Tag: river view

Posted on

Kiosk cafe ‘Clara Clara’ Lisbon: Tagus river view garden & children playground

The ‘Clara Clara’ Cafe in Alfama Lisbon is a kiosk in the garden-terrace of  (Santa Clara), overlooking the Tagus (Tejo) River and the National Pantheon (Church of Santa Engracia).

‘Clara Clara’ kiosk cafe in the heart of fleamarket Feira da Ladra, Lisbon

Lovely & quiet garden

Summer, 2015. This small and quiet garden is a nice place to sit down and relax after browsing the legendary fleamarket Feira da Ladra, Lisbon or after visiting the nearby National Pantheon , in which important Portuguese personalities are buried.

April 29, 2021: cafe ‘Clara Clara’ terrace Lisbon

This lovely small garden was built in 1862. It provides a panoramic view of the Tagus River. Clara Clara Cafe presents complementary activities such as music or entertainment for kids . A little further down, there is a playground.

Kiosk cafe ‘Clara Clara’ Lisbon & Tagus river view december 2021

The cafe offers coffee, (bica), tea (chá) and Portuguese wines such as Vinho Verde (green wine), beer (imperial) and lemonade, fresh fruit shakes or a sandwich.

Cafe Clara Clara & a part of the garden overlooking the river Tagus

An inviting terrace in summertime: the kiosk cafe offers food and drinks – fresh seasonal products – with a careful selection of cheeses and wines, at tables under the trees in summertime.

Clara Clara cafe in June, the kiosk is decorated with garlands (Feast Days of the Popular Saints)

This beautiful garden was named after Pedro Amaral Boto Machado, a Portuguese Republican politician and governor (from May 1913 till May 1915) of the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, discovered and claimed by Portugal in the 1470s. Independence was granted on July 1975.

Clara Clara Cafe is open daily from 10:00 AM to midnight. Easy to reach by old tram 28.

Clara Clara Cafe in wintertime (december)

In winter season the cafe offers heaters and blankets. Tea, hot chocolate or a Vinho Quente (hot red mulled wine) . The scones and hot croissants already have enough fans, as well as the chocolate muffins.

In Lisbon you can still find a lot of nostalgic Moorish kiosks cafes

The garden is surrounded by the flea market every Tuesday and Saturday

Fleamarket Feira da Ladra, Lisbon (every Tuesday and Saturday from dusk till dawn),

Cafe ‘Clara Clara’

facebook

Posted on

Breathtaking views Lisbon: restaurant Atira-te ao Rio, 10-min ferry trip & boat taxi

If you visit Lisbon, a 10-minutes ferry trip to the other side of the Tagus river is really worth it! Restaurant Atira-te ao Rio is one of my favorites, a small paradise! 🙂

Restaurant Atira-te ao Rio, Cais do Ginjal Lisbon & delicious (fish) lunch with Margarethe de Vrieze and Marjolein Petersen (& dog Nelson) May 2022

Right next to the elevator to the Cristo Rei Statue, restaurant Atira-te ao Rio (litt. ‘throw yourself into the river’) is a space blessed by fabulous views over old town Lisbon.

Restaurant Atira-te ao Rio, Cais do Ginjal Lisbon & friend Josephine Lucassen (official tourist guide), March 12, 2020

The menu is typically Portuguese: dishes with good presentation and tasty. We ordered one of my favorite dishes, salada com polvo  (octopus salad), and shrimps. Bill for 2 persons around 50 euro

Restaurant Atira-te ao Rio, Cais do Ginjal Lisbon & view 25 April bridge

Wintertime

These pictures are made in September on a beautiful sunny day, but in wintertime there’s also the possibility to enjoy the views of old town Lisbon inside the restaurant.

Restaurant Atira-te ao Rio, Cais do Ginjal Lisbon, September 2017

In wintertime the large windows allow the view to be equally (almost as) good as outside. The restaurant features an indoor room with a burning stove and a terrace with heaters and  blankets.

