Lisbon – Page 2 – TRAVEL WORDS

Life in Colour

The Elevador de Santa Glória is a tram that departs from Praca dos Restauradores and in a few minutes it takes you up a very steep alley. It has been a service since 1885 and has been powered by electricity since 1915. The journey is only 200 meters but it is always crowded with tourists and locals who want to spare themselves the trouble of climbing on foot. Worth taking a short ride on this funicular up to a beautiful look-out point the Miradouro (viewpoint) de São Pedro de Alcantara, the best known and most visited viewpoint of Bairro Alto from where one has a panoramic view of downtown Lisbon and across to the castle.

June Squares | Roofs

It’s June and another 30 day challenge from Becky. ‘The Life of B’ This month she is looking for a roof or roofs or even rooves. Follow the link for the rules.

A scene I am sure Becky will have seen for herself – this photo was taken from the viewing platform at the top of the Santa Justa Lift (Portuguese: Elevador de Santa Justa) in Lisbon. With a view over that amazing wave pattern in Rossio Square. Cropped and zoomed in to show the magnificent terracotta tiles.

June Square | 14th June

Thursday Special

Arabesque Ribeiro da Cunha Palace @ No 26 Rua dom Pedro V

dating from 1877, now housing a university department. This once beautiful building, now somewhat dilapidated, is close to the Parque Príncipe (Prince) Real, near Bairro Alto which is a wonderful park though a little tired at the time of my visit in 2012, as indeed much of Lisbon was.

Paula’s (Lost in Translation) challenge this week is Traces of the Past

Art Beneath Your Feet

A city where it is impossible not to look at what is beneath your feet is Lisbon, Portugal. The endless intricate patterns of the cream and black cobbles automatically draw your eyes down. Known as calçada (Portuguese Pavements) some, like the wave pattern above and below in Praca Dom Pedro IV Square (Rossio), can even interfere with your balance and make people look as though they are floating above the pavement.

Waves — This is where it all started, Rossio Square, given the wave patterns in 1849.

Arch to Praca do Comércio

Belem Wave pattern

Belem Astrological Sign – Gemini

In Belém coloured marble is used with the flat cobbles to create patterns and pictures including a map of the world depicting the voyages that Portuguese explorers made during the Age of Discovery.