Most Visited Monuments in Portugal l Famous Monuments in Portugal

Portugal is definitely a novel place to be and a remarkable sight to see. With a trove of deep-rooted traditions and celebrated cultures, a visit to the monuments in Portugal departs from the humdrum sightseeing tours to bring you an enriching experience of scenic colonial buildings. Lisbon is Portugal’s capital city, the country’s most populous city, and the most important commercial center and continues to flourish more than ever. Surrender yourself to the infectious energy of the locals, coated in the beautiful tongue of the Portuguese language, as you embark on this journey. Here is one of the top 10 monuments in Portugal:

List of Monuments in Portugal

1. Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa

Also known as Paco Ducal, the Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa was built in 1501 by the orders of the Duke of Bragança. Over time, the palace also housed various monarchs and their royal families. Today, this iconic monument in Portugal houses collections featuring the treasures owned by these royal families. You can explore the palace and learn more about their lavish lifestyles, as well as their roles in Portugal’s history. Parts of the palace were even preserved to look as though the monarchs had never left – with portraits still hanging on the walls and toiletries still found in the private rooms.

Address: Terreiro do Paço, Vila Viçosa, Portugal

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2. The Tower of Belem 

The Torre de Belem (Belem Tower), Lisbon The Torre de Belem is the most popular monument in Portugal. This delightful little fort guarded the Tejo Estuary since the 16th century and was constructed at the height of the Manueline style of architecture. Decorating the fort are Arabic styled watchtowers, battlements adorned with the “Cross of Christ” and the earliest carving of a rhinoceros in Europe.

Being the icon of Lisbon, the Torre de Belem is always popular with tourists, and there can be very long queues to visit the rather empty and austere interior of the fort. The true beauty of the Torre de Belem is the highly ornate exterior, which is best seen from the landside or via a boat tour. This article will provide a tourist guide to the Torre de Belem. 

There are good views from the top floor of the fort, but the view from the Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument is much better.

Address: Torre de Belem, Lisbon, Portugal.

3. Castle of Bragança

The Castle of Bragança is one of the most well-preserved historical buildings in Portugal. Located in the historic center of Santa Maria, this medieval castle looks as though it could be straight out of a fairy tale – complete with 15 watchtowers, fortifications, and breathtaking views. The castle also boasts a long, rich history, having been built in the 13th century and having survived both the Roman and Moorish occupations. Today, the castle is recognized as a National Monument and is home to a museum that showcases the history of the Portuguese military, as well as a good number of cafes and shops.

Address: R. Dom João V 62, 5300-025 Bragança, Portugal




4. Batalha Monastery

Constructed in 1385, the Batalha Monastery was built by the Portuguese to thank the Virgin Mary for their triumph against the Castillians in the Battle of Aljubarrota. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in Portugal, noted for its majestic design and decor that combines late Gothic and Manueline styles. The Monastery has also served as a museum since the 1980s, showcasing the history of the structure, as well as Portugal’s monarchs throughout history.

Address: Largo Infante Dom Henrique, 2440-109 Batalha, Portugal

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5. Mafra National Palace

The Mafra National Palace, also known as the Royal Building of Mafra is noted for its unique design, which is a blend of baroque and neoclassical styles. This beautiful monument in Portugal is actually a vast complex, which includes the Basilica, Convent, Cerco Garden, and the Tapada Nacional de Mafra, which is a hunting and recreational park. Following the exile of the last king of Portugal, the palace was declared a National Monument and opened to the public as a museum. To this day, the palace opens its doors to thousands of visitors who want to see its beauty and grandeur.

Address: Terreiro D. João V, Mafra, Portugal

6. Alcobaça Monastery

Founded in 1153 by Afonso I – the first Portuguese king – in celebration of his victory over the Moors, the Alcobaça Monastery was one of the first Gothic buildings in the country. Along with the Augustinian Monastery of Santa Cruz in Coimbra, it is also considered to be one of the most important medieval monasteries in the country and was declared a UNESCO monument in Portugal. Inside the monastery, one can find plenty of intriguing details, such as life-like sculptures depicting the lives of the saints, splendidly decorated tombs, and of course, stunning architectural features.

Address: 2460-018 Alcobaça, Portugal

7. Estação do Rossio

Designed by architect José Luís Monteiro in the late 19th century, the Rossio train station reflects the typical Portuguese Neo-Manueline architecture, which was popular in the middle of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. The Estação do Rossio may not receive as many travelers as the Oriente Station, but it attracts plenty of design-interested visitors who come to gaze at the splendidly designed stone arches, beautiful clock tower, and lofty ceiling inside. This historical landmark in Portugal is also the one to leave from when traveling to Sintra, one of Europe’s loveliest cities.

Address: 125 Rua 1º de Dezembro, Lisboa, Lisboa, 1249-970, Portugal.

8. Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima is a cluster of Catholic religious buildings and structures, including the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Chapel of the Lausperene, and a monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Chapel of the Apparitions, which it is best known for. In 1916, three young children in Fatima claimed to have seen an apparition of an angel and the Virgin Mary, as they were tending to their sheep by the chapel. These apparitions are known in the Catholic Faith as the Miracle of Fatima. Today, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima is one of the most important religious monuments in Portugal as well as in the world, drawing in more than four million Roman Catholic pilgrims, annually.

Address: 2495-401 Fátima, Portugal

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9. Castelo de São Jorge

This rich and extensive history of this famous monument in Portugal is captured within the castle, from the formidable fortifications, the defensive viewpoints, or the tranquil gardens of the royal quarters. For visitors there is a lot to experience while in the castle, the citadel’s towers and battlements can be explored, there are amazing views over the city, along with an informative museum. The castle is in the heart of the Alfama district, one of the most characterful areas of Lisbon, and is where we recommend you begin your tour of Lisbon.

Address: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal.

10. Park and National Palace of Pena

The Park and National Palace of Pena is one of Portugal’s seven wonders and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built-in 1854, the Park and National Palace of Pena boast an eclectic mix of styles, including the neo-Gothic, Manueline, Islamic, and Renaissance styles of architectural design. Its surrounding park is equally as lush, being home to various specials of flora from every continent. Planning to see this beautiful historical landmark in Portugal? Be sure to get yourself some skip-the-line tickets, so that you can enter without having to deal with long lines and waiting times.

Address: Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal

11. Elevador de Santa Justa

The Elevador de Santa Justa is an industrial age lift, which transports passengers up one of the steepest hills in central Lisbon. Within the iron, structures are gothic arches and geometric patterns, while the cabins are lined with polished wood and controlled by brass dials. The Elevador de Santa Justa is a truly unique monument in Portugal and saves having to climb one of the city’s steepest hills. The terrace provides wonderful views over central Lisbon and is a very romantic location at night. The entrance cost is €5.30 return (including viewpoint) – €1.50 viewing platform entrance.

Address: R. do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisboa, Portugal.

12. Church of Sao Roque

The Church of Sao Roque, also known as the Igreja de São Roque is among the first Jesuit churches in the world. It is composed of eight chapels, most of which were built in the early 17th century, in the baroque style. Dedicated to the patron saint of victims of the plague, this ancient monument in Portugal also served as a shrine to the relics of Saint Roch, which were sent to Lisbon at a time when the city was being ravaged by the disease. Today, the Church of Sao Roque remains an important shrine among the Catholic faithful in Portugal, as well as a notable heritage building in the nation’s capital.

Address: Largo Trindade Coelho, 1200-470 Lisboa, Portugal

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13. Cristo Rei Statue

The Cristo Rei statue towers above the southern banks of the Tejo Estuary and is one of the most popular monuments in Portugal. This statue has many similarities to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, and this is true as the Brazilian monument inspired the Portuguese statue. Apart from being a distinctive landmark, the Cristo Rei statue provides one of the best viewpoints of Lisbon, with unrivaled views of the suspension bridge and city. By public transport, the statue can be easily and inexpensively traveled; there is a ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas and then by bus from Cacilhas to the Cristo Rei statue. The ferry ride is an enjoyable activity. The charges for visiting this monument are as; Cacilhas ferry is €1.30 for single, 101 bus €1.45, Elevator of Boca do Vento free, Cristo Rei viewing platform €6.00.

Address: Cristo Rei statue, Lisbon, Portugal.

14. Bolsa Palace

The Palacio da Bolsa, also refers as the Stock Exchange Palace, is another important monument in Portugal. Located in the city of Porto, the palace was constructed in the 19th century in order to serve as a venue where traders can hold open discussions, as well as to serve as the association’s headquarters. Made in the neo-classical and neo-palladian styles, the palace was declared a national monument in 1982. Besides serving as the headquarters for the Associação Comercial do Porto, Bolsa Palace is also one of the most visited architectural sites in Portugal today, attracting more than 300 thousand visitors, every year.

Address: R. de Ferreira Borges, 4050-253 Porto, Portugal

15. São Roque Church

When you gaze at the exterior of the São Roque Church in Bairro Alto, it’s hard to imagine that the plain, white facade conceals the most beautiful cathedral in Lisbon. This historical religious monument in Portugal was constructed in intervals, and one chapel, Capela de São João Baptista, was designed in Rome and transported to Lisbon where it was assembled. The first Jesuit church built in Portugal, the São Roque Church features lots of giltwood, detailed mosaics, and a stunning painted ceiling. Next door, you’ll find the Museum of São Roque, among the most complete museums of Portuguese religious art.

Address: São Roque Church, Lisbon Portugal.

So far we have discussed the best monuments in Portugal, which contains the proper information regarding all the most visited monuments in Portugal. I hope you might have loved reading this article and if you love to know more about Portugal then kindly head to our other articles as well which will help you to get knowledge about.

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