Meeting Point

Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a monument on the northern bank of the Tagus River estuary, in Belém, Lisbon. Located along the river where ships departed to explore and trade with India and the Orient, the monument celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery (or Age of Exploration) during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage located in Lisbon that played a key role in Europe’s Age of Discoveries, since it served both as a fortress and as a port from where Portuguese explorers departed to establish what would be the first European trade in history with China and India. It also served as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon.

This museum is housed in a group of buildings classified as national heritage - the Central Tejo or Lisbon power station. Besides the building itself, the main interest is the machinery used to supply electricity to the city of Lisbon in the first half of the 20C. It includes 19C dynamos and electric motors, steam engines, high-pressure boilers, hydraulic generators and other tools and equipment.

Inaugurated in October 2016 within the framework of EDP Foundation’s long-running policy of cultural patronage, MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology is an international institution dedicated to arouse critical discourse and creative practice with the intent of sparking new understandings about the historical present and a responsible commitment to the future. Located on the riverfront in Lisbon’s historical Belém district, MAAT comprises a former power station built in 1908 – MAAT Central – and a contemporary building – MAAT Gallery – connected via a park that extends along the River Tagus: MAAT Garden. In addition to the programme of temporary exhibitions and activities – Agenda – the museum also features permanent exhibitions such as The Electricity Factory at Central Tejo and the sculptures in the outdoor spaces.

The Fábrica Nacional de Cordoaria, or Cordoaria Nacional, belonged to the Portuguese Navy. This was where the cables, sisal ropes, sails and flags that equipped the Portuguese ships were manufactured. The building, which dates to the 1770s, has been classified as a national monument since 1996. The art gallery, housed in the Torreão Nascente (Eastern Tower), regularly holds major exhibitions from Portuguese and international collections.

Travelers will pass under the bridge The 25 de Abril Bridge is a suspension bridge connecting the city of Lisbon, capital of Portugal, to the municipality of Almada on the left (south) bank of the Tagus river. It was inaugurated on August 6, 1966, and a train platform was added in 1999. It is often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, US, because they are both suspension bridges of similar color. It was built by the American Bridge Company which constructed the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, but not the Golden Gate. With a total length of 2,277 metres (7,470 ft), it is the 32nd largest suspension bridge in the world. The upper deck carries six car lanes, while the lower deck carries a double track railway electrified at 25 kV AC. Until 1974, the bridge was named Salazar Bridge. The name "25 de Abril" commemorates the Carnation Revolution.

Bairro Alto is one of Lisbon’s most historic and lively neighborhoods, celebrated for its distinct day-and-night contrasts. During the day, it offers a calm atmosphere with traditional architecture, small independent shops, and colorful street art. As night falls, it comes alive as one of the city’s most popular nightlife districts, packed with bars, restaurants, and Fado houses. Perched on a hill, its narrow cobblestone streets blend residential charm with a vibrant commercial scene. Chiado, Lisbon’s perennial upmarket neighbourhood, is a place of studios, original shops, renovated spaces and marvellous pavement cafés for watching the constant coming and going of those shopping, wandering and those still trying to figure out where the river is. Baixa, more traditional and authentic, serves up souvenir shops, famous patisseries and adventurous eateries. Take your time to discover the streets and corners and all their charms.

The Praça do Comércio is located in the city of Lisbon, Portugal. Situated near the Tagus river, the square is still commonly known as Terreiro do Paço because it was the location of the Paços da Ribeira (Royal Ribeira Palace) until it was destroyed by the great 1755 Lisbon earthquake. After the earthquake, the square was completely remodeled as part of the rebuilding of the Pombaline Downtown, ordered by Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, 1st Marquis of Pombal, who was the Minister of the Kingdom of Portugal from 1750 to 1777, during the reign of Dom José I, King of Portugal.

Given its outstanding location, a highlight of the Castelo de São Jorge is its many viewpoints affording majestic and unparalleled views of Lisbon. Built in the mid-11th century, this fortification still retains eleven towers displaying various architectural features characteristic of military fortifications from the Moorish period. The steps leading up the sides of the curtain walls provide access to the ramparts and towers enabling visitors to explore the entire perimeter.

Alfama, the oldest and most traditional neighbourhood in Lisbon, with cobbled lanes and alleys and steep, gruelling inclines, should be discovered little by little, stopping frequently to savour the view, atmosphere and authentic spirit of the oldest side of the capital. Take a deep breath and start to climb the hill that will reveal one of the best views of the city.

Almada, on the south bank of the River Tagus, has undoubtedly the best view of the city of Lisbon. The most outstanding views are from the castle, the panoramic funicular of the Boca do Vento (Mouth of the Wind), and above all the statue of Christ the King, built in 1959. In past centuries, Almada was a popular summer resort for the Court, which ordered the construction of stately homes and buildings that are still preserved in the city. Life in Almada does not revolve only around the capital, where most of its inhabitants work; it is a city with its own life, the setting for well-attended events like the Theatre Festival.