Guide créé par Conceição & João

Conceição
Conceição
Guide créé par Conceição & João

Historical Lisbon - Legends and myths

• How was built the city of Lisbon? We hope that you will enjoy the curiosities of this guide about Lisbon history, that we made especially for our dear guests. The legend says that it was the famous hero Ulysses who built the city of Lisbon. One day, Ulysses arrived at the Lisbon coast by boat and found a kingdom of women, a land of snakes. He met “Ofiusa”, the queen of the snakes, and decided to stay with her and build the most beautiful city in the Universe. Ofiusa was half a woman and half a snake. But after a while, Ulysses decided to leave. Ofiusa begged him to stay and when he left she was so upset that she ran trying to catch him with her fingers and the legend says that she built the 7 hills of Lisbon like that. 50 years ago, it was still usual to see plates with milk at night to feed the snakes. • Are there 7 hills in Lisbon? Frei Nicolau de Oliveira decided to compare Lisbon to other cities like Rome and Jerusalem. He said that there were 7 hills, but, there are many more. Castelo (Castle) and São Vicente are obvious hills, but the others are not so evident. For example, the São Francisco hill begins in Baixa (low downtown area), and then there is a tableland and successively until the Amoreiras area.
(Historical monument) São Jorge Castle and the Christian Conquest of the Moors: We know now that the well-known history of Martim Moniz who was stuck in the door of the Castle is just a legend. Crusaders had to report heroic efforts during the Christian conquest when they were camping for 4 months until the moors left (because of starvation). In fact, Lisbon was not liberated through fighting and guns, even at that time. History showed that the mossanas were pacific people. Jews and Christians only had to pay an extra tax, but they use to work in the government and they did not suffer from starvation. In reality, they have been even more mistreated after the conquest, by the Christians. The mystic was only built to justify the need for conquest and the purpose was only to obtain recognition.
1774 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Castelo de S. Jorge
Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo
1774 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
(Historical monument) São Jorge Castle and the Christian Conquest of the Moors: We know now that the well-known history of Martim Moniz who was stuck in the door of the Castle is just a legend. Crusaders had to report heroic efforts during the Christian conquest when they were camping for 4 months until the moors left (because of starvation). In fact, Lisbon was not liberated through fighting and guns, even at that time. History showed that the mossanas were pacific people. Jews and Christians only had to pay an extra tax, but they use to work in the government and they did not suffer from starvation. In reality, they have been even more mistreated after the conquest, by the Christians. The mystic was only built to justify the need for conquest and the purpose was only to obtain recognition.
(The nearest monument to the property) Vincent Saint was born in Uesca, in Spain. He was a martyr of the Catholic Church and he was killed by Daciano, who threw out his body into the sea, but a crow came to protect the body. The body came in an adrift boat until Cabo São Vicente and remained in Santa Justa church, that disappeared with the earthquake of 1755. Note that, Vincent saint has not been buried in the “São Vicente” abbey and his relics disappeared. Later, the abbey of “São Vicente de Fora” has been refurbished by the Philippine dynasty.
193 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Simbahan ng São Vicente of Fora
Largo de São Vicente
193 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
(The nearest monument to the property) Vincent Saint was born in Uesca, in Spain. He was a martyr of the Catholic Church and he was killed by Daciano, who threw out his body into the sea, but a crow came to protect the body. The body came in an adrift boat until Cabo São Vicente and remained in Santa Justa church, that disappeared with the earthquake of 1755. Note that, Vincent saint has not been buried in the “São Vicente” abbey and his relics disappeared. Later, the abbey of “São Vicente de Fora” has been refurbished by the Philippine dynasty.
In the past, it was one of the entrances of the city, where the flemish and german Crusaders were located. The view is our favorite view of Lisbon and the river.
Largo Portas do Sol
Largo Portas do Sol
In the past, it was one of the entrances of the city, where the flemish and german Crusaders were located. The view is our favorite view of Lisbon and the river.
The name of this typical and magnificent patio, Luis the Nigger, refers to his legend: he was born at the beginning of the XIX century in Beira and he took the way of blackness. He ran from Lisbon and sold oranges to survive. Then he got fed up with Lisbon and registered as the trooper, but as he was on the political wrong side (monarchists/realists), he was punished and obliged to run away. He went from prison to prison in Chaves and Porto. One day in a judgment he throw a seat at the head of the judge and was condemned to choose between death and being an executor of people condemned to death. He chose to be an executor and he became the last one of history. That is why he was called “Carrasco”. He died in 1873. He was 67 years old and he has never executed anyone. The legend is about the angry howls that sometimes can be ear in this place.
