Archive for the 'Rossio' Category

The Palace of Independence & the conspiracy against the Spanish occupation in 1640

The Palácio da Independência (Palace of Independece), located in Lisbon close to the Rossio Square (just near national theatre D. Maria II ), on the north side of the Largo de São Domingos , is known by two names.

It was given its original name of Palácio de Almada in honor of its former owner, the Count of [...]

The strange history of National Theatre Doña Maria II, Lisbon

Teatro Nacional Doña Maria II has a strange history, like a lot of historical buildings in Lisbon. It was built on the ruins of one of the city’s finest buildings, the Palácio dos Estaus, which had burned down and which had housed the court of the Holy Inquisition. The liberal revolution and the end of the [...]

Charming Rua dos Sapateiros in Lisbon: traditional cafes, cheap restaurants, Art Nouveau & peep shows

In the 19th century, Baixa was Lisbon’s commercial heart, with streets named according to their trades. Rua dos Sapateiros means ‘the shoemakers’ street.

The entrance to the Rua dos Sapateiros is spanned by the decorative arch Arco do Bandeiro. This bears the name of the wealthy sponsor Pires Bandeiro who commissioned it at the end of [...]

Largo Duque de Cadaval near Rossio Station, full of sunny open-air cafes & Finzi Contini, true Italian ice cream

Right on the leftside of the Rossio Station, close to the Restauradores square, you find Largo Duque de Cadaval. It is a bit hidden behind the recently-renovated Rossio train station, and full of sunny open-air cafes.

This place is a good idea for a break or a romantic moment, a chat with some friends or while [...]

A restaurant in a Moorish Palace: Casa do Alentejo, hidden jewel in Lisbon’s city center

A few minutes walk from Rossio Square, a little bit hidden behind a small door in Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, there’s Casa do Alentejo: suddenly you step in an amazing Moorish palace, with an impressive courtyard!

Casa do Alentejo was created 85 years ago, as a purpose to be a meeting place for people [...]

Lisbon Rossio Square: Pastelaria Suíça, shoeshine boys, street traders, lottery ticket sellers & begging hands

The beautiful and very popular tourist attraction Rossio Square, the popular name of the Pedro IV Square (Praça de D. Pedro IV), is located in the Pombaline Downtown of Lisbon and has been one of its main squares since the Middle Ages. It has been the setting of popular revolts and celebrations, bullfights and executions. [...]

From beautiful Rossio train- and metro Station (Estação do Rossio) in Lisbon to Sintra

Rossio train- and metro station (Estação do Rossio) is located between Rossio and Restauradores. This train station is incredibly unique, formerly known as Central Station (Estação Central) and that designation still appears in its façade. The station has beautiful neo-manueline architecture designed by architect José Luís Monteiro, completed in 1887.

The Neo-Manueline façade dominates the northwest [...]

Lisbon shopping: The story of Chapelaria Azevedo Rua, Lisbons’ unique hat makers shop & Fernando Pessoa

Chapelaria Azevedo Rua is a traditional hat shop (opened in 1886) on Rossio, one of Lisbons’ famous squares, creating tailor-made hats (chapéus) on request.

Portuguese people are fond of hats! Rossio January 2009.

Typical Portuguese hats, bridal hats, Panama- and Cylinder hats. In this well-known hatter’s you can find handmade hats for all occasions and top-hats, bowler hats, high-hats and [...]

Lisbon & autumn: the unmistakeable smell of roasted chestnuts (castanhas) ‘quente e boas!’ (’get’em hot!)

The unmistakeable smell of roasted chestnuts (castanhas assadas) is announcing autumn’ s arrival in Portugal. ‘Quentes e boas’! ‘(Get’ em hot!). This cry goes out on the Lisbon streets.

‘Hot and good, a dozen for € 2“. Much to the chagrin of many, the traditional paper cone made out of the Yellow Papers has been replaced by soulless [...]

Walking around: Rua Barros Queiróz near Rossio Square, a real Portuguese atmosphere

Close to the famous Rossio Square, just off Largo de São Domingos, you will notice a lively street called Rua Barros Queiróz, where the locals as well as the tourists meet.

Largo de São Domingos: ‘Lisbon, City of Tolerance’. What you’ll find here is a real Portuguese atmosphere: a variety of little shops, a typical Portuguese [...]