Cous cous & cool white wine Restaurant Atira-te ao Rio,  Lisbon

 YouTube Cais do Ginjal Lisbon

Although on Facebook  there are some negative posts about this restaurant, my experience so far is very good !

View from restaurant Atira-te ao Rio, old town Lisbon

After passing some abandoned and ruinous very old warehouses (lots of lovely graffiti ), there’s restaurant Atira-te ao Rio. ca. 10 minutes walk from the ferry,

How to get there? 

Wonderful very old abandoned warehouses with a long history

Take a (cheap) ferry trip from the Cais do Sodré ferry terminal to Cacilhas,  (timetable vice verca) and after a 10 minutes walk along abadonded warehouses near the river Tagus there’s restaurant Atira-te ao Rio.

Cais do Sodré ferry terminal to Cacilhas,  (timetable vice verca)

Restaurant Atira-te ao Rio
Cais do Ginjal, 69/70, Almada Centro, Lisbon
Facebook
OPEN: every day from 12:30 – 23:00
 –
–
Picture: Svetlana Borodina
.
New: 2018 taxi boat service.
.

Picture: restaurant Atira-te Ao Rio

Taxi boat service, from any deck in Lisbon.
CLOSED? Nearby restaurant Ponto Final.  More…..
–
Posted on

Breathtaking views Lisbon: Restaurant ‘Ponto Final’ & short ferry trip river Tagus

The south bank of the river Tagus is my favorite place in Lisbon: views on downtown Lisbon and the 25 April Bridge are amazing!

Riverfront terrace restaurant ‘Ponto Final’, Cacilhas, amazing view downtown Lisbon. September 2017

Take the ferry from Lisbons’ Cais do Sodré (every 10 minutes, weekend every 20 min.) to the other side of the river Tagus: Cacilhas,  a 10 min trip. (Return ticket : cheap)

Time table ferry from Lisbon Cais do Sodre to area Cacihas and vice versa

As you get off the ferry,  it takes about 15 minutes to walk along the river to Restaurant ‘Ponto Final’, after passing lots of ruinous warehouses.

Abandoned and ruinous warehouses, Cacilhas (Almada), Lisbon

Picture: Svetlana Borodina

Cacilhas used to be a bustling area for a long long time when shipping and fishing were still major economic activities in Portugal.

Abandoned and ruinous warehouses, Cacilhas (Almada), Lisbon

Picture: Edith Bering, February 16, 2022

Reasonable prices

You will love the typical Portuguese menu. Fish, meat and great Portuguese wines.

Restaurant Ponto Final Lisbon, September 2019

Great location

€25/30 a person incl. wine. Quite reasonable prices if you consider the view! If you’re not in the mood for food, just relax, order a coffee or a glass of wine (bottle from € 7.50) and enjoy the scenery.

Restaurant ‘Ponto Final’ & lunch with friends Svetlana and Sergy Borodin from Prague

We enjoyed olives, ripened cheese from Alentejo, cod salad with chick-pea, octopus salad, dogfish soup, a delicious bottle of restaurant Ponto Final’s housewine, sweet rice and a custard dessert.

Bill for 3 persons  € 58.50.

Lisbon Ponto Final Restaurant Sophie en Jurre 2015 2

Restaurant ‘Ponto Final’ Lisbon May 2015: Sophie Lever and Jurre Schöttelndreier

Very good Portuguese cuisine. Especialidade da Casa (specialty of the house): arroz de Tamboril (rice with monkfish), Entrecosto Assado no Forno (roasted ribs) and Peixe Fresco Grelhado (grilled fresh fish). The wine list has a quality assortment of Portuguese wines.

Great lunch in Restaurant Ponto Final, Lisbon together with Edith Bering and Anita van Zadelhoff, February 16, 2022

Romantic location

Restaurant ‘Ponto Final’ is a perfect location for a great dinner overlooking Lisbon by night. Make sure that you book a table outside in advance.

