Lisbon (Lisboa), the vibrant capital of Portugal, welcomed us with its old-world charm and buzzing energy. Stepping into this city feels like stepping into a history book, reminding you that this was once the heart of one of the world's most formidable empires, its reach extending across continents to colonies in America, Asia, and Africa. Portugal itself, a relatively small country nestled on the western edge of the Iberian peninsula, boasts over 800 km of dramatic Atlantic coastline. As the most western country in mainland Europe, it's a land steeped in history, dotted with countless historical buildings and monuments that tell tales of explorers, kings, and ordinary people.
Standing at the Edge of the Continent: Cabo da Roca
Our adventure began with a journey to Cabo da Roca, the absolute westernmost point on the European continent. Standing on these windswept cliffs, gazing out at the vast, endless Atlantic, truly evokes the feeling captured by the great Portuguese poet Luís de Camões: "where the land ends and the sea begins." The raw power of the ocean meeting the rugged coastline is a breathtaking sight. Apart from the iconic lighthouse standing sentinel against the elements, there's a small tourist desk where, like many who make the pilgrimage here, we purchased a charming certificate commemorating our visit to this significant geographical marker – a tangible memento of standing at the edge of the Old World.
Royal Retreats and Moorish Tiles: Sintra National Palace
From the dramatic coast, our path led us inland to the enchanting town of Sintra and its spectacular National Palace. Rising distinctly above the town, its two colossal, conical chimneys are instantly recognizable and have become the enduring symbol of Sintra itself. This palace is not just a building; it's one of the most important examples of Portuguese royal architecture, having served Portuguese kings and their courts as a favoured summer residence and a hunting lodge for over 600 years. Walking through its halls feels like tracing the footsteps of royalty. The palace is particularly renowned for housing the greatest collection of Mudéjar tiles in Portugal – intricate, colourful geometric patterns reflecting Moorish influence that are simply stunning to behold. Declared a National Monument in 1910, the palace underwent significant restoration in the 1940s under architect Raul Lino. He meticulously worked to restore its former splendour, bringing in period furniture from other palaces and painstakingly restoring the exquisite tile panels. It has deservedly remained an important and fascinating historical tourist attraction ever since, offering a unique glimpse into centuries of royal life and artistic fusion.
A Place of Faith and Pilgrimage: Fátima
The following day brought a change of pace and a journey of spiritual significance as we made our way to Fátima. The air here feels different, imbued with a sense of reverence and devotion. We visited the Sanctuary Basilica, a grand edifice where the tombstones of Blessed Jacinta and Francisco Marto, two of the children who witnessed the apparitions, are located. The true heart of the shrine, however, is the humble Chapel of Apparitions, built on the very spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to the three shepherd children. We were fortunate enough to be there during a mass, experiencing the powerful communal faith of the pilgrims gathered from around the world. Just a short distance away in Valinhos is another poignant site, marking the place where the Lady of Fátima appeared for the fourth time on August 19, 1917. Visiting these sites offers a profound insight into the history and deep religious significance of Fátima for millions.
Lisbon's Grandeur and Discovery Era Gems
Before departing Portugal, we returned to Lisbon for more exploration. Our visit included strolling through the magnificent Praça do Comércio, one of Europe's largest and most beautiful squares. This grand, arcaded plaza opens dramatically onto the wide Tejo (Tagus) River, historically serving as Lisbon's majestic gateway to the world. It sits proudly in the heart of downtown Lisbon, the Cidade Baixa, a district meticulously rebuilt on a grid system after the devastating 1755 earthquake. The sheer scale and elegance of the square, lined with government buildings and cafes, is truly impressive.
No visit to Lisbon is complete without seeing the iconic landmarks in the Belém district, testaments to Portugal's Age of Discovery. We visited the exquisite Belém Tower and the awe-inspiring Jerónimos Monastery, both dating back to the 16th century. These structures, classified together as a UNESCO World Heritage site, are masterpieces of the Manueline architectural style, characterized by intricate maritime motifs and ornate stonework celebrating Portugal's seafaring prowess. The Belém Tower, originally a fortress, looks like a jewel box on the river's edge, while the Jerónimos Monastery is a breathtakingly vast complex, its cloisters and church adorned with incredibly detailed carvings. They are truly a must-see, not just for their architectural beauty, but for the powerful sense of history they embody, representing the peak of Portugal's global influence.
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