The Miradouro de Santa Luzia (Saint Lucia’s Viewpoint) in Lisbon’s Alfama district is possibly one of the best places to be in the city on a sunny day, particularly a hot one. Enjoy the view as breezes come over the Tagus River and rush up to this vantage point. Shady trellises and bougainvillea shaped into tree forms provide protection from intense sunlight.
The red-tiled roofs of the old downtown area below, the blue river meeting the Atlantic Ocean and visiting cruise ships provide a picturesque setting. Stop at the café to enjoy a leisurely drink or a snack. Performing street musicians and artists selling their work often frequent this area. As you gaze down, identify historical places such as the large white church of Santo Estêvão (Saint Stephen), the dome of the National Pantheon and the onion-shaped spires of São Miguel (Saint Michael) church.
Walk to the nearby Church of Santa Luzia to view the outside pictorial tiles. These blue images depict the city’s Praça do Comerçio (Commerce Square) before the 1755 earthquake, while another group of tiles shows crusaders storming the Castelo de São Jorge (Saint George Castle) in 1147. Such tiles, known as azulejos, are ubiquitous throughout the country. They date back to the Moorish period but became assimilated into Portuguese culture.
Trek farther up the hill to see the commandeering 11th-century Moorish castle, Castelo de São Jorge. It would later have a palace built within its walls for Portuguese royalty. The earthquake heavily damaged the castle, but restoration efforts in the 1930s repaired its crumbling walls. Inside the walls are sections of well-maintained garden. The palace is now a museum. Visit the camera obscura for 360-degree views of the city.
Return to the miradouro to dip your feet into a wading pool on the lower terrace. Although not as open as the higher terrace, the views here are still magnificent. The Miradouro de Santa Luzia is a great family spot to relax together. If you can be here for a sunset you won’t be disappointed.