Restaurant ‘Atira-te ao Rio’, splendid view old town Lisbon

In caserestaurant ‘Ponto Final’ is closed, the neighbor restaurant ‘Atira-te ao Rio’, Portuguese and international cuisine, is also a great place to enjoy your lunch or dinner!  🙂

Cacilhas Lisbon view Restaurant Atira-te-ao-rio’ and Cristo Rei statue

Cacilhas and the famous Cristo Rei statue

The elevator to reach the Cristo Rei statue (free) is situated quite close to restaurant Ponto Final .

Svetlana & Sergy from Prague

Stunning views! Close to the elevator.

Several possibilites how to travel to the Cristo Rei Monument

Ferry-Lisbon Cacilhas

Ferry from Cais do Sodre , Lisbon to Cacilhas, the other side of the river Tagus

Time table ferry from Lisbon Cais do Sodre to area Cacilhas and vice versa

During winter season in Lisbon this place is also worth a visit 🙂 !  But it can be rather cold and very windy!

Wintertime Sunset video.

Cristo Rei Statue, Cacilhas, Lisbon

The 82m (270ft) high pedestal (by elevator). This enormous monument is built in 1959 in thanks to God for having spared Portugal during World War II, inspired by the famous statue in Rio de Janeiro. ‘God opens his arms to the city’.

Restaurant Ponto Final February 16, 2022 : Anita van Zadelhoff, lovely dog Nelson 😉 and Edith Bering

You can go back to the Cacilhas ferry terminal by bus # 101.

Lunch July 3, 2021, friend Margriet de Vrieze & delicious pataniscos de bacalhau (salt codfish cakes, recipe in English) 🙂

Restaurant Ponto Final, Cacilhas Cais Ginjal 72, Cacilhas / Almada,

Phone: (00351)  936 869 031 (WhatsApp also). Mail:  pontofinalrest@gmail.com.       Facebook

Posted on

Noobai rooftop bar restaurant Lisbon, nightlife & amazing Tagus river views

What a view! One of the favorite places of many Lisbon locals and visitors.  Cafe Noobai is located on Miradouro (viewpoint) de Santa Catarina, also known as Adamastor.

Renewed Cafe Noobai, overlooking the Tagus River, March 2018

Relaxed ambiance & nice people

Cafe /restaurant Noobai is certainly worth a visit because of the wonderful view over the Tagus (Tejo) river side, the relaxed ambience and the nice people. One of my favorite places!

Cafe Noobai, 2015

Noobai Rooftop Bar Restaurant is located at the trendy Santa Catarina Belvedere , Lisbon

Cafe Noobai, 2010

Situated on a Lisbon hilltop Noobai has a panoramic view over the old town houses, the modern buildings, the Tagus river, the harbor, the “25 de Abril” bridge and the amazing sunset .

Rooftop Cafe Restaurant Noobai Lisbon:  delicious tuna: € 7, march 2018

Salades, sandwiches and soups, special teas and fresh juices. And of course caipirinha’s 🙂

Noobai cafe bar Adamastor

Noobai, 2010

In wintertime there’ re fleece blankets available on the terrace. There’s also an indoor room 

dede-noobai

Noobai ,  2005

‘We go’

The name Noobai comes from ‘Nu bai’ which means ‘we go’ in the creole dialect from Cabo Verde, a former colony of Portugal.

dj-noobai

Sometimes on Sundays there are DJ’s playing relaxed tunes

Nightlife

Noobai is good fur a lunch or to get things started before moving on to nearby bars in Bica or Bairro Alto

