Before arriving, we purchased this awesome card.

The Lisboa Card is ideal for Lisbon visitors looking to get the most out of their Portuguese romp. Lisboa Card holders can take advantage of:

• Free unlimited travel by public transport (bus, tram, metro, elevators and funiculars)
• Free travel on CP train lines to Sintra and Cascais (popular daytrip destinations)
• Free access to 26 museums, monuments and UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Deals and discounts on visits, tours, shopping and nightlife

First activity of the day was to board the number 28 tram, which connects Martim Moniz with Campo Ourique, and passes through the popular tourist districts of Graca, Alfama, Baixa and Estrela. For visitors, this is the classic Lisbon tram journey, riding in the quaint yellow tram as it screeches and rattles through the narrow streets of the city.
The delightful Remodelado trams date from the 1930s and in any other city they would be housed in a museum, but in Lisbon they are an integral part of the public transport network. These historic trams are still in use, as the 28 route is completely unsuitable for modern trams due to its numerous tight turns and steep gradients.
Unfortunately, this was our view for most of the way. We've hit the rainy season in Portugal.
We thawed at a darling coffee spot, delighting in local treats.
The Basílica da Estrela and Convent of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus was built by order of Queen Maria I of Portugal, as a fulfilled promise for giving birth to a son (José, Prince of Brazil). The official name of the church is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Construction started in 1779 and the basilica was finished in 1790, after the death of José caused by smallpox in 1788.
This Basilica was the first church in the world dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. So opulent and so sad, as well.
This was a common sight... Ian is the map keeper! He is an amazing navigator.
We were fortunate to be able to pop into the British Cemetery (and asked to leave a few minutes later, it wasn't really opened). Its most famous resident is Henry Fielding, an 18th century English writer and magistrate who established the mechanisms of the modern novel through such works as Tom Jones and Amelia. He died here in 1754.
This building made us pause. The Palácio de São Bento is the home of the Assembly of the Republic, the Portuguese parliament.

The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga demanded an explore. It is a former and spectacular palace of the Count of Alvor. The Museum has its roots in the 1833 abolition of religious orders and confiscation of the monasteries in Portugal, which brought a trove of religious art and ornaments into the public sphere. The tapestry Steve is admiring was created in 1504 to commemorate "The Discovery of India by Vasco da Gama".
This was a very interesting discovery. Some of the original works were removed with their attributes covered and put into a special room of "Explicit" art for a unique temporary exhibit.
St. Jerome in His Study by Albrecht Dürer (1521) is one of the great prizes in this collection. How amazing to see it so up close.


On the way to St. George's Castle, we stopped for a brief break. It was perfect.

A must for us was São Jorge Castle, a Moorish castle occupying a commanding hilltop overlooking the historic center. The strongly fortified citadel dates from medieval period of Portuguese history.






In addition to rich and interesting history, the view was unbelievable. If you look closely, I wrote 'here' where our apartment is located.

The sights around the city continue to delight us, around every corner.

Love their mailmen.
This was my favorite tile work.