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And today...for the gentleman :)



Dave and Julie posted their visit Here, Go take a look :)

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For the ladys

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Blog day topic: The Tenin Technique

The Arco da Rua Augusta leading from Praca do Comercio to the Baixa's main, pedestrianised street.
The figures on the arch include Vasco da Gama and the Marques de Pombal

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

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Bookstore Diário de Notícias, Rossio. The façade is from 1938.

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Igreja do Carmo

This amazing gothic monument, or what's left of it, was founded by Nuno Álvares Pereira, the commander that became a member of the Carmelite Order. Its construction was finished in 1423 and was at that time the biggest church in Lisbon.

The ruins of the Carmo Church, left by the devastating earthquake in 1755, are best seen from the Baixa (downtown) especially from Rossio, from Graça or from St. George Castle. They represent centuries of history and is home to the Archaeological Carmo Museum.

In this museum there is a historical collection of inestimable value with pieces from prehistory to contemporaneity. So, make sure you go beyond the external wealth of these ruins and take a look inside for an enriching insight into the past! [*]

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People, pigeons and water at Rossio Square.

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Well...Rossio square again!

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Rossio Square

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   Rossio square

"Rossio is one of the most beautiful squares in Lisbon. People pass here everyday, rushing for work, and hardly take the time to look around. It's not only the beautiful monuments and the fountains, or its fascinating history... Rossio is a living book.

Recently renovated, it hasn't lost any of its mysticism... Feel it around the D. Maria II National Theatre, where many plays were, and are, performed and seen by Kings and Queens, around the fountains used at the beginning of October to baptize the freshmen as they were about to enter the University -, around the cafes frequented by famous Portuguese personalities - like Cafe Nicola founded in 1929 - and yes, oh yes, smell it on freshly roasted chestnuts that have been sold in the Rossio Square for many many years.

In the middle of the square there's a statue of Dom Pedro IV and at its foot the four female figures representing Justice, Wisdom, Strength and Moderation, qualities attributed to Dom Pedro himself.
The originally called 'Dom Pedro IV Square', got the name Rossio from the local people and it's still today a traditional meeting point both for Lisboetas and visitors." [*]

Take a tour :)

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Rossio Square
Praça do Rossio

Take a google walk :)                                                                                

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Happy Valentine's Day for you all!!

Municipal Square
Lisbon's City Hall

West of Comercio Square, following Rua do Arsenal, is Praça do Municipio (Municipal Square), a small peaceful square where the City Hall, Appeals Court and Navy Arsenal stand.

The City Hall building is a neoclassical palace with an elegant exterior featuring sculptures on the triangular tympanum supported by four paired columns. The interior, which can only be visited on free guided tours on Sunday mornings, is rich in works of art, including a painting showing Marquês de Pombal during the times of the reconstruction of Lisbon.

Outside the building is an interesting pillory with a spiral column built of a single block in the 18th century, and crowned with a gilt metal sphere.

Ride Lisbon's metro, buses, and trams for FREE with the Lisboa Card.
Where: Baixa
How: Walk from Comercio Square or down from Chiado.
When: Sunday mornings

Sights Nearby

Comercio Square - Monumental riverside square.
Rua Augusta - The city's main shopping street.
Conceição Velha Church - Church that survived the Great Earthquake.
Santa Justa Elevator - An Eiffel Tower-like landmark with views over the city.
Rossio Square - Lisbon's elegant main square.
Figueira Square - Busy square and transporation hub.
São Domingos Church - A church marked by tragedy.
Rua das Portas de Santo Antão - Pedestrian street lined with seafood restaurants.
Rossio Station - A monumental train station.

Marquês de Pombal

"Marquês de Pombal Square

A monument to Lisbon's rebirth

Like the Champs-Elysees and other great European boulevards, Lisbon's Avenida da Liberdade ends at a large roundabout and a monument. This is the monument to the Marquis of Pombal, the prime minister responsible for the rebuilding of Lisbon following the Great Earthquake in 1755, showing him standing on a column with his hand on a lion (symbol of power) and his eyes directed to the downtown area that he rebuilt. The base is decorated with allegorical images depicting Pombal's political, educational, and agricultural reforms. Broken blocks of stone at the foot of the monument and tidal waves flooding the city symbolize the effects of the earthquake. The surrounding paving stones are decorated with a mosaic of Lisbon's coat of arms.

Ride Lisbon's metro, buses, and trams for FREE with the Lisboa Card.
Where: Baixa How: Metro - Marquês de Pombal Station

Sights Nearby Avenida da Liberdade - The city's main avenue. Edward VII Park - The city's largest park. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum - Treasures from the East and the West. Medeiros e Almeida Museum - Outstanding private collection of fine arts. " [*]

Hotel Real Palacio

Took these shots today morning while walking to work :)

Professional Review
Laid out in two separate structures connected by a terrace, this large-scale property feels like a small-scale operation. The marble-floored lobby where a lengthy reception desk can handle the crowds makes a fine first impression.
Dining on the ground floor consists of the substantial breakfast buffet and extends to all-day dining inside or on the garden terrace.
A fitness center caters to health buffs with a gym, sauna and steam room. Massage services can be arranged, and two meeting rooms accommodate small groups. Wireless high-speed Internet access is available throughout the public areas. A business center provides Internet-equipped computers for the self-sufficient. Those arriving in cars can park nearby.
Guest rooms offer frilly fabrics that grace the window panes, king or queen beds, and furnishings in coordinated patterns. Amenities in guest quarters include air conditioning, complimentary high-speed Internet access, cable TVs, safes, minibars and phones. A pillow menu provides a choice of firmness for where guests lay their heads; sadly, there is no choice for the firm mattresses. Baths come with hair dryers, robes and slippers. Units with balconies are preferred.
A few rooms are set aside each for nonsmokers and disabled guests. Pets are not allowed. Room service delivers during regular hours.
Management takes pride in this operation, ensuring guests' comfort and placing this well-kept property at the top of Lisbon's list of high-end properties with the big brand names.

Rua Tomas Ribeiro 115, Lisbon, Portugal 1050-228
Phone: 351 21-319-9501
Email: realpalacio@hoteisreal.com
Web: http://www.hoteisreal.com