Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, is the biggest city of the country and the second most important financial and economic center in this part of Europe. The city is the home for more than half a million people, and it has one of the most colorful architectures in Europe – one can find here elements of Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, Traditional Portuguese, Modern and Post-Modern styles.

Like its counterpart – Rome, the capital of Italy, Lisbon is built on seven hills, facing the Atlantic Ocean. On their tops, the so-called miradourus (viewpoints) are the perfect spots to admire Lisbon’s rich architecture. You can get on the top of every hill using the picturesque trams (dating from the 1930s) that are animating the city’s sights, but if you want to see the most famous sites, you should try line no. 28.

A must-see place in Lisbon is the Praça do Comércio (the beginning of the city’s downtown – Baixa). The whole downtown is taken in consideration by UNESCO for a World Site Heritage status. The square is the biggest and oldest plaza in Lisbon (170 by 170 meters), having in its center the equestrian statue of King Jose I.

Located up on a hill, Castelo de São Jorge (Saint George’s Castle) offers a great panorama over the city. You can get there by the trams, but if you have the energy it is recommended to walk, in order to see the wonderful old district of Alfama.

Belem’s Tower, the icon of Lisbon and a symbol of the powerful Portugal during the Age of Discovery was built as a fortress, to guard the entry of the harbor, in 1515. The purest example of the Manueline architectural style in the city, one can get here with tram 15, while admiring the beautiful coastline.

Although we mentioned all these historical monuments, Lisbon has many brave examples of modern and post-modern architecture. If you use the railways to get to Lisbon, you will sure notice that, once you get off the train. Gare do Oriente was designed by a Spanish architect and the glass and steel columns represent palms.

Image credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

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