Pátio do Carrasco
Pátio do Carrasco
The name of this typical and magnificent patio, Luis the Nigger, refers to his legend: he was born at the beginning of the XIX century in Beira and he took the way of blackness. He ran from Lisbon and sold oranges to survive. Then he got fed up with Lisbon and registered as the trooper, but as he was on the political wrong side (monarchists/realists), he was punished and obliged to run away. He went from prison to prison in Chaves and Porto. One day in a judgment he throw a seat at the head of the judge and was condemned to choose between death and being an executor of people condemned to death. He chose to be an executor and he became the last one of history. That is why he was called “Carrasco”. He died in 1873. He was 67 years old and he has never executed anyone. The legend is about the angry howls that sometimes can be ear in this place.
Secret archeological searches are ongoing to check what was below the cathedral. After the Christian reconquest, it would be natural to build the church upon a mosque, but it also could be a usual propaganda and we are not sure of what really happened. Reports of Crusaders mention that in reality the mosque was still used while the church was being built. It is possible that the cathedral was built in the center of the city, which was already very occupied and full. So, we believe that there was a previous small church that moved to the actual São Nicolau church. However, the first excavations that are still ongoing found a place for washing feets at the entrance and it was usual for Muslims to take off their shoes and to wash their feets, before going inside the mosque. If you look carefully, on the left side of the cathedral, outside you will find a stone with a David star. It was also a Christian symbol. This stone could have been removed from a previous church. There are a few stones like this one.
517 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Katedral ng Lisbon
1 Largo da Sé
517 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Secret archeological searches are ongoing to check what was below the cathedral. After the Christian reconquest, it would be natural to build the church upon a mosque, but it also could be a usual propaganda and we are not sure of what really happened. Reports of Crusaders mention that in reality the mosque was still used while the church was being built. It is possible that the cathedral was built in the center of the city, which was already very occupied and full. So, we believe that there was a previous small church that moved to the actual São Nicolau church. However, the first excavations that are still ongoing found a place for washing feets at the entrance and it was usual for Muslims to take off their shoes and to wash their feets, before going inside the mosque. If you look carefully, on the left side of the cathedral, outside you will find a stone with a David star. It was also a Christian symbol. This stone could have been removed from a previous church. There are a few stones like this one.
This place was built upon wood piles and sometimes some have already been replaced, but it is not an anti-seismic area. However, it can be the right place to be if there is an earthquake (only if there isn’t any tsunami in the same time, as it happened in 1755!). The riverside method from XI and XII centuries for piers, pontoons, and access ramps. The wood is not only green pine everywhere. Millennium BCP in Augusta street is located upon Roman structures (that can be seen by tourists. It is free and the entrance is in the street behind). Historic buildings have been built in pombaline cages to be able to resist movements of the tectonic plate. There is only one tunnel for water flow. On Prata Street, the roman gallery was rediscovered after the earthquake and has been used as a cistern by people. Masonic Lisbon: Eugénio Santos and Carlos Mardel were masonic. Masonic symbols pretended to influence people in an unconscious way and our Lisbon downtown seem to have been a giant masonic temple: - with 2 columns for the entrance; - in the statue of King S. José, below the horse, there are also a few masonic symbolics; - the Tot book is a mystic book from ancient Egypt, that included all the esoteric images, but it was lost and reached our period through the tarot cards, which have 78 blades that correspond to the number of arches of Terreiro do Paço Square. However, it has only 52 arches in front and this does not correspond anymore to the Tarot cards; - other symbols: the names of some streets: Augusta street/ Prata street (Silver _ symbol of Bad)/ Ouro Street (Gold – symbol of Good); - Lisbon symbol is a stick with 2 snakes, that represent the balance of the Universe; - the squares of the Plaza are the symbol of the 3 ritual steps of the masonic beginners' ceremony.
717 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio
717 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
This place was built upon wood piles and sometimes some have already been replaced, but it is not an anti-seismic area. However, it can be the right place to be if there is an earthquake (only if there isn’t any tsunami in the same time, as it happened in 1755!). The riverside method from XI and XII centuries for piers, pontoons, and access ramps. The wood is not only green pine everywhere. Millennium BCP in Augusta street is located upon Roman structures (that can be seen by tourists. It is free and the entrance is in the street behind). Historic buildings have been built in pombaline cages to be able to resist movements of the tectonic plate. There is only one tunnel for water flow. On Prata Street, the roman gallery was rediscovered after the earthquake and has been used as a cistern by people. Masonic Lisbon: Eugénio Santos and Carlos Mardel were masonic. Masonic symbols pretended to influence people in an unconscious way and our Lisbon downtown seem to have been a giant masonic temple: - with 2 columns for the entrance; - in the statue of King S. José, below the horse, there are also a few masonic symbolics; - the Tot book is a mystic book from ancient Egypt, that included all the esoteric images, but it was lost and reached our period through the tarot cards, which have 78 blades that correspond to the number of arches of Terreiro do Paço Square. However, it has only 52 arches in front and this does not correspond anymore to the Tarot cards; - other symbols: the names of some streets: Augusta street/ Prata street (Silver _ symbol of Bad)/ Ouro Street (Gold – symbol of Good); - Lisbon symbol is a stick with 2 snakes, that represent the balance of the Universe; - the squares of the Plaza are the symbol of the 3 ritual steps of the masonic beginners' ceremony.
