UNESCO Sites in Lisbon: Jerónimos Monastery & Bélem Tower

Must-See Sites in Lisbon: Jerónimos Monastery, Bélem Tower, Praça do Comércio, São Jorge Castle

Lisbon is the Capital of Portugal and the nation’s largest city. It sits at the mouth of the mighty Tagus River, and it has direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. It is the westernmost capital in mainland Europe and it has always had an important relationship with the sea. Lisbon thrived during the Age of Discovery, when works of Gothic Architecture in the Manueline Style were built throughout the city. Portuguese Discoverers like Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama were sailing to new uncharted parts of the earth, and bringing back valuable resources like coffee, tobacco, spices, and gold.

The city suffered a terrible tragedy when the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 brought widespread destruction. After the disaster, the great rebuild of Lisbon began. The city center was completely rebuilt in a grided series of streets with large squares connected by wide boulevards. Despite the Lisbon Earthquake, and the breakup of the Portuguese Empire, the city still managed to rebuild and become one of Europe’s most visited capital cities. Below is a list of the greatest works of architecture in Lisbon and a look at the various building styles that can be found throughout the city.