Restauradores Plaza, Lisbon - guest article

My husband and I lived for a few years in Britain and we know France, Italy and Spain from long visits, but I am embarrassed to say that we've never visited Portugal. Thus I am delighted to introduce readers to a Lisbon-based guest blogger.

Joao selected his own topic but as it happens, he selected very well. The square's name refers to the time of the restoration in 1640, the reestablishment of Portuguese independence after decades of Spanish rule. The successful revolt against Spain is still celebrated today, in the Praça dos Restauradores, as a national holiday. If I get a chance to be in Lisbon, December will be the most exciting time. Now, over to Joao.

**

In this guest post let me take you on a small walk on the surroundings of my favourite square in Lisbon's downtown, the Restauradores Plaza. Very easy to reach using the subway, this spot it is home to several beautiful pieces of architecture. The Avenida Palace Hotel building is for me the one that marks the place - built more than a hundred years ago, it is neo-classic style is still nowadays absolutely amazing.

Avenida Palace

Walking only a few dozen metres, we can stop at the Rossio's Plaza entrance. Surrounded by a set of very old buildings (dated from around 1800) it is a very nice place to visit - special attention to the Theatre building (in the photo to the left) and to the view of the castle.

Named after Saint George, the castle is called "Castelo de São Jorge" in Portuguese and the fortress itself is also a must see place - very well preserved and with one of the best Lisbon views. In a more historical note it was originally called the Moorish Castle and it was conquered by the first Portuguese king, D. Afonso Henriques, in 1147 after resisting a siege for more than three months.

Castle

Another thing we can always count on appreciating when in Lisbon are the long hours of sun that make the city so warm. Of course in the summer it maybe a bit too warm but still the city has many, many patios and small plazas like the one bellow (behind Rossio's Central Train Station) who hold lots of coffee shops where one can rest for a while and enjoy a refreshing ice cream or a nice cold beer.

Patios

Well, for now it's all. It was a pleasure sharing with you this small piece of my town. Hope you liked the mini-tour and I'm counting with some of you to increase our tourist numbers here in Lisbon ok ;)

Regards & Cheers,
Joao
Vacation and Travel Photos