Commerce Square in Lisbon is a landmark of historical and architectural significance. Spanning 30,600 square meters, this plaza is situated along the Tagus River and was once the site of the Royal Palace of Ribeira, which was destroyed in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. This catastrophe also obliterated the royal archive, containing over 200,000 books and centuries of records.

The area's reconstruction was spearheaded by the Marquis of Pombal as part of his revitalization of the Baixa district. The result was a U-shaped layout with symmetrical government buildings flanking the square and opening towards the river. Its new occupants, customs and port authorities, gave rise to the square's new name – "Commerce." The design included ground-floor arcades and two towers inspired by the former Ribeira Palace.

At the center of the square stands an equestrian statue of King José I, unveiled in 1775. The statue honors the King’s role in rebuilding Lisbon and features motifs such as an elephant, symbolizing Portugal's colonial empire.

The plaza’s northern side is marked by the triumphal Augusta Street Arch. Completed in the 19th century, this arch celebrates Lisbon's resilience with sculptures of historical figures such as Vasco da Gama and the Marquis of Pombal.

Adjacent to the square is the Columns Pier. Its marble steps once served as a ceremonial entrance to the city during Portugal’s maritime era.

Tragedy touched the square in 1908 when King Carlos I and his heir Luís Filipe were assassinated here. This event presaged the fall of the Portuguese monarchy and the establishment of the Republic in 1910. Today, a plaque commemorates this pivotal moment in Portuguese history.

The western tower of Commerce Square contains a branch of the Museum of Lisbon.

The square itself is a vibrant hub of activity. Its arcades house souvenir shops, cafes, and Lisbon’s oldest café, Martinho da Arcada. Commerce Square hosts annual events like Portugal Day celebrations and offers visitors a chance to enjoy views of the Tagus River, the 25th of April Bridge, and passing ships. Accessible via trams and ferries, the plaza is both a historic site and a bustling meeting point for locals and tourists.

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For a glimpse of what the square looked like before the 1755 earthquake, you can find reproductions of contemporary engravings from the 17th and 18th centuries and a modern ceramic tile mural at the Santa Luzia Viewpoint in Alfama.

Located in Lisbon's Chiado neighborhood, overlooking Rossio Square, the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is both a historical landmark and a cultural treasure, as well as a lasting reminder of the devastation caused by the 1755 earthquake. Founded in 1389, the convent housed Carmelite friars up to 1423. It flourished in the 16th century, with 70 clergy residing within its walls.

The 1755 earthquake destroyed the convent’s library of 5,000 volumes and caused severe structural damage, leaving its Gothic church in ruins. Following minor repairs undertaken in the 19th century, the building saw various uses, including as police quarters, a sawmill, and later a military station. In 1834, the site transitioned to secular use after religious orders were expelled from Portugal.

In 1864, the Association of Portuguese Archaeologists took ownership, transforming the ruined convent into a museum. Efforts to restore the site continued into the 20th century, with significant work undertaken in 1902 and the 1950s. However, the structure sustained further damage in the 1969 earthquake. Five years later, the convent played a key role in Portugal's Carnation Revolution, serving as a stronghold for the Estado Novo regime before its surrender to pro-democracy forces.

Architecturally, the Carmo Convent showcases Gothic design. Its church, featuring a Latin cross layout, includes a partially destroyed rose window and surviving pointed arches. The stone roof collapsed during the 1755 earthquake and was never rebuilt, giving the church its unique open-air appearance.

Today, the convent is home to the Carmo Archaeological Museum, displaying artifacts spanning Portuguese history. The museum houses Gothic tombs, Roman and Visigoth objects, and Moorish painted tin-glazed ceramic tilework. The former apse chapels have been repurposed as exhibition spaces, with one of them displaying remarkable pre-historic relics excavated from an ancient fortification dating from 3500 to 1500 BC.

The entrance fee is reasonable, and there is much to explore, including a well-executed multimedia presentation recounting the site's history. You'll need about 80-90 minutes to get a comprehensive look, though you might want to save some extra time for the surrounding terraces, offering splendid vistas of the Castle of the Moors.

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If you're looking for a way to get back down the hill into the city, your best bet is to take the Santa Justa Lift. Located just to the right of the convent, it is accessible via a footbridge through the Bellalisa Restaurant.

The Santa Justa Lift, also known as the Carmo Lift, is a distinctive attraction in Lisbon. This historic elevator, built in the early 20th century, is the only remaining vertical lift in the capital. Others, such as the Glória and Bica lifts, are funicular railways. This lift was designed to address the city's challenging terrain, linking the lower Baixa district to the elevated Carmo Square. Construction began in 1900, and the lift was inaugurated in 1901, initially operating on steam power before transitioning to electricity in 1907.

