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Stories of Lisbon
Stories and Curiosities of Lisbon
Discover the most fascinating side of the capital — legends, secrets, traditions, and episodes that have shaped the soul of Lisbon over the centuries. From intriguing tales to hidden curiosities tucked away in its ancient streets, this page invites you to explore Lisbon through stories few people know.
Portuguese Pavement
Portuguese pavement is one of Lisbon’s greatest symbols. Made from small pieces of white limestone and black basalt, it was created in the 19th century and quickly became a form of urban art. Its wave-like patterns, geometric shapes, and iconic designs tell the story of the city, inspired by the sea, culture, and Portuguese traditions. Walking through Lisbon means strolling over true mosaics crafted by master pavement artists, whose unique technique continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
Lisbon’s Tiles
Lisbon is considered the city with the most tiles in the world, and you can feel it on every corner. Tiles are one of Portugal’s greatest artistic expressions and are deeply connected to Lisbon’s identity. Found on façades, churches, palaces, and metro stations, they tell stories that span centuries — from Moorish geometric patterns to Baroque narrative panels and contemporary creations. Walking through the city is like discovering open-air galleries, where the colour, shine, and detail of the tiles turn every street into a living work of art.
The Age of Discoveries
The Age of Discoveries marked one of the most important periods in Portugal’s history and left a strong identity in Lisbon. From the 15th century onwards, Portuguese navigators set sail from the Tagus River into the unknown, opening new maritime routes and connecting continents. Monuments such as the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries preserve this era of boldness, innovation, and cultural expansion. Along the riverbanks, you can still feel the adventurous spirit that transformed Portugal into a global power.
The 1755 Earthquake
The 1755 Earthquake was one of the most defining events in Portugal’s history and completely reshaped the city of Lisbon. On the morning of November 1st, a devastating earthquake — with an estimated magnitude between 8.5 and 9.0 on the Richter scale, one of the most destructive in European history — was followed by a tsunami and several fires that destroyed much of the capital. This tragic event led to the birth of a new Lisbon, rebuilt with a modern vision by the Marquis of Pombal, who introduced some of the world’s first rules of urban planning and anti-seismic construction. The result was the Pombaline Downtown, a symbol of resilience and innovation that continues to impress visitors to this day.
The History of the Pastel de Nata
The Pastel de Nata was created in the 19th century at the Jerónimos Monastery, where monks used leftover egg yolks from washing clothes to make traditional convent sweets. After the monasteries were closed, the recipe was sold to a family who founded Pastéis de Belém and have kept the secret ever since. From there, the pastry spread throughout Lisbon and became a national symbol, loved by locals and visitors alike for its unique combination of crispy puff pastry and warm, caramelised custard — even being considered the world’s best dessert in its original version in 2024 and 2025.
The 1001 Ways to Prepare Codfish
Codfish became a symbol of Portuguese cuisine not out of tradition, but out of necessity. In past centuries, Portugal was a poor country, and codfish — cheap, abundant, and easy to preserve with salt — became the ideal solution to feed the population. Over time, Portuguese creativity turned this necessity into culinary art, giving rise to the famous “1001 ways to prepare codfish,” which today are part of the nation’s identity and pride.
The Santa Justa Lift
Opened in 1902, the Santa Justa Lift is one of Lisbon’s most remarkable architectural curiosities. Designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a student of Gustave Eiffel, it combines bold engineering with a neo-Gothic charm that continues to delight thousands of visitors. Beyond connecting Baixa to Largo do Carmo, the lift offers one of the most iconic views over the historic city centre — a true living postcard of Lisbon.
Lisbon’s Fado
Fado is the soulful sound of Lisbon. Born in traditional neighbourhoods such as Alfama, Mouraria, and Bairro Alto, this musical style expresses longing, passion, and the stories of Lisbon’s people. Sung to the sound of the Portuguese guitar, Fado echoes through narrow streets, traditional taverns, and century-old houses, keeping alive a tradition passed down through generations. Today, it is recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and remains one of the most authentic experiences the city has to offer.
Chiado and the Poet Fernando Pessoa
Chiado is Lisbon’s most literary neighbourhood and one of the places where the soul of the city reveals itself most intensely. Among historic cafés, centuries-old bookshops, and charming streets, the enduring presence of Fernando Pessoa stands out — the poet who wrote, thought, and lived much of his work here. The iconic terrace of Café A Brasileira, with Pessoa’s statue at the door, has become a symbolic meeting point for all those seeking to experience Lisbon’s inspiration and intellectual spirit up close.
The Águas Livres Aqueduct
Built in the 18th century, the Águas Livres Aqueduct is one of Lisbon’s greatest feats of hydraulic engineering and a symbol of architectural ingenuity. Constructed to ensure the city’s water supply, it stretches over 14 kilometres within the urban area and forms part of a total infrastructure exceeding 58 kilometres, from the springs in Caneças to the Mãe d’Água das Amoreiras reservoir. It includes the impressive Alcântara Valley arch — one of the largest stone arches in the world — and survived the 1755 earthquake intact, reinforcing its reputation for strength and innovation. Today, it stands as a fascinating monument that reveals the ambition and vision of Lisbon’s past.
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We did the full-day tour to Sintra and Cascais and it was, without a doubt, the best part of our trip to Portugal! The comfort of the electric car made all the difference on the climbs and descents of the hills. Luis Miguel is a true expert on Sintra — he knew exactly when to visit each palace to avoid lines and recommended the best places for photos and a perfect lunch in Cascais. Impeccable service; a personalized tour full of high-quality information. For Brazilians, it’s the right choice!
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