciate how the pace of life felt more relaxed, less touristy.

Alfama, Lisbon, Portugal

Some traditional Portuguese names, and some less so… Harry Potter anyone?!

Alfama, Lisbon, Portugal

When the Moors ruled Lisbon, the Alfama was the fanciest part of the city, but when they were defeated by the Christians it was left largely to the fisherman who lived along that part of the coast. Although it is close to the main part of the city, it still retains a bit of a village feel, which makes it fascinating to wander through.

Alfama, Lisbon, Portugal

The Igreja de São Miguel – and Jono looking up!

Alfama, Lisbon, Portugal

Pasteis de nata, Lisbon

Our daily custard tart sample – I managed to restrain myself long enough to take a photo!

Alfama, Lisbon, Portugal

Lots of steps on our way up – we certainly earnt our pastéis de nata that day!

Alfama, Lisbon, Portugal

Santa Engrácia, Lisbon, Portugal

One of the main tourist attractions of the Alfama is the magnificent Santa Engrácia. Begun in 1681, the church was not properly completed until 1966, and is now home to Portugal’s National Pantheon, housing the tombs of several important national figures. However, our main reason for visiting, aside from seeing the stunning building itself, was the views over Lisbon and the River Tejo from the church’s terrace… they were worth every stair climbed and then some!

Santa Engrácia, Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

Beautiful!

Lisbon, Portugal

Santa Engrácia, Lisbon, Portugal

Wouldn’t be us without a jump shot! (Credit: Louise Sawyer)

Bits & Pieces

Entry to Santa Engrácia costs €3 for adults and includes admission to the roof terrace. If you’re planning to visit, remember that it is closed on Mondays.

The Alfama area is easily reached by heading east from the city centre up the Rua Augusta Rosa – just make sure to dive off the main roads into the alleyways as soon as you spot an interesting-looking one!

You can also catch the #28 tram from the city centre and hop off on Rua San Vincente.

Have you visited the Alfama? Did you discover any hidden spots that are a must-see?

Castelo de Sao Jorge, Lisbon

November 28, 2013

Castelo de Sao Jorge crowns the skyline of central Lisbon. Fortifications have been in this place for many centuries and it offers a stunning viewpoint over the city, with plenty of nooks to explore within its walls.

Castelo de Sao Jorge, Lisbon

We caught the 28 tram most of the way up the hill, although some backtracking was required before we located the entrance to the castle. This ended up being a happy mistake as we stumbled upon some very cool graffiti in the side streets.

28 Tram, Lisbon

Nicole, Louise, Jono and Kate inside the tram

Detouring

Graffiti with the Pantheon in the distance

Lisbon, Portugal

You enter the castle through an imposing 19th-century gate decorated by the crest of Portugal. Inside is a statute of Dom Afonso Henriques, whose forces besieged the castle and drove the Moors from Lisbon in 1147.

Castelo de Sao Jorge, Lisbon

Straightaway the views are awesome, stretching all the way along the River Tejo in the west down to the 25 April Bridge and beyond.

Lisbon, Portugal

The royal palace, built mainly in the 15th century, is now only ruins, but the medieval fortifications remain, including eleven different towers.

Peacocks!

Castelo de Sao Jorge, Lisbon

I loved the gorgeous thick walls of the medieval fortifications, and getting so many different perspectives on Lisbon. There’s not much now remaining inside the walls themselves, although there is a museum you can visit to learn more about the castle’s inhabitants over the centuries.

Castelo de Sao Jorge, Lisbon