Landmarks of Lisbon, Portugal

Casa dos Bicos

• Casa dos Bicos is a 16th-century architectural curiosity in the Alfama district of Lisbon. The house one of the most recognizable landmarks in Lisbon for its distinct stone facing, which features 1,125 diamond-shaped stones that protrude like spikes, leading to the name "Casa dos Bicos" or "House of Spikes." The palace was built for Afonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese viceroy of India. Thought to have been modeled on the royal homes of Venice, the house has several distinctly Portuguese architectural elements, such as the Manueline arched windows found on the upper two floors. The house is one of the few original buildings to have survived the 1755 earthquake that leveled much of Lisbon and so is considered a very important historic landmark in the city. Although the interior is not currently open to the public because of renovations, the Casa dos Bicos will soon be home to the Saramago Foundation, dedicated to the Nobel-prize winning Portuguese writer.

  Casa dos Bicos
  Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 10
  Lisbon 1100-070
  Portugal
  +351-021-881-0900
  golisbon.com

Castelo de Sao Jorge

• The Castelo de Sao Jorge is a popular historic structure upon the highest hill in Lisbon. With a storied past and many legends associated with it, the castle is a must-visit for people touring the city. Apart from the impressive 14th-century architecture, the breathtaking panoramic views of the city from the Ulysses Tower make a trip to the castle worthwhile. Facilities include a small museum and a periscope, invented by Leonardo da Vinci, offering a 360-degree view of the city.

  Castelo de Sao Jorge
  Costa do Castelo
  Lisbon 1100-179
  Portugal
  +351-021-120-5050
  castelosaojorge.egeac.pt

Praca de Touros do Campo Pequeno

• Lisbon has a strong tradition of bullfighting, and although the practice is not for everyone, the architecture of Lisbon's bullfighting ring is quite impressive. The Praca de Touros do Campo Pequeno, or just Campo Pequeno for short, was built in 1892 and can seat 9,000 spectators. The site is now much more than a center for bullfights; it is a popular music and event venue in the distinctive Moorish-style architecture of the city. After being closed for renovations for several years, the Campo Pequeno has reopened to visitors and is a popular local landmark that is known to virtually everyone in Portugal.

  Praca de Touros do Campo Pequeno
  Avenida da Republica
  Lisbon 1000-082
  Portugal
  +351-021-793-2093
  golisbon.com