Lisbon Architecture

The Archtecture of Lisbon

The architectural styles of Lisbon are truly diverse.   

Much of the original city, untouched by the devastating earthquake of 1755 owes much of its heritage to the Moors, and muslim influences can be seen across the city.  Although much rebuilt, the Castelo do Sao Jorge and the surrounding streets of the Alfama are filled with references to Moorish styles dating back more than a 1000 years.   

The predominant architectural styles in the city date from after 1755.  Following the devastating earthquake of November 1st over half the city was reduced to rubble.  Although the epicentre of the quake was more than 500 km away in the Algarve in southern Portugal, Lisbon, as the most populated area, bore the worst effects of the tremors.  The quakes were followed by a devastating fire and then, an hour later, by tidal waves surging up the Tagus which flooded the lower city.  Some of Lisbon’s finest buildings were destroyed including the original castle, the old Paco da Ribiera (Royal Palace down on the Tagus), the Royal Opera House and much of the downtown area.     Reconstruction began almost immediately and as the aftershocks died away, chief minister Sebastiao Jose de Carvalho e Melo (later to become Marques de Pombal) was outlining his plan for the city’s reconstruction.  Whilst many were still in shock, Pombal’s pragmatism promoted him to declare “Bury the dead, feed the living” and he began his plans to rebuild the city on an efficient grid system.  His ability to get the city back on its feet so fast won him untold respect and virtual total control of Lisbon.  The Baixa area was almost entirely reconstructed during this time along neo classical lines. 

Perhaps the most impressive public scheme to come from this period is the Praca do Comercio, at the end of Rua Augusta, looking out over the Tagus.  The triumphal arch that spans the Rua Augusta was not completed until 1873, 118 years after the earthquake and marked the completion of the regeneration of Lisbon.   


Architectural Gems    

Castelo da Sao George      

Dominating the city, the rebuilt castle gives not only terrific views across the whole city, but also a good representation of Moorish defensive design. 

The Church of Santa Luzia 

At the top of the Alfama with the wonderful Miradouro da Santa Luzia terrace giving great views over the Tagus, Santa Luzia has 18th century blue and white azulejo panels on the walls.

Praca da Figueira   

Dominated by the statue of Joao 1, this impressive marketplace was the central public square of Pombal's reconstruction of the Baixa.    

Praca do Comercio    

This magnificent riverside piazza at the base of the Rua Augusta, embodies Pombal's vision of the grandeur of the reconstruction of the city.   

Torre de Belem    

The tower was built as a fortress in 151 by Manuel 1.  It is now the symbol of the city, standing for exploration and discovery.  A must see on a visit to Lisbon is the Mosteiro de Jeronimos, which is a two minute walk away.

Expo 

This is a completely new area of the city, transformed from the abandoned dock area for the World Expo of 1998.  This vibrant area, Parque de Nacoes, is now home to waterfront restaurants, hotels, office and residential complexes, as well as the vast Vasco de Gama shopping mall.  The area is a fashionable choice for modern living and showcases some of Lisbon’s best contemporary architecture.