Lisbon Noobai hotspot Adamastor great Tagus River views

Cafe Noobai, area Santa Catarina Lisbon

 Sunset Video 

Near Adamastor Lisbon & view Tagus river March 2018

Monday – Sunday 10 AM > 12 AM

Website 

Location: ‘Noobai, Miradouro de Santa Catarina (Adamastor) Lisboa‘ 

Café Noobai, Lisbon. April 16, 2016

A lovely place in Lisbon 🙂 Cecile Joyce and Cristine van Haalen

Cafe Noobai Lisbon in February, near Adamastor, popular gathering place

Posted on

Kiosk Adamastor Lisbon Santa Catarina: popular river gathering place & history

Adamastor Lisbon Viewpoint Tagus River december 2010

‘Adamastor’, a popular viewpoint (miradouro) and gathering place in Lisbon which is officially called  Miradouro de Santa Catarina.

Update: Adamastor reopened in October 2019.  It will be open from 08h00 until 23h00. More….: Atlas Lisboa

Lisbon Miradouro de Santa Catarina Adamastor dec 08

‘Adamastor’ , a popular viewpoint (miradouro)

From this vista point you have the most breathtaking views on the Tagus river, the 25th of April Bridge and the Cristo Rei monument.

Lisbon Adamastor Santa Catarina Beautful Boys

Beautiful boys 🙂

There is a small terrace with a bar serving drinks and toasted sandwiches.

The name Adamastor is chosen because of the large stone statue of the mythical figure ‘Adamastor’ which presides over the space.

Adamastor-santa-catarina2

Adamastor is a Greek-type mythological character invented by the Portuguese poet Luís de Camões in his epic poem Os Lusíadas (first printed in 1572), as a symbol of the forces of nature Portuguese navigators had to overcome during their discoveries.  More…

Lisbon Adamastor gathering place Tagus River5

Adamastor Lisbon: a sunny Sunday in February

Just below of the small Adamastor square, you will find the fantastic terraces of bar ‘noobai‘. Definitely worth a visit!

Le Marais bar Lisbon near Santa Catarina Tagus river viewpoint

Beautiful!

Posted on

Lisbon’s Tagus river terrace Portas do Sol, exceptional location & viewpoint Santa Luzia

Terrace ‘Portas do Sol’ (Gates to the Sun) is located in Lisbon’s historical center, close to the famous viewpoint (miradouro) with the same name, at Largo das Portas do Sol.  A coffee , cocktail bar and restaurant, and an exceptional location.

Portas do Sol terrace Lisbon Tagus view 5 lounge sofas

The lounge area of Portas do Sol, September 2010

Amazing views overlooking the Alfama rooftops and the river Tagus! After visiting the nearby  São Jorge Castle (the Castle of St. Jorge),  this is a place where you can sit down, chill out and enjoy the beauty of Lisbon.

Portas do Sol terrace Lisbon 2

Entrance Porta do Sol cafe, bar/cafe and restaurant, 1000 m2 terrace

This cafe/bar and restaurant is very easy to reach. It has direct access on the tram 28 which is the more touristic of the Lisbon trams.

Portas do Sol terrace Lisbon Alfama Tagus view 4 lounge sofas

The lounge area of Portas do Sol Lisbon

Portas do Sol is  a lovely spot to sit down and relax with sofas and soft lounge-music, a place during the day where you can hang out and have coffee and snacks.

The lounge area of Portas do Sol Lisbon, in love! 🙂

They serve wines, cocktails, champagne and menu’s.

Live music with a DJ on Fridays and Saturdays. Beautiful bar with crystal chandlers and chairs in art deco and romantic style (250m2).

Portas do Sol terrace Lisbon 1

Open daily from 10am to 12pm. Fridays, Saturdays and nights before a public holiday until 2am.

Website Portas do Sol.  Address: Largo das Portas do Sol, Beco de Santa Helena, Lisbon

Portas do Sol terrace Alfama Lisbon 4 view

Portas do Sol ‘s  terrace/lounge area

Seen from the nearby famous viewpoint with the same name, a very popular place for locals and a famous tourist attraction. One of the most beautiful places in Lisbon!

