8 hours in Portugal: a quick visit
During a layover on my journey from Brazil to Spain, I found myself with 8 hours to spare in Lisbon—and there was no way I was going to spend it all at the airport. My only other visit to Portugal was when I was five, which hardly counts, so this felt like my first real opportunity to explore.
Getting downtown was easy, thanks to a convenient bus service from the airport that only cost a few euros. After leaving our luggage at an airport deposit, we set out to explore the city and reconnect with the country of my ancestors.
We hopped on a bus that took us straight to the Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square), located along the banks of the Rio Tejo (Tagus River). This grand square is often referred to as Terreiro do Paço, named after the Paços da Ribeira, the former royal palace of Portugal. Once home to one of the world’s largest libraries, the palace was tragically destroyed in the devastating earthquake and tsunami of 1755. Countless irreplaceable documents, including those detailing the discovery of Brazil, along with hundreds of priceless paintings, were lost in the flames.
Perched atop the Arco da Rua Augusta, statues gaze out over the Praça do Comércio, exuding an air of grandeur and vigilance. The inscription below reads, 'Virtues of the Biggest will serve to all as a teaching. Dedicated to public expenses,' a timeless reminder of noble ideals and civic dedication.
On the opposite end of the square lies the Rio Tejo. During the devastating earthquake of 1755, hundreds of people sought refuge in the open space of the square, only to witness the river dramatically recede before returning with massive, destructive waves in a catastrophic tsunami.
After exploring the square, we hopped on a tram to visit the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a stunning 16th-century monastery steeped in history. This architectural marvel serves as the final resting place for several Portuguese kings and two iconic figures: Vasco da Gama, the legendary explorer who first sailed from Europe to India, and Luís de Camões, the celebrated poet considered the father of the modern Portuguese language.
The monastery is deeply intertwined with the history of the Age of Discovery, serving as a spiritual haven for many explorers who visited both before embarking on and after completing their daring voyages.
Luís de Camões, the author of The Lusíadas, lost an eye in battle and became renowned for sharing vivid tales of his voyages to the East, capturing the spirit of exploration in his epic poetry.
Vasco da Gama was the first European to reach India by sea, successfully navigating around the Cape of Good Hope—a monumental achievement in the Age of Discovery.
The church within the monastery is adorned with intricate carvings, including eerie depictions of devils that add a hauntingly captivating element to its otherwise serene atmosphere.
The statue’s broken nose gives it an unsettling, almost undead appearance, adding a haunting touch to its otherwise serene expression.
"This statue of Christ, sculpted by Filipe de Vries in 1550, is remarkably lifelike, showcasing an incredible level of detail and artistry.
That day, a play was being performed in the monastery. Although my native language is Portuguese—albeit the Brazilian variety—I found it nearly impossible to follow the storyline, as classic Portuguese proved to be a challenge to understand.
A short walk from the monastery takes you to the iconic Torre de Belém, perhaps Portugal's most famous landmark. Originally constructed as a defense tower, it was designed to protect vital trade routes to the East and Brazil.
The Torre de Belém was once completely surrounded by water, standing as an island fortress. Today, due to modern developments, it sits much closer to the shore, blending history with the present landscape.
On a cold, windy autumn day, a couple embraced for a selfie inside the Torre de Belém, capturing a cozy moment amidst the historic walls.
From the top of the tower, one could gaze far into the Tejo River, keeping watch for any incoming ships—a vantage point that once played a crucial role in Portugal's maritime defense.
After a whirlwind few hours exploring Lisbon's rich history and iconic landmarks, we made our way back to the city and eventually to the airport. Though brief, this visit left me captivated, and I’m already looking forward to returning for a deeper dive into Portugal’s charm and culture.
An iconic eléctrico making its way through Lisbon’s narrow streets. These charming yellow trams have been in operation since the early 1900s and are still a beloved mode of transportation for locals and tourists alike.
