Medieval Lisbon
Lisbon, one of Europe’s oldest capitals, carries an air of timelessness and history, especially from the medieval period. Winding alleys, grand castles, and ancient monasteries tell the tale of a city shaped by centuries of Moorish rule and Christian conquest. If you’re eager to explore the medieval side of Lisbon, there’s no better way to dive deep into its rich history than by visiting its most iconic medieval landmarks. In this post, we’ll guide you through ten must-visit medieval spots that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Here’s Exploring Medieval Lisbon: 10 Spots to Relive the Historic Charm.
Exploring Medieval Lisbon: 10 Spots to Relive the Historic Charm
1. São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge)
Perched high above Lisbon, São Jorge Castle offers breathtaking views of the city, but its history is just as impressive. This ancient stronghold dates back to the 11th century when it was fortified by the Moors. It later became a royal residence for the Portuguese monarchy after King Afonso Henriques recaptured the city in 1147 during the Second Crusade.
– What to explore: Wander through its fortified walls, ancient towers, and the archaeological site, which displays remnants of Iron Age settlements. The gardens, filled with peacocks, provide a serene spot for reflection.
– Don’t miss: The Ulysses Tower, where a camera obscura lets you view live images of Lisbon in real-time.
2. Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)
As the oldest church in the city, the Lisbon Cathedral is a true icon of medieval Lisbon. Built in 1147 on the ruins of a Moorish mosque after the Christian Reconquista, this Romanesque-Gothic structure has survived earthquakes and witnessed centuries of Portuguese history.
– What to explore: Inside, discover the stunning Gothic cloisters, which sit atop Roman, Visigoth, and Moorish ruins. The treasury also holds religious relics, including the bones of St. Vincent the martyr.
– Don’t miss: The rose window above the entrance, an incredible piece of craftsmanship dating back to the original 12th-century construction.
3. Alfama District
No exploration of medieval Lisbon is complete without a stroll through the Alfama district, the city’s oldest neighborhood. This area predates the founding of Portugal itself and has retained much of its medieval character, with narrow, winding streets that have remained unchanged for centuries.
– What to explore: Alfama is packed with history at every turn. From the São Vicente de Fora Monastery to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, there’s something medieval around every corner.
– Don’t miss: The Fado Museum, where you can learn about Lisbon’s traditional soulful music, which has roots in this very district.
4. Convento do Carmo
The hauntingly beautiful Convento do Carmo is a medieval Gothic convent that was severely damaged during the devastating earthquake of 1755. What remains is an open-air ruin that offers a glimpse into the grandeur of medieval religious life.
– What to explore: Walk through the remains of the nave, where the sky is visible through the roofless arches, and visit the Carmo Archaeological Museum, which houses medieval tombs, sculptures, and ancient relics.
– Don’t miss: The tomb of King Ferdinand I, which is housed in the museum and dates back to the 14th century.
5. Monastery of São Vicente de Fora
This 12th-century monastery was founded by King Afonso Henriques after Lisbon was reconquered from the Moors. Dedicated to Saint Vincent the martyr, it served both as a place of worship and as a defensive stronghold due to its strategic location.
– What to explore: The monastery’s church features magnificent Baroque architecture, while the cloisters offer a peaceful atmosphere perfect for reflection. The panoramic views from the rooftop are also well worth the climb.
– Don’t miss: The collection of azulejos (traditional Portuguese tiles) that depict scenes from the works of La Fontaine, as well as the tombs of the Braganza dynasty, Portugal’s last royal family.
6. Igreja de São Roque
Originally built in the 16th century on the site of an old medieval cemetery, Igreja de São Roque may appear plain from the outside, but its interior is a stunning masterpiece of Baroque artistry. It was the first Jesuit church in Portugal and played a key role in the Counter-Reformation.
– What to explore: Discover the magnificent Chapel of St. John the Baptist, one of the most expensive chapels ever built, adorned with gold, lapis lazuli, and amethyst.
– Don’t miss: The ancient sacred art in the adjoining museum, which includes religious icons, liturgical vestments, and medieval artworks.
7. Moorish Fountains (Chafarizes)
Throughout medieval Lisbon, the Moors built an intricate network of aqueducts and fountains to supply the city with fresh water. Several of these ‘chafarizes’ (fountains) still survive today, showcasing the engineering prowess of medieval Islamic Lisbon.
– What to explore: The Chafariz d’El Rei, one of the oldest fountains in the city, once provided water to the royal family and the general population alike. Visit other surviving fountains like the Chafariz da Praça da Armada, each telling its own story of medieval Lisbon’s water supply.
– Don’t miss: Pay attention to the Moorish-inspired designs carved into the stone, reflecting the Islamic influence on Lisbon’s architecture.
8. The National Pantheon (Panteão Nacional)
Though its construction began in the 16th century, the foundations of the National Pantheon sit atop a medieval church. The site, originally known as the Church of Santa Engrácia, was repeatedly rebuilt due to collapses and natural disasters. Today, it stands as a magnificent Baroque structure, but its medieval roots are undeniable.
– What to explore: Wander through the ornate interior, with its grand marble floor and tombs of notable Portuguese figures, such as the famous fado singer Amalia Rodrigues.
– Don’t miss: The rooftop offers one of the best panoramic views of Lisbon’s skyline and the Tagus River.
9. Casa dos Bicos
A true medieval oddity, the Casa dos Bicos (House of Spikes) is one of Lisbon’s most striking buildings. Built in the early 16th century by the viceroy of India, it was inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture, but its façade is covered with spiked stone carvings, giving it a medieval fortress-like appearance.
– What to explore: Today, Casa dos Bicos houses the José Saramago Foundation, dedicated to the Portuguese Nobel laureate, but the building itself tells the tale of Lisbon’s transition from the medieval to the Renaissance era.
– Don’t miss: The remains of the medieval city walls and Roman ruins found beneath the building.
10. Baixa District – The Hidden Medieval Ruins
While the Baixa district is best known for its grand 18th-century architecture, some of the city’s medieval past lies hidden beneath its streets. The 1755 earthquake destroyed much of medieval Lisbon, but several underground sites reveal the city’s ancient past.
– What to explore: Visit the Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros, an archaeological museum set below ground level, where you can see ruins from Lisbon’s medieval Moorish period, as well as Roman and pre-Roman layers.
– Don’t miss: The medieval wine cellars and remnants of homes that offer a glimpse into daily life in medieval Lisbon.
Final Thoughts:
Exploring medieval Lisbon is like stepping back in time to a world of knights, castles, and monasteries. Each corner of the city holds a story, from its Moorish heritage to the Christian Reconquista and beyond. Whether you’re wandering through ancient ruins or marvelling at Gothic churches, Lisbon’s medieval treasures offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s storied past.
So pack your walking shoes, grab a map, and prepare to journey through the centuries as you explore these incredible medieval landmarks in Lisbon!
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