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LISBON is built on seven hills, with many narrow, winding roads. The city can be discovered by walking but spending a whole day sightseeing can be wearing on the soles. The secret, as Lisboetas know, is to use the eléctricos - trams, and the No. 28 in particular has an interesting route passing historical areas. Starting at the Largo Martim Moniz, the square just behind the Praça da Figueira, the No. 28 tram (with the destination Prazeres on it) goes through the Rua da Palma into Anjos and continues to Rua Maria da Fonte and into the Graça area which offers a panaromic view of Lisbon. The tram passes the São Vicente de Fora Church, opened in 1629. Behind the church is the Campo Santa Clara where the Feira da Ladra (literally 'thieves market') a flea market is held every Tuesday and Saturday. To one side of the market is the Panteão Nacional, a 17th century baroque church. This is the Alfama area - the word Alfama comes from the Arabic 'hot springs'. It is known for its narrow streets, restaurants serving grilled sardines, colourful windows with flower boxes and washing hanging out. St Jorge's Castle, towering above, can be reached from here and affords the best view of the river and city. The tram moves on passing the Miradouro Santa Luzia, in the Largo das Portas do Sol, giving another spectacular view of the river and Alfama. Moving along further is the Sé Catedral, the Holy See, built by order of King Afonso Henriques at the end of the 12th century after conquering Lisbon from the Moors. To the right is St. Anthony's Church and museum , built where the saint was born. Celebrations take place in June, the month of the popular saints of Saint Anthony on 13th June, St John on 24th and St Peter on the 29th. Processions, grilled sardines in open air and folk music and dances take place, not only here but all over the country. Tram 28 moves on to the Baixa through the Rua da Conceição. This is one of the main shopping areas. Passing through the Rua Vitor Cordon are two theatres - the São Luis and the São Carlos, before the tram comes into the Chiado and the Praça Luis da Camões, named after the poet and author of The Lusiads. The Chiado is another shopping area and in the Rua Garrett the statue of another Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa can be seen outside the Café Brasileira. It was once a meeting place for artists and writers. Streets off this area lead to the Bairro Alto, one of Lisbon's lively nightspots with its nightclubs, restaurants, bars and Fado houses. Moving along the Largo de Calhariz we pass the Rua de São Bento, and the large Palace is the National Assembly where parliament is based. Further up is the Estrela. The Basilica da Estrela occupies a large area and opposite are the Estrela Gardens. Nearing the final part of the journey is the Campo de Ourique, with is modern looking market and the Santo Condestável Church, opened in 1951. The tram comes to its last stop at the Praça João Bosco, named after the saint. This is the Prazeres area. You can break your journey for sightseeing. January 2002 |
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