Viewpoint of Portas do Sol

The Viewpoint of Portas do Sol offers us the best perspective over the Historical District of Alfama.

Starting at Largo Portas do Sol¹ perched on the district’s laced streets, extended in floor tiles, long and narrow, we can find a small terrace sitting on an esplanade, and another on the top right hand side.

As we walk-in through the viewpoint, we’re pleasantly greeted by the statue of São Vicente² sculpted by Raúl Xavier, that looks directly at Igreja de Santiago³ and Palácio Azurara⁴.

We are precisely standing on the south side of the Colina do Castelo⁵ over the Vale de Alfama⁶.

On the left we can catch sight of the architectural symbols of the Colina de São Vicente de Fora⁷: Igreja de Sao Vicente⁸ and Panteão Nacional⁹. Heading down, towards Rio Tejo¹⁰, we arrive to the Igreja Santo Estevão¹¹ and Museu do Fado¹³.

The broad perspective allows us to look as far as the eye can see! Weather permitting, it wides all the way to Serra da Arrábida¹³, across the river and the whole south bank of the Tagus.

Translation references

1. Square Portas do Sol
2. St. Vincent Statue
3. Church of Santiago
4. Azurara Palace
5. Hill’s Castle
6. Alfama’s Valley
7. Hill of São Vicente de Fora
8. St. Vincent Church
9. National Pantheon
10. Tagus River
11. St. Stephen’s Church
12. Fado Museum
13. Arrábida Sierra