Lisbon Trip 2025 - PART 4
Riding Lisbon's narrow, steep streets on the original yellow 1930s tram, visiting the Castela St Jorge and picturesque city squares
Crossing the Tagus river
I took a ferry ride across the wide Tagus river, lasting 15 minutes to Calcinhas, offering a great view back at the brightly coloured buildings of Lisbon.
As I was over this side, I took a bus trip which ultimately lead to a sandy beach Portugal is renowned for. Although it wasn’t particularly beach weather (but at least it was dry), I had a peaceful walk in the fresh air and it was a calm setting away from the hectic buzz of the capital. It also served as good research for any future visits, and I can imagine in the height of summer it is a great place to relax.
It was often calming just sitting on the banks of the Tagus watching the world go by with other tourists. Simple escapism away from the world of work.
There was also plenty of time to explore various other museums and key monuments, including a story centre timelining the history of Lisbon in a creative visual way with an audio guide, and a quirky cod history museum!
Also well worth visiting and integral understanding the history of Lisbon was the Archaelogical Museum of Carmo, a former convent constructed in 1423. In 1755, an earthquake off the coast caused significant damage to the convent, including the library housing 5000 volumes, and the 126 clerics were forced to flee the building.
As well as ancient Sarcophagus and statues, there are various artefacts recovered from pre-historic times to the Middle Ages. It has a haunting yet beautiful presence on Lisbon’s skyline, with the absence of its roof visible from far afield serving as a constant reminder of these times.
Adjoining the main section and also part of the convent were rooms showcasing the 600 years of military history from the carmelite convent to headquarters of the military police guards, including vehicles and various equipment.
Overall, it had been another successful trip. Perhaps it was true to say Lisbon hadn’t wowed me quite as much as other places I’d visited, but it certainly has enough to offer for a few day’s break!
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