The Neo-Gothic iron structure, 45 meters tall, features intricate metalwork, a double-lattice design, and two wood-paneled cabins that transport passengers across seven stories. Originally accommodating 24 people, the cabins were later upgraded to hold 29 passengers. A spiral staircase and walkway connect the lift to nearby attractions, offering panoramic views of landmarks, such as Saint George's Castle, the Tagus River, Rossio Square, and the Baixa district, from its observation deck.

Designated a National Monument in 2002, the Santa Justa Lift underwent renovations to preserve its historical significance and was reopened to the public in 2006. It remains a vital link and a tourist attraction, embodying innovative engineering from its era. Visitors also use the lift to access key sites like Carmo Square, Saint Roch Church, and the Bairro Alto neighborhood.

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It's important to note that ascending the iron spiral staircase requires a head for heights. However, if you can conquer any nervousness, the views are truly spectacular and well worth the effort. Additionally, keep in mind that the top platform is quite exposed, so it's advisable to check the weather conditions before planning your visit.
If you find the queue too long, consider entering the cork store on Rua do Carmo, ascending the stairs, and then crossing the street via the walkway. Although this option requires physical effort to climb the stairs, it saves time and money while allowing for more opportunities to savor the views along the way.

Saint George’s Castle is a historic fortress in Lisbon’s Santa Maria Maior district. Its hilltop location has been occupied since the 8th century BC, with fortifications dating back to the 2nd century BC. Over time, the site reflected influences from the Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Suebi, Visigoths, and Moors. The Berbers added the so-called “Moorish Encirclement” walls in the 10th century, and the Moors held the castle until the Christian Reconquista.

The castle played a pivotal role during the 1147 Siege of Lisbon when it was captured in a major Second Crusade victory. This fortified stronghold became a royal residence in 1255 and was named after Saint George in the 14th century by King John I to symbolize ties with England. In the later period, it served as a military barracks and home to Portugal’s National Archive. Although damaged in the 1755 earthquake, the 20th-century restorations regained its prominence as a national monument and cultural site.

Within this castle complex, you'll find medieval architecture with ten towers, a dry moat, and steep hillsides for natural defense. Highlights include the terraced Arms Square with cannons and a statue of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, and the Tower of Ulysses, which houses a camera obscura offering shows (every 20 minutes) in various languages, including English, Portuguese, and Spanish. The citadel's primary entrance features a 19th-century gate adorned with Portugal's coat of arms, Queen Maria II's name, and the date 1846.

Inside, visitors can enjoy a range of amenities, including restaurants, cafes, a wine bar, an ice cream stand, and public restrooms. Peacocks roam freely throughout the grounds, particularly in one of the primary dining areas. While dining within the castle walls may be slightly pricier than in the surrounding areas, it is not excessively so. Alternatively, you have the option of bringing your own food and beverages. Admission is reasonably priced and children enter for free.

Saint George’s Castle also includes the ruins of a royal palace, such as the Casa Ogival, which is now home to the Olissipónia multimedia exhibit detailing Lisbon’s history. Gardens and historical artifacts enhance the experience, making the castle a symbol of Lisbon’s rich past and an essential cultural landmark.

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Although the journey to the castle involves a steep uphill climb, it provides a delightful stroll through the narrow streets of historic Lisbon, with numerous opportunities to stop and savor local cuisine. Alternatively, you can take cable car #28 to admire the neighborhood's charming and diverse architecture, providing excellent photo opportunities.

The Grace Viewpoint in Lisbon is a celebrated vantage point situated atop the southern slope of Santo André Hill. It offers panoramic views of the city's historic center stretching, on clear days, to the Tagus River estuary.

This viewpoint is not only a daytime delight but also a magical evening spot as the setting sun casts a golden hue over Lisbon and the city lights begin to twinkle. The atmosphere here is perpetually vibrant, enhanced by performances from local musicians and singers, while the adjacent Esplanada da Graça café remains abuzz with activity.

Though many tourists stop at this viewpoint, they often overlook nearby attractions such as the expansive Grace Convent, noted for its exquisite tile paintings and baroque architecture. Other local sights include the 19th-century Villa Sousa and the serene Cerca Park Garden, with a quaint fountain and a bronze sculpture, positioned below the viewpoint.

From here, visitors can enjoy a 160-degree view encompassing central and western Lisbon. To the southwest, prominent visible landmarks include Saint George's Castle, the Carmo Church ruins, and the April 25 bridge. The viewpoint also overlooks the Mouraria neighborhood and Martim Moniz plaza and offers glimpses of distant sites like the Monsanto Forest and the Amoreiras Towers.

Despite its common designation as the Grace viewpoint, its official title "Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen" honors the esteemed 20th-century Portuguese poet revered for her fairy tales and the official Portuguese translations of Shakespeare. Her affinity for this location, where she drew much inspiration, led to its renaming following her death in 2004 and is now marked by a bust near the Grace Convent entrance.

This viewpoint frequently marks the conclusion of a journey for those ascending the hill from Alfama and Saint George's Castle. The series of steps leading to it are paved with traditional cobblestone designs.