Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, situated on the northern bank of the Tagus estuary where the river approaches the Atlantic. The city spreads across seven hills, giving its older quarters a dramatic topography of steep lanes, viewpoints, and descending tramlines. The historic Alfama district, the oldest part of the city, clusters around the Castelo de São Jorge and retains a dense medieval street pattern.

The city’s architectural heritage spans from Moorish fortifications and Gothic churches to the distinctive Manueline style of the sixteenth century, best represented by the Torre de Belém and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos at the riverfront. Lisbon was the departure point for the Portuguese voyages of discovery, and its maritime identity is woven into its monuments, tiles, and culture.

For pilgrims beginning the Camino Português from Lisbon, the traditional starting point is the Sé Cathedral, from which the route follows the Tagus northward through the Ribatejo to Porto.