Hello ladies and gents!
As promised, I am back with Part II. For those who missed my
earlier post and who want to catch up and have a few precious minutes to spare,
please check out Part I first.
Now, if you thought that was a treat, wait until you finish
reading this final part. Anyone who has been to Lisbon or lives in Lisbon can
tell you that there is no other city like it. So, without further ado, let’s
continue to stroll around the city during the Christmas holidays. I like to
think that I made the most of it.
I love the look of the gorgeous Christmas Market at the Praça do
Rossio, which is in the middle of the city! It’s the perfect place to buy
pretty Christmas gifts and sweets.
Some of the stalls at Rossio Christmas Market. We wandered around
admiring the craft and food stalls.
We saw tuk-tuks (3 wheeled taxis) good for sight-seeing everywhere,
very elaborate male statues… What a life!
Downtown Lisbon was completely rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake
which had destroyed most of it. Since then, each street is named after
different trades (shoemakers, saddlers, goldsmiths, silversmiths...).
Some of the streets are pedestrianized and connect a number of
iconic squares, from Rossio and its cafés to the waterfront Praça do Comércio,
overlooked by a triumphal arch, to the attractive Praça do Município.
Beautiful arcades at the Praça do Comércio, a square which is said
to be the largest in Europe!
Praça do Município
We saw boats coming and going at Cais de Sodré... The
Sodré Wharf is a terminal for the ferries that link Lisbon to Cacilhas and
Almada across the river. The Sanctuary of Christ the King is situated in
Almada.
We saw a procession of the famous tramways
Igreja São Antonio de Padua is the most popular and most
visited little church in Lisbon.
Mouraria, I loved getting lost in the narrow alleys and
corners of this quaint medieval district. The traditional houses scattered on
the hills was stunning…Here time seems to have stood still.
Praça da Figueira indoor market, delightful!
Lots of tourists walk around in Lisbon’s
Chiado area and the elegant shopping street, Rua Garett. The bronze sculpture
Portugal’s famous writer Fernando Pessoa is extremely popular. He is mobbed by
lots of tourists, all day long!
The impressive Rossio Train Station seen from the side. From here
you have a lovely view over São Jorge Castle which stands on top of the hill.
Et voilà, job done. I really hope you enjoyed this tour. Have a good
weekend ahead!