This square was used for the roman circus with gladiators. It is an open space and it was the first area of Lisbon to be cobbled, as ordered by King D.Manuel I. For a long time, we believed that the statue of King D. Pedro IV in the middle of Rossio Square was the statue of the Mexican emperor, Maximiliano. People use to say that the 2 statues were switched by mistake and that the real statue was sent to Mexico. But recently, the last analyses revealed that the statue has the look of our King and the Portuguese crest with the History of Portugal. See also Figueira Square (near) This square was not supposed to be a square and should have been rebuilt. This place used to be a market and it was the location of the Hospital, called “Todos os Santos” (All Saints).
397 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Rossio Square
397 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
This square was used for the roman circus with gladiators. It is an open space and it was the first area of Lisbon to be cobbled, as ordered by King D.Manuel I. For a long time, we believed that the statue of King D. Pedro IV in the middle of Rossio Square was the statue of the Mexican emperor, Maximiliano. People use to say that the 2 statues were switched by mistake and that the real statue was sent to Mexico. But recently, the last analyses revealed that the statue has the look of our King and the Portuguese crest with the History of Portugal. See also Figueira Square (near) This square was not supposed to be a square and should have been rebuilt. This place used to be a market and it was the location of the Hospital, called “Todos os Santos” (All Saints).
The elevator was not projected by Gustave Eiffel, as a lot of people believe. It was Raúl Mesnier du Ponsard (maybe a disciple) who projected it. He was French and he may got inspired by cathedrals and Eiffel steel works. Before the earthquake, some stairs use to lead to the “Nossa Senhora do Carmo” church. But the earthquake destroyed them and that is why this elevator was built (it is an earthquake-proof building). For the same reason, Glória, and Bica elevators were also built, at that time. Tramways were only used in the biggest streets.
626 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Santa Justa Lift
R. do Ouro
626 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The elevator was not projected by Gustave Eiffel, as a lot of people believe. It was Raúl Mesnier du Ponsard (maybe a disciple) who projected it. He was French and he may got inspired by cathedrals and Eiffel steel works. Before the earthquake, some stairs use to lead to the “Nossa Senhora do Carmo” church. But the earthquake destroyed them and that is why this elevator was built (it is an earthquake-proof building). For the same reason, Glória, and Bica elevators were also built, at that time. Tramways were only used in the biggest streets.
Bairro Alto was born in the XVI th century, with the luxury Chiado stores, and the elite of the XIX th century used to go to coffee & bars there. There was also small groups of women who were allowed and free to have tea together in tea houses. At that time, only men were allowed to go to bars. It was the bohemian area of Lisbon. In Chiado, was born the first shop of lingerie “Villaret”. The owner even produced a flyer to promote her shop with false breasts. Sacramento Church: After the earthquake of 1755, people use to talk a lot about the damages, the losses, and confusion, but what about the psychological effect? People use to believe that it was a divine punishment and that Lisbon was the city of sin. The Marquis of Pombal even produced a flyer, written by a French priest to explain the natural causes of earthquakes. At this time, there were a lot of stories about survivors of long term (15 to 20 days surviving only with water) and about dead people that were found intact. To help the global state of mind, the S. Francisco parish was built in a land, given by a count.
1835 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Bairro Alto
21 Tv. Inglesinhos
1835 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Bairro Alto was born in the XVI th century, with the luxury Chiado stores, and the elite of the XIX th century used to go to coffee & bars there. There was also small groups of women who were allowed and free to have tea together in tea houses. At that time, only men were allowed to go to bars. It was the bohemian area of Lisbon. In Chiado, was born the first shop of lingerie “Villaret”. The owner even produced a flyer to promote her shop with false breasts. Sacramento Church: After the earthquake of 1755, people use to talk a lot about the damages, the losses, and confusion, but what about the psychological effect? People use to believe that it was a divine punishment and that Lisbon was the city of sin. The Marquis of Pombal even produced a flyer, written by a French priest to explain the natural causes of earthquakes. At this time, there were a lot of stories about survivors of long term (15 to 20 days surviving only with water) and about dead people that were found intact. To help the global state of mind, the S. Francisco parish was built in a land, given by a count.
The church was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755. The place is beautiful and you can have a view of Lisbon downtown there.
Largo do Carmo
Largo do Carmo
The church was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755. The place is beautiful and you can have a view of Lisbon downtown there.