Lisbon viewpoint Portas do Sol by night

Viewpoint (Miradouro) Portas do Sol Alfama Lisbon, by night

The Belvedere Portas do Sol is a balcony space that all people of Lisbon are proud to have at their disposal. Magnificent view of Lisbon and the typical Alfama district that spans several narrow, winding streets to the river Tagus.

Portas so SOl viewpoint miradouro Alfama Lisbon cruise ship

View from the nearby small terrace

Located in between several highlights of Lisbon (like the viewpoint of Santa Luzia) , the Portas do Sol miradouro is the terrace that every person living in Lisabon would like to have at home…..

Portas so SOl viewpoint miradouro Alfama Lisbon statue Saint Vincent

Statue of São (Saint) Vincent, Portas do Sol

There is also a statue of Saint Vincent holding a boat with two ravens, the symbols of Lisbon. Saint Vincent of Saragossa, better known locally as Saint Vincent of Fora, is the patron saint of Lisbon.

Largo das Portas dol Sol Lisbon Museum of decorative arts

Largo das Porta do Sol, and the former city palace, Museum of Decorative Arts

In this wonderful 17th C. former city palace, currently houses the Museum of Decorative Arts. Anyone interested in decorative arts in general and the Portuguese Empire in particular will find this collection fascinating. Beautiful azulejos (tiles)!

Largo do Portas do Sol Lisbon tram 28

The popular tram 28 (video) stops near the Museum and the viewpoints

If you like to have a good impression of the historical city of Lisbon, a very good idea is taking this typical little trolley, ‘eléctrico 28′. This legendary tram 28 is a tourist attraction in itself. It goes all around town. Of course you can hop on and hop off.

Miradouro Santa Luzia Alfama ancient tiles and viewpoint

The nearby viewpoint Miradouro of Santa Luzia

Various small gardens along the edge of the walkway are filled with beautiful local flowers during the spring and summer months.

Lisbon Miradouro Santa Luzia by night view roofs Alfama and river Tejo

Viewpoint Miradouro de Santa Luzia by night

This is a very popular look-out point from the Alfama area of Lisbon, next to the Santa Luzia Church.

Lisbon viewpoint Santa Luzia tiles2

Viewpoint (miradouro) Santa Luzia – church

On the wall of the church are two beautiful tile panels (azulejos): one of Lisbon’s majestic Square Praça do Comércio before the earthquake in 1775, and another one showing the Christians attacking (the nearby) Castelo de São Jorge (Saint George’s Castle) in 1147.

Miradouro Santa Luzia Lisbon Alfama azulejos

Miradouro Santa Luzia

Azulejos (tiles) have become a typical aspect of Portuguese culture. This place is a wonderful tile treasure!

Lisbon Restaurant Miradouro Sta Luzia Alfama

Restaurant ‘Miradouro Sta Luzia’ near the viewpoint, a very popular tourist place.

 

Posted on

Breathtaking views Lisbon: ferry to Cacilhas, restaurant Farol & elevator Cristo Rei statue

A few days in Lisbon? Take the ferry from Lisbons’ Cais do Sodré (every 10 minutes) to Cacilhas , a part of Almada, Lisbon, at the other side of the river Tagus. (Returnticket: cheap)

Ferry Lisbon Tagus River Martijn Kramers

Cais do Sodré, Lisbon, ferry to Cacilhas (near the railway station). Picture: Martijn Kramers

Cacilhas is a picturesque neighborhood of Lisbon in the banks of the river best known by its Cervejarias (traditional beer houses) also offering shellfish, seafood, and fresh fish.

Lisbon restaurants O Farol Cacilhas

Cervejaria/restaurant Farol Lisbon

Ferry timetable from Lisbon to Cacilhas

Restaurant/Cervejaria “Farol” (lighthouse) is just by the ferry-terminal, the food is finger licking good! We enjoyed a fresh dourada (sea bream). A Cervejaria is a ‘beerhouse’, where beer is produced (or used to be produced) and where you can eat as well. There are many cervejaria’s around and in Lisbon and the quality of the food is normally very good.

