Lisbon and Estoril, Portugal

After attending Eater Sunrise Mass, having a hearty breakfast, I was off the ship for the first time in nine days for a tour of Lisbon and Estoril.


This is one of those on-and-off tour buses. (We didn’t ride on one of those.) The building in the background is the Hieryonimites’ Monastery which is said to be a masterpiece of Manueline art built in the early 16th Century. (We couldn’t go in the monastery today because it was closed for Easter.)

The Manueline style emerged during the reign Manuel I (hence, its name) and is Portugal’s most representative architectural style.

The port is just at the foot of the Alfama District, a labyrinth of narrow streets, tiny squares and staircases, whose origins go back to the Visigoth times, though its final layout was the work of the Moors. Until 1775 earthquake, many rich Lisbon families lived in this part of the city. Behind me, you can see the dome of the Church-Pantheon of Santa Engracia.


Probably one the most well known monument of Lisbon is:

Monument to the Discoveries with Enrique the Navigator in the lead


We also went to Estoril, a resort on the Atlantic Coast. Since Portugal was a neutral nation during WWII, many of the wealthy and royalty came here as exiles during the war, including the King of Romania and the current family of Juan Carlos of Spain. It is still a resort now, but many live here and work in Lisbon since it is an easy commute by train.




The casino at Estoril is said to be the largest gaming house in Europe.




This is just a glimpse of what we saw today. I am working on a Web Album where you will be able to see more photos.

Happy Easter!