Wednesday 30 April 2014

MARITIME MUSEUM

Museu de Marinha

The Maritime Museum is located in one wing of the Jeronimos Monastery, in the chapel built by Henry the Navigator, where sailors came to pray before leaving for their trips overseas. Inside you can find all kinds of maps, documents and artifacts relating to the 'Age of Discovery', which will help you clarify any questions that may arise during the visit.

A separate building houses ornate royal barges, 19th-century fire-fighting machines and several seaplanes.

Friday 25 April 2014

SÃO BENTO PALACE

El Palácio de São Bento, un monasterio convertido en asamblea nacional

The original building of São Bento Palace was erected as a convent in 1598, but was later renovated as an enormous white Neoclassical building to become today's Portuguese Parliament, the Assembleia da República.

Tall columns support the pediment, and four statues on pedestals at the entrance represent Prudence, Strength, Justice, and Temperance.

The interior is grandiose, with marble pillars, Neoclassical statues, and other works of art. You may look inside when parliament is in session and debates are open to the public.

Friday 18 April 2014

CHURCH OF SANTO ANTÓNIO


La Iglesia de Santo António y su pasadizo secreto

Santo Antonio (better known as Saint Anthony of Padua), revered as a matchmaker, protector of young brides, and patron of the lost and found, was actually born in Lisbon, on the site of this church.

Under current Church of Santo António, erected in 1812 on the remains of a chapel sponsored by João II, there is a corridor lined with tiles which you can read an inscription that marks this place as the site where the saint was born.

Mass marriages known as "St. Anthony's Weddings" are held here during the mid-June St. Anthony's Day celebrations.

Friday 11 April 2014

PAVILHÃO CHINÊS

Pavilhão Chinês

One of the most bizarre bars of the Portuguese capital. Hundreds of collections of all kinds fill the cupboards and walls of each room: toy soldiers, aircraft posters, jugs ... There's not a space of wall in sight.

To enter you must ring the bell. They will let you even if you do not know the password (provided it is not full), but prepare your wallet because it is characterized by not being one of the cheapest bars in Lisbon.

Monday 7 April 2014

FEIRA DA LADRA - LISBON'S FLEA MARKET

Feira da Ladra, el Rastro lisboeta
Lisbon's flea market is called locally the Feira da Ladra, often thought to mean "Thieve's Market" (in Portuguese "ladra" is a woman thief) but it actually derives from "ladro," a bug found in antiques.

Existing for over 100 years, the fair displays its treasures every Tuesday and Saturday of each month, in the shadow of the Pantheon of Santa Engracia in Campo de Santa Clara.

Hand-made artisan goods, CD's, books, clothes, stamps, coins, military objects, antiques and furniture is all on display here, so the occasional bargain is still possible although many of the stores now seem to cater exclusively to the tourist.