Lisbon restaurants ‘O Farol’ seafood Dourada

Restaurant/Cervejaria “Farol”: delicious sea bream (dourada) Lisbon

Website restaurant ‘Farol’ Delicious food! Not very expensive  🙂 🙂  YouTube

From restaurant ‘Farol’ you can walk along the river to the elevator to reach the famous Cristo Rei statue and enjoy the wonderful view on downtown Lisbon.

Lisbon Cacilhas Amada ruined warehouses

Abandoned and ruinous old warehouses in Cacilhas, Lisbon on the other side of the river Tagus

Elevator to Cristo Rei Statue

After passing some abandoned and ruinous very old warehouses (wonderful old buildings!) and 2 restaurants: ‘Atire-te-ao-rio’, which means ‘throw yourself into the river’, and restaurant Ponto Final, you can go by elevator to reach the Cristo Rei statue.

Restaurant ‘Atira-te-ao-rio’, 10 minutes walk from the ferry, September 2017

Brasilian restaurant and a perfect romantic location for a great dinner overlooking Lisbon by night.

Lisbon Restaurant Ponto Final view bridge

Restaurant ‘Ponto Final’,  Lisbon

Very good Portuguese cuisine, beautiful views!

Lisbon restaurant Ponto Final, Hans Arjen

Restaurant ‘Ponto Final’, Lisbon

Amazing view, especially while the sun is fading….(romantic!)

Lisbon elevator to Cristo Rei statue

Close: elevator to reach the Cristo Rei Statue.

Lisbon Cristo Rei statue

Cristo Rei Statue Lisbon

A sweeping view of the city and Ponte 25 de Abril (25th of April Bridge) from the top of the 82m (270ft) high pedestal (by elevator). This enormous monument is built in 1959 in thanks to God for having spared Portugal during World War II, inspired by the famous statue in Rio de Janeiro. ‘God opens his arms to the city’. View from Cristo Rei Movie

You can go back to the Cacilhas ferry terminal by bus # 101.

Cristo Rei view Tagus river

Ferry timetable from Lisbon to Cacilhas

Posted on

History Castle of Saint George Lisbon, knight Martim Moniz & breathtaking views

For the most breathtaking views of the Tagus and Lisbon, walk the esplanades and climb the ramparts of the old Castelo de São Jorge (Castle of Saint George), located on the highest of the seven hills of the historic centre of the city. It is one of the main historical and tourist sites.

Lisbon-castle-entrance

Castle of Saint George

Singer inside the walls of the Castle (video)

Castelo do Sao Jorge entrance

Entrance Castle of Saint George Lisbon

Although the first fortifications on the Lisbon hilltop are known to date only from the 2nd century BC, archaeological research has shown that human occupation exists there at least since the 6th century BC, originally from autochthonous Celtic and Iberian tribes (with probable Phoenician, Greek and Carthaginian influences), afterwards Roman, Suevi, Visigothic and Moorish.

Lisbon-castle-upon-the-hill

Castle of Saint George

In the context of the Christian Reconquista the castle and the city of Lisbon were retaken from the Moors by King Afonso Henriques with the help of Northern European crusaders taking part on the Second Crusade. The Siege of Lisbon, which took place in 1147, was the only success of that Crusade.

Knight Martim Moniz

According to a famous legend, the knight Martim Moniz, noting that one of the doors to the castle was opened, prevented the door from closing again with his own body, sacrificing his life but allowing the Christians to enter the castle.

Lisbon-Castle-Statue_King_Afonso_Henriques_Portugal

In the square stands a heroic statue — sword in one hand, shield in the other — of the first king, Afonso Henríques

Lisbon Castle of St George tower 1

Picture: Martijn Kramers

Many of the existing walls were erected during the centuries of Moorish domination. The Moors held power until 1147, the year Afonso Henríques chased them out and extended his kingdom south.