This is the house with the most shootings of Lisbon. It was an old monastery and its works were financed by the Queen Santa Isabel. It was inhabited by workers of the monastery and other lessors. Then it has been divided into patios, but the cloister still exists. It was Manuel Moreira Garcia that ordered the painting of the façade, with masonic symbols (the eye on the top, the water...). But this work was not well received by the masonic community, which needed some discretion, at the time. Manuel Moreira Garcia also did his crest, also in the façade of the house. We still use a lot of expressions that remind the earthquake period: - «Caiu o Carmo e a Trindade» (Carmo and Trindade felt down), which reminds us that the earthquake of 1755 brought a lot of damages on the churches; - «Rés vés Campo de Ourique» (Until the limit of Campo de Ourique, where the earthquake supposedly stopped). It is another expression, but in reality, it is not linked to the earthquake as most people believe. In this case, it only refers to the limit of “Campo de Ourique” location (the Maria Pia street at that time). According to evidences, the earthquake did not go further than “Marquês de Pombal” Square.
R. Nova da Trindade 30
30 Rua Nova da Trindade
This is the house with the most shootings of Lisbon. It was an old monastery and its works were financed by the Queen Santa Isabel. It was inhabited by workers of the monastery and other lessors. Then it has been divided into patios, but the cloister still exists. It was Manuel Moreira Garcia that ordered the painting of the façade, with masonic symbols (the eye on the top, the water...). But this work was not well received by the masonic community, which needed some discretion, at the time. Manuel Moreira Garcia also did his crest, also in the façade of the house. We still use a lot of expressions that remind the earthquake period: - «Caiu o Carmo e a Trindade» (Carmo and Trindade felt down), which reminds us that the earthquake of 1755 brought a lot of damages on the churches; - «Rés vés Campo de Ourique» (Until the limit of Campo de Ourique, where the earthquake supposedly stopped). It is another expression, but in reality, it is not linked to the earthquake as most people believe. In this case, it only refers to the limit of “Campo de Ourique” location (the Maria Pia street at that time). According to evidences, the earthquake did not go further than “Marquês de Pombal” Square.

More inescapable Lisbon locations

Do not miss!
(Viewpoint, near to our property)
316 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen
Calçada da Graça
316 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
(Viewpoint, near to our property)
(Location with festivities, near to our property)
142 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Largo da Graça
Largo da Graça
142 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
(Location with festivities, near to our property)
(Another Viewpoint, not very far from our property)
849 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Largo Monte
849 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
(Another Viewpoint, not very far from our property)
Funny old downtown with very tight streets. (Only 15' walk from our property.)
829 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Alfama
829 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Funny old downtown with very tight streets. (Only 15' walk from our property.)
(Beautiful viewpoint, also recommended)
449 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara
449 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
(Beautiful viewpoint, also recommended)
Well-known monastery in Belém, where we got married a long time ago :)
894 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Monasteryo ng Jerónimos
894 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Well-known monastery in Belém, where we got married a long time ago :)
The main symbol of Portugal. A small but stunning tower, looking at our Tejo river.
TORRE DE BELEM
The main symbol of Portugal. A small but stunning tower, looking at our Tejo river.
228 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Padrao dos Descobrimentos
Av. Brasília
228 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Built to honour Portuguese discoveries all over the world.
885 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Cais do Sodre station
885 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Built to honour Portuguese discoveries all over the world.
If you want to walk along the river and eat or drink, this is a good place to go.
17 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Santo Amaro Recreation dock
17 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
If you want to walk along the river and eat or drink, this is a good place to go.
One of the most appreciated gardens in Lisbon. Gulbenkian was one of the richest men that made this donation to the city. His name is also the name of the biggest Portuguese foundation. A lot of cultural events take place there.
140 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Hardin ng Gulbenkian
45 Av. de Berna
140 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
One of the most appreciated gardens in Lisbon. Gulbenkian was one of the richest men that made this donation to the city. His name is also the name of the biggest Portuguese foundation. A lot of cultural events take place there.
The most well know park in Lisbon with view upon the river.
312 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Parke ng Eduardo VII
312 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The most well know park in Lisbon with view upon the river.
621 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Avenida da Liberdade
Avenida da Liberdade
621 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Famous house with beaks on its facade. You can visit Saramago (the Literature Nobel Price 1998) exhibition there.
139 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Casa dos Bicos / José Saramago Foundation
10 Rua dos Bacalhoeiros
139 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Famous house with beaks on its facade. You can visit Saramago (the Literature Nobel Price 1998) exhibition there.
The most famous flea market (near to our property). Only on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
45 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Feira da Ladra
Campo de Santa Clara
45 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The most famous flea market (near to our property). Only on Tuesdays and Saturdays.