Text and photos by Nina Sarmiento

 

 

 

   I went to Lisbon if only for the quality of its sun light. Yes that clear and pure light that envelopes the cityscape- perfect for this amateur shutterbug who always need an excuse for a photo op.    But more than its  “photogenic” quality,  I love traveling in this Portugese city as I'm fascinated with its Gothic cathedrals, lovely museums and monuments and the chance to walk its cobbled streets.

   But Lisbon offers more to a solo female traveler who want to go somewhere quiet and pretty.  Here are some places that you can visit if you can only squeeze in a weekend traveling to Portugal:

 

Baixa:

The main street of the town, it is the lower area between Chiado and  and the Alfama and bordered by the Rosion square. The town is home to several streets, with each street dedicated to a certain line of commerce – Rua de Ouro and Rua de Prata for jewelry,  cobblers can be found in Rua de Sapateiros, while you can buy fabric at Rua dos Fanqueiros.

Elevador de Santa Justa:

A Gothic style iron structure, you have to climb this to get a magnificent view of the city or Lisbon's pretty town square: Largo de Carmo.

 

 

Torre de Belem:

Lisbon's famous monument, this tower was dedicated to St.Vincent,  its facade Moorish in design, the site of the monument is a lovely place t o relax while enjoying a great view of the river. On the tower's portal is the Gothic statue of the Virgin of Calm Voyages. You can climb all the way to up to the tower, but the stairs are narrow and steep.

 

Padrao dos Descobrimentos:

This is probably the most photographed Lisbon landmark. It  features the sculptures of Portugal's most prominent historical figures including  Prince Henry, royal prince, soldier, and patron of explorers;  King Manuel I, whose reign in the 16th century led to a vast global trading empire, great scientifioc discoveries and the growth of Portugese art,; Vasco da Gama, Portugese explorer who commandeered the first ships to sail directly from Europe to India; Luis de Camoes, Portugal's greatest poet.   and Nuno Goncalves, 15th-century Portuguese court painter who painted the Adoration of Saint Vincent panels – a masterpiece of Portugese antique art.

 

 

 

 

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos: 

If you like Manueline structures (Gothic art with maritime elements)  then you have to visit this emblem  of Manueline era. Its monks tended the men setting out on the voyage and inside is the tomb of Vasco de Gama. The church was dedicated to the Church of Nativity. King Manuel 1 had promised to build a bigger church if Vasco de Gama's voyage has been successful: the king has envisioned a church  that could serve as his burial and as a base for tending the sailors

 

Day tours from Lisbon: if you can squeeze in more time, you can perhaps visit these nearby areas:

 

Nazare:

A small picturesque seaside village with long sandy beaches located along the Atlantic coast.  You can sometimes catch a glimpse of local women wearing headscarves and embroidered aprons over seven flannel skirts in different colors. The name of the town is derived from a small Black Madonna statue bought by a monk from Nazareth.  Nazare is  a popular summer destination, but you can also visit anytime if only to sit and relax in  a  cafe by the seaside. 

 

Batalha Monastery:

King João I promised to build a  bigt monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary if his forces defeats the Castillians, in what is now known as Battle of Aljubarrota. The king was victorious and he eventually gave the monastery to the Dominicans. The work needed for the monastery is huge and expensive, hence it took more than a century to comlete at least 75% of it. The Unfinished Chapels (Capelas Imperfeitas) is a solid testimony that the monastery was never finished .

The west portal is  covered in lacy stonework and filled with Gothic windows, overlooking a spacious plaza.  The octagonal building attached to the right of the church is the Founder's Chapel, illuminated with stained glass windows and topped with an exquisite star vault.

It contains the tombs of King João I and his  Queen Philippa and their son, Prince Henry the Navigator.

 

Obidos:

The narrow cobbled streets are line up with with whitewashed, bougainvillaea-draped  shop houses  selling crafts, delicacies and liqueurs including the famous Ginja – a sweet brandy liqueur made with local cherries. Obidos is the only municipality that serves Ginja in a chocolate cup, hence it has become a must try when visiting this town

 

Travel Notes:

*If you're visiting this city, I highly recommend the Lisbon Poets Hostel- a cozy bohemian hotel located in the art district of Chiado. A private room costs 50 to 60 euros a night and you can also enjoy all the facilities that you need -Wi-Fi, tv, kitchen and laundry. Plus it's right smack at the  city center – so you can always drop in at the many cafes and bars plus this is a perfect base to navigate the city's many attractions.  Go to http://www.lisbonpoetshostel.com/   for more details.  

*Be careful when you're walking in one of Lisbon's town squares. Lisbon is safe, but petty crimes do occur and there are usually bag snatchers in some of the town squares. So keep your belongings safe and don't walk around flashing your  jewelry or pricey cellphones.

*Don't leave Lisbon without listening to Fando – Portugal's melancholic traditional music. There are several Fado houses – cafes which feature Fado singers – in the city so you can always have the opportunity to the music that best describes this city's soul.

* Drink Ginja – you'll never regret it.    

 

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Resources: 

 

1. For the first time solo female traveler:

 

 

The Art of Solo Travel: A Girls’ Guide  by Stephanie Lee is ideal for the woman traveling alone for the first time but has no idea how to go about it.  The guide answers all the questions that you have on traveling alone as a woman – from saving money for your travels, to advice on relationships and health on the road and even advice on how to deal with dream crushers.  

 

2. Learn how to keep safe while traveling on your own:

 

 

 

 

Travel Safety*  by security trainer Craig Bidois will prepare you for anything and everything that will happen while you’re on the road. The book offers practical advice on a how you can deal with all sorts of problems- from losing your passport to getting mugged to being a victim of natural disasters.

 

3.  For that "Wild Woman" in You:

 

 Are you ready to nourish your mind, body and soul?  Are you a woman who doesn't fit into any box or stereotype – and don't want to either?  Do you want to follow your bliss and change the world. Then Wild Sister* is for you!! 

 

 

 

*Disclosure: This is an affiliate link