Even before Lisbon became the capital of the newly emerging nation, the site was used as a royal palace.

Lisbon: view from Castelo Sao Jorge

Wonderful views!

The castle overlooks the historic area Alfama, the mountains of Monsanto and Sintra, Ponte do 25 de Abril (25 April Bridge), Praça do Comércio, and the tile roofs of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.

Lisbon seen from the Castle of Jao Jorge April 25 Bridge

Castle of Saint George (Castelo de São Jorge)

Address: Rua da Costa do Castelo
Bus: 37 Tram: 12 or 28
Website: www.castelosaojorge.egeac.pt

Prices: check the website, free for children under 10

Lisbon-castle-overlookiing-the-tagus from the Castelo

Posted on

Remarkable Cemetery of ‘Pleasures’ Lisbon & resting place Portuguese celebrities

This remarkable ‘city of the deads’ is really an interesting place to visit.  Famous Portuguese personalities are buried here, mainly actors,  TV talk show hosts, singers, writers & painters

‘City of the deads’: cemetery of ‘Pleasures’ Lisbon: a funerary chapel & 4 garbage bins……??  😉

Famous fado artist Amália Rodrigues 

The mortal remains of  Amália Rodrigues, the famous fado artist,  were transferred to the National Pantheon  in Lisbon (under enormous pressure from her admirers and a change in the law requiring a minimum of four years before repatriation).

Cemetery of ‘Pleasures’ Lisbon

City of the deads: cemetery of ‘Pleasures’ ? (Cemitério dos Prazeres)

After the city of Lisbon was hit by an outbreak of cholera in 1833, causing thousands of deaths,  it was urgent to create a large cemetery for both rich and poorer victims. It has the weird name of  Cemetery of ‘Pleasures’, called after the nearby neighborhood (Prazeres) with the same name. Many of its tombs are big mausoleums, some with the size of small chapels.

Cemetery of Pleasures Cemitério dos Prazeres 2 Lisbon

Cemetery of ‘Pleasures’ Lisbon & one of the 70 ‘streets’

Tranquility & landing/take-off zone of Lisbon’s airport

Once you enter the cemetery the sound of the city fades and the tranquility overwhelms you. Beautiful trees, a strange atmosphere and joyful singing of birds. You imagine yourself walking in a previous century, only disturbed by plane noise, rather loud, every 10 minutes. The cemetery is located close to the landing/take-off zone of Lisbon’s airport.

As far as I know nobody at this cemetery seems to complain 😉 🙂

Cemetery of Pleasures Cemitério dos Prazeres 3 Lisbon

Cemetery of ‘Pleasures’ Lisbon

Most of the Prazeres mausoleums belong to rich, old or ‘important’ families, like f.i. the Palmela family. Many of the mausoleums are richly elaborated, have fine sculptures and decorations. There are also statues of the deceased. It’s like a ‘city in a city’ for the dead, with well-defined lanes (70! ) and funerary chapels that were built to look like little houses.

Cemetery of Pleasures Cemitério dos Prazeres 4 Lisbon river view

Cemetery of ‘Pleasures’ Lisbon

The unusual about a lot of these graves is that they have little “front doors” with glass windows through which you can see the caskets and remnants of the dead and their visitors. Most of the trees are a species cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), much used in Portuguese cemeteries.

Cemetery of Pleasures Cemitério dos Prazeres 5 Lisbon river Tejo views

The cemetery also provides great views over the Alcântara valley, the river Tagus and the 25 April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril).

Until 1985, the great Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa was burried here. Thereafter his mortal remains were transferred to the cloisters of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Cemetery of Pleasures Cemitério dos Prazeres 7 Lisbon

Cemetery of ‘Pleasures’ Lisbon

An example of a ‘front door’ with glass windows through which you can see the caskets.

