Architecture of Lisbon: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

When you start this self-guided audio tour, you should be standing on the Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantra, with a view of Lisbon in full display stretching out in front of you, including the vibrant pastel colours of its buildings. You'll be listening to the voice of Context Travel expert, Bert De Muynck. Bert is a resident in Lisbon who will guide you along some of Lisbon’s most famous architectural structures all located in the city’s historical districts of the Chiado and Baixa areas.

You will stop along the way during this audio-guided tour at Praça Luís de Camões. This bustling square acts as a vital point of connection between the various and distinct surrounding neighborhoods, such as the historic Chiado, Bairro Alto, Bica and Santa Catarina districts. At the center of this square stands the statue of the renowned 16th century Portuguese poet Luís de Camões, whose words are to Portugal what Shakespeare's are to the English. Listen to your guide, Bert explain more about Camões' epic poem, "The Lusiads". Praça Luís de Camões is not just a space; it's a living tribute to the enduring literary and historical legacy of Portugal, featuring the vibrant pattern of cobblestone with motifs of mermaids and ships.

During this audio-guided tour, you'll stop in this open square, listening to your audio guide, Bert tell you about the Carmo Convent. You'll see this on the right of the square as you enter. Originally built in 1423, you'll listen to Bert talk about the splendour of the Gothic architecture – its elegant facade, intricate architectural details and soaring arches, once symbols of Lisbon's grandeur. Hear about the earthquake of 1755, the Carnation Revolution of 1974, and more on the historical significance of the picturesque ruins you'll see here.

You'll stop in the center of Rossio Square, officially known as Praça Dom Pedro IV, whose monument is right in front of us. Pedro IV reigned as king of Portugal for only two months in 1826. Bert, your audio guide will tell you about this iconic Lisbon square, that pulsates with life and history. It is known as the rolling motion square, because of the undulating mosaic pattern of its pavement. The cobblestone pattern that graces Rossio Square is a mesmerizing mosaic of Portuguese artistry. Learn more about the"calçada portuguesa," the country's rich tradition of handcrafted paving. At Rissio Square, the distinctive wavy pattern, meticulously composed of small limestone and basalt stones, creates a visual tapestry that dances under the Lisbon sun.

You'll stop at Praça da Figueira during this self-guided tour. Your audio guide, Bert will tell you about the bronze equestrian statue representing King John I. You'll hear more about the historical monument and the history of this marketplace.

During this self-guided audio tour, you'll stop at this popular tourist destination - one of the largest squares in Portugal, with an area of about 30,600 m2 (329,000 ft2). You'll hear more about site of the Royal Palace here. Relax and enjoy the scenery while listening to your audio guide, Bert explains more about the features of the Praça do Comércio, its access to the Tejo River, and the stunning views towards the South and West. As you go towards the water, you'll see the Cais das Colunas, a historical pier located in Lisbon's Praça do Comércio. It once served as the royal gateway to Praça do Comércio and the royal palace. Its marble steps were the noble entrance to the city, and today, it remains a favorite spot for people to relax.

At the end of this self-guided tour, you arrive at one of the city's most eccentric and intriguing landmarks—Casa dos Bicos. Observe the architecture of the building and hear about the history of the building. Casa dos Bicos, or the house with the pointy facade, was built by Afonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese viceroy of India, and was one of the few buildings that survived the 1755 earthquake. The house has a curious facade of spikes, influenced by Italian Renaissance palaces and Portuguese Manueline styles. The diamond-shaped stone protrusions give it an unmistakable appearance, making it one of the most recognizable buildings in downtown Lisbon.