Things to do in Santa Maria Maior

Officially named Praça Dom Pedro IV, this centrally located square is much more commonly known simply as Rossio. Come here at any time of the day to find the square abuzz, as people gather to socialize at cafés around the square’s edge.

The Santa Justa Elevator connects the hilltop neighborhood Bairro Alto with downtown Baixa. The gothic, iron structure rises up from the neoclassical architecture of downtown. The elevator has been in operation since 1905 and was originally operated by a steam engine. Today it’s powered by an electric engine and is a great way to enjoy views over the city. Visit the elevator’s rooftop café.

Commerce Square, or the Praça do Comércio, is a meeting place for locals and a great spot to bask in the sun along the riverfront. This was the site of the royal palace for many centuries, until the Great Earthquake of 1755. The palace was remodeled into an elaborate stone monument that marks the point of entry to the city. Today the square offers many places to sit and relax in between visits to the surrounding sites of the central Baixa district.

The Lisbon Cathedral (the Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa) is a must-see for lovers of architecture. It is the oldest religious structure in Lisbon and has been modified several times, so it reflects many different architectural styles.

The Castle of São Jorge is a huge medieval structure that overlooks the city. Take a guided tour to learn about Lisbon’s past and enjoy views across the capital from the castle’s grounds.

Designed to symbolize the city’s recovery from a devastating natural disaster, Rua Augusta Arch is an icon of Lisbon and an important symbol of its resilience. Ride the elevator to the top for panoramas across downtown Lisbon and the River Tagus.

Two stylized ravens welcome visitors outside the door of the Lisboa Story Centre. The ravens are the city’s mascots that legend says accompanied the remains of patron St. Vincent on a sea voyage back to Lisbon. Enter the interpretive historical showcase and pick up a multilingual audio guide to learn the progression of events for Europe’s westernmost city.

Restauradores Square is surrounded by buildings of architectural interest, but it is the 98-foot (30-meter) tall obelisk in the center that will immediately attract your eye. Gaze up at the soaring monument and then look around at the other landmarks in the square, including the magnificent Foz Palace, which once served as the chief residence of the Marquis of Foz.

The Miradouro de Santa Luzia (Saint Lucia’s Viewpoint) in Lisbon’s Alfama district is possibly one of the best places to be in the city on a sunny day, particularly a hot one. Enjoy the view as breezes come over the Tagus River and rush up to this vantage point. Shady trellises and bougainvillea shaped into tree forms provide protection from intense sunlight.