Cemetery of Pleasures Cemitério dos Prazeres 8 Lisbon

Cemetery of ‘Pleasures’ Lisbon

TRAM 28 – last stop

The cemetery, one of the largest of the Portuguese capital, can be reached by taking Electrico 28, which is a traditional and charming Lisbon tram, to its last stop in Prazeres. Open every day of the week from 09:00 – 17:00 (May – September 09:00 – 18:00). Largo dos Prazeres, Praça São João Bosco 

More about cemeteries in Portugal

Cemiterio Prazeres entrance

Cemetery of ‘Pleasures’ Lisbon : entrance

YouTube

Posted on

Aura Restaurant Lisbon: glamour, great terrace & Portuguese cuisine

Lisbon is well known for its good food and beautiful terraces.  Praça do Comércio , facing the Tagus river and surrounded by the most stunning architecture, is a magical meeting place for both its population and visitors.

Famous Praça do Comércio  , one of the most majestic squares in Lisbon

Terreiro do Paço (or Praça do Comerçio, Palace Square) is a favorite tourist place and one of the largest historical squares in Europe. Now this monumental riverside square also offers a combination of cultural and culinary enjoyment, here you’ll find the Portuguese Tourist Office and besides it’s a wonderful location for events and exhibitions.

Lounge area restaurant Aura, square Praça do Comerçio Lisbon

Integrated in Pátio da Galé , restaurant & lounge cafe Aura with it’s open air terrace is a very attractive place surrounded by the ‘ Palace Square’ in Lisbon. It has a glamorous inside dining room, and a lounge area to enjoy a cocktail or a tasty gourmet snack (petiscos Portuguesas).

Restaurant Aura Lisbon outside dining area Praça do Comerçio

The Portuguese cuisine is prepared by Chef Matias Duarte and gourmet stylist Fabrice Marescaux. The menu is inspired by favorite dishes of the Portuguese people.

A lot of Portuguese restaurants in Lisbon are closed on Sundays, but restaurant Aura is open 7 days a week from 7:30 AM to 02:00 AM. Website restaurant Aura

Our small table outside: Restaurant Aura Lisbon, June 2011

Our choice: salmão croustade de camarão (salmon crusted shrimp), pato (duck), salad, a small bottle of good Portuguese white wine, bread, 2 bicas (strong coffee) and 2 bottles of water. The bill came to around € 60.

Restaurant Aura Lisbon: glamourous dining room

The inside dining room of restaurant Aura has an ‘aura of glamour’ . Most Portuguese people prefer to enjoy their lunch or dinner inside while the majority of tourists like to enjoy their dinner outside. In case it’s too cold outside, this place is really worth a visit: delicious food in an elegant surrounding.

Restaurant Aura Lisbon ‘ Apéritif à la française’, June 8, 2011

In June 2011, the ‘Apéritif à la française’ in Portugal (Lisbon and Porto), teamed up with Portuguese wines to toast just how well the two countries’ culinary traditions go together. Journalists, industry professionals and opinion leaders enjoyed samplings of French products paired with a range of Portuguese wines in a lounge-style atmosphere.

Entrance Restaurant Aura  – ‘Apéritif à la française’ June 2011

Apéritif à la française’  is a multi-country event, where lovers of French-style ‘art de vivre’ and those curious to learn more about it come together . Delicious French snacks were served.  Unfortunately, also ‘foie gras’….. 🙁  🙁

ViniPortugal, Maria João Menezes – Managing Director Lisbon: free Portuguese wine tasting & tourist information Praça do Comerçio, Lisbon

Are you a wine lover? Just three minutes walk from restaurant  Aura there’s ViniPortugal, where you can taste a few wines. A very pleasant and interesting way to learn more about history and culture of Portuguese wines! Some wines available for tasting can also be purchased and the very friendly and professional staff is always on hand to provide information of the wines currently available.