Lisbon (Lisboa)

Maximus Nostramabus
Nov 28
6 min read

Updated: 3 hours ago

City sitting on seven hills, mixed with rich maritime history and contemporary culture - Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon 263; Fado, urban popular song in Portugal 00563

Rua Augusta Arch - main entrance gateway of the city

Another relocation, this time to Southampton, another hiatus of my blog. Based on popular demand, I am on board again.

What and Why

Lisbon (Portuguese : Lisboa), sitting on seven hills, occupies a unique space in Europe’s historical imagination. It is a capital shaped by centuries of maritime adventure, imperial splendour, wars and tragedies, and cultural rebirth. This is equally a city of contrasts: where ancient fortresses overlook modern neighbourhoods alive with urban fado music, where metallic trams squeal their way up vertiginous hills, and where modern Portuguese life unfolds in conversation with its layered history. From mediaeval castles to riverside monuments, from sacred spaces to panoramic viewpoints, these landmarks reveal the narrative threads that define Lisbon’s identity.

Toponymy

While there is no conclusive theory alluding the origin, it is mostly accepted the name Lisboa originates from its Proto-Celtic name Olisippo. The name comes from the ancient name of the main river Tagus (Tejo), Lisso.

See

Again there are plenty of guidebooks about Lisbon and we are not to plagiarise any of them. We shall just list those of historic and cultural significance which we have visited, most of them are in the main districts of Alfama, Bairro Alto and Belém.

Saint George's Castle (Castelo de São Jorge)

Saint George's Castle sitting atop a hill

Perched atop the highest hill in Lisbon, Saint George's Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) commands one of the most extraordinary views of the city. Its origin dates back to at least the 1st century BCE, when settlers from the Roman Empire (Latin: Imperium Romanum) fortified the hill. Similar to other fortresses and important sentinels, the spot changed hands multiple times over history; it was later taken over by the Visigoths (Latin: Visigothi), followed by the Moors, whose 11th-century CE castle design forms the basis of what survives today.

Historically, the castle served as a strategic defensive structure. In 1147 CE, the castle was captured by Dom Afonso I (né Afonso de Borgonha), the first king of Portugal, during the Siege of Lisbon (Cerco de Lisboa), leading to the city’s transition into the newly emerging Kingdom of Portugal (Reino de Portugal).

The fortress was named and dedicated to Saint George (Greek : Γεώργιος , Geṓrgios) by King John I (João I, né João de Aviz), who had married the English princess Philippa of Lancaster. Saint George was normally portrayed as a dragon-slayer and was very popular in both countries during the time.

Culturally, the site symbolises resilience and national identity, especially considering its relevance towards the establishment of Portugal as an empire. Its towers, battlements, and excavated archaeological sites allow visitors to trace Lisbon’s mediaeval development, while the expansive views over the Tagus River help explain why it became a maritime powerhouse.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

A short walk downhill from the castle brings you to Miradouro de Santa Luzia, one of Lisbon’s most beloved belvedere. Visually, it is striking: vine-covered pergolas, gardens filled with bougainvillea, and azulejo tile panels illustrating snapshots of Lisbon’s illustrious histories.

These iconic bluish azulejo tilework here is significant. One of the panels depicts the Siege of Lisbon, connecting the belvedere symbolically with the nearby castle. Another shows views of the pre-1755 CE earthquake cityscape, reminding visitors of the devastating event that reshaped Lisbon’s architectural and cultural trajectory.

More than a scenic lookout, Santa Luzia reflects Lisbon’s aesthetic identity: a blending of the nature, Moorish influence, Christian culture, and artistic feel. The lookout is extremely popular and crowded during sunrise and dusk.

Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)

Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa), officially the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major (Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa, is the city’s oldest and most important church. Constructed soon after the 1147 CE reconquest, it was deliberately built atop the ruins of a former mosque, to symbolise the nation transitioning from Islamic to Christian rule.

Architecturally, the cathedral is highly syncretic. Its Romanesque façade evokes fortress-like solidity and sternness, while Gothic (German: Gotik) chapels and cloisters reveal periods of expansion. The cathedral suffered immense damages during the 1755 CE earthquake, and as a result this prompted Baroque and neoclassical renovations, suiting styles during the era. In a sense the cathedral visually represents Portugal’s shifting history through its stylistic changes across almost a millennium. Today the cathedral remains a functioning place of worship and a cultural landmark with symbolic depth.

Tower of Belém (Torre de Belém)

Tower of Belém under renovation during our visit

Standing at the river’s edge in Belém, the Tower of Belém (Torre de Belém) is one of Portugal’s most iconic monuments. Officially the tower is named Tower of Saint Vincent (Portuguese:Torre de São Vicente), to venerate Saint Vincent (Vicente), the ceremonial tower was completed in 1519 CE during the reign of Manuel I (né Manuel De Aviz). The tower served as a fortress and ceremonial gateway as the embarkation and disembarkation point, marking Lisbon as the capital of a seafaring empire. Belém is the Portuguese word for Bethlehem (Arabic: بَيْت لَحَم, Bayt Laḥm).

Its architectural style is Manueline (manuelino), a Portuguese expression of late Gothic ornamentation characterised by maritime motifs, and symbols of royal power. The architecture also incorporates Moorish architecture, especially the minaret and cupolas. This style emerged during the Age of Discoveries, when Portugal’s global influence was at its height.

Culturally, the tower embodies Portugal’s connexion to exploration. Ships departed from the nearby harbour to Africa, Asia, and the Americas, bringing back wealth, spices, and cultural influences. In modern Portugal, Belém Tower stands as a reminder of both national pride and the complex legacies of empire.

Unfortunately during our visit, the entire tower is undergoing renovation and entry is prohibited, as picture above. The tower is inscribed as a UNESCO WHS in 2007 CE.

Monument of Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)

A short walk from the tower, the Monument of Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) was erected in the mid-20th century CE to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Henry (Henrique, né Henrique de Aviz) death. Its striking design resembles a ship’s prow facing the Tagus, with sculptures of celebrated Portuguese explorers, cartographers, missionaries, and monarchs arranged along the sides.

The monument celebrates the figures who shaped Portugal’s maritime expansion, but it also invites reflection on the broader consequences of exploration. Today’s visitors engage with the monument in a more nuanced way, acknowledging both its inspirational and its problematic aspects.