Table Of Contents

1. #1. Bertrand Livraria
2. #2. Alfama District
3. #4. Bica Elevator
4. #5. Rua da Condessa
5. #6. Miradouro de Santa Luzia
6. #7. Carmo Convent
7. #8. Jeronimos Monastery
8. #9. Tower of Belém
9. #10. Arco Da Rua Augusta

#1. Bertrand Livraria

Bertrand Livraria is the oldest bookstore in the world. It was opened in 1732 and survived both the fire, earthquake and tsunami of 1755 which levelled much of Lisbon. Today it is standing like a quiet landmark in the middle of the busy city. There is only a small sign out front announcing its historic status. The blue and white tiles, which are so popular across Lisbon, are some of the most iconic and their tiled wall, from the 1700s is an incredible place to take a snapshot. I love the way they appear to bloom like flowers.

#2. Alfama District

Alfama was one of the only neighbourhoods to entirely withstands the massive earthquake of 1755. This district is littered with historic houses as old as the city itself, cobblestone streets which are so worn down the stones are almost indistinguishable from each other as well as some of the most vibrant personalities the city has to offer. The squares of Alfama are alight with colourful banners and decorations.There always seems to be some sort of party or festival happening here. Mixed in with the ancient stones and tiles, the colours and breathtaking backdrops here are unreal.

#3. Rua da Rosa in Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto is a neighbourhood which absolutely silent during the day, and yet at night, it explodes with life! It’s where you’ll find all the trendiest bars and the hottest night life. But during the day time, it’s a fantastically peaceful place to explore. And admire the iconic Portuguese tiles and bright coloured apartment buildings. Walking down the streets you’ll hear only the sound of your footsteps. And the occasion resident sweeping off their front steps.

#4. Bica Elevator

The Bica Elevator is one of the most popular spots for a photo is Lisbon. And while it might seem overly touristy during the day, in the early morning, this part of the Bica neighbourhood is absolutely stunning and provides incredible photography opportunities. The old tram began running 1892. It’s aim was to help the residents of Lisbon get up the steep hills upon which the city is built on top of. Although these trams and the surrounding neighbourhood are always heavily graffitied, this somehow only adds to the vibrant nature of the area. Doesn’t detract from it.

#5. Rua da Condessa

At the end of the Rua da Condessa, in Bairro Alto, you’ll find a long staircase, flanked on either side by dazzling buildings. In between the two buildings is framed on the most magnificent vistas in Lisbon. In the distance, high atop the hill is one of Lisbon’s old ruins, like the old guard looking down over the new city.

#6. Miradouro de Santa Luzia

My favourite Miradouro is the Miradouro de Santa Luzia! Not only does it have one of the most spectacular views across Alfama and the Tagus river, but it is also has a lush garden. Filled with incredible tile work veranda and lots of rich, blooming trees. No matter which way you’re looking, there is something absolutely magical to see here. This place gets mobbed during the day time. But if you arrive early enough (especially at sunset) you’ll be in for a real treat!

#7. Carmo Convent

The Carmo Convent was once Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a Catholic convent located in the heart of Barrio Alto. Fires, earthquakes, political and religious upheaval all resulted in the convent falling to ruins, but thankfully no one had the funds to demolish it. In the later 20th century, it was converted into a museum and what was left of the structure was given supports to prevent its further degeneration. The interior of the convent, with it’s roofless view of the sky is breathtaking. If you’re lucky enough to be there at night or when there is an event, the interior is lit up to highlight the architectural details. And the open rooftop provides stunning views of the stars above.

#8. Jeronimos Monastery

The Jeronimos Monastery was built in the 15th century by King Manuel who used money the realm gained from explorations around the world to fund its construction. Portugal was known for its explorers and as such, made a lot of money from its imports. This meant the architect had a virtually unlimited budget for the construction and it’s for this reason that we find this opulent, renaissance building we see today. No matter where you turn or where you look, there are exquisitely framed shots. Hidden in the details throughout the building are oceanic elements, reflecting this strong seafaring country. A joy to discover as you explore.

#9. Tower of Belém

The Tower of Belém is located along the scenic Tagus river. It was once a defensive system for Lisbon to help the military see any incoming ships into their harbour. The tower is both a military structure but also an architectural gem of the city. Standing in low tide, on the shores of the river, looking up at this tower is a magnificent sight to see. There’s no need to wait in the super long line and pay six euros to get inside. The view from the exterior is much prettier anyways and exploring it from all angles along the banks of the river is much more fun than waiting in a line.

#10. Arco Da Rua Augusta

The entryway to Lisbon’s largest square can be found through the Arco Da Rua Augusta. The gateway opens up onto the Comercio Plaza which looks out over the Tagus River. This archway is located along one of the busiest streets in Lisbon and sometimes it can get annoyingly touristy. But if you arrive here early in the morning, you’ll be left only with the elegant scene of 18th century Lisbon.

Hopefully this helps you out in your quest for finding the best Lisbon has to offer! Let me know in the comment what your favourite part of the city was or what you’re most looking forward to seeing.

Happy Travel Adventurers!

The post The 10 Best Instagrammable Spots you Must-See on in Lisbon first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Bertrand Livraria
2. Alfama District
3. Lavadouro Publico
4. Parc Eduardo VII
5. Rua da Rosa in Bairro Alto
6. Bica Elevator
7. Rua da Condessa
8. Miradouro de Santa Luzia
9. Carmo Convent
10. Jeronimos Monastery
11. Tower of Belém
12. LX Factory
13. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
14. Pink Street
15. Pastéis de Belém
16. Arco Da Rua Augusta
17. Lisbon Story Arch
18. Sintra

Bertrand Livraria

Bertrand Livraria is the oldest bookstore in the world. It was opened in 1732 and survived both the fire, earthquake and tsunami of 1755 which levelled much of Lisbon. Today it is standing like a quiet landmark in the middle of the busy city. There is only a small sign out front announcing its historic status. The blue and white tiles, which are so popular across Lisbon, are some of the most iconic and their tiled wall, from the 1700s is an incredible place to take a snapshot. I love the way they appear to bloom like flowers.

Alfama District

Alfama was one of the only neighbourhoods to entirely withstands the massive earthquake of 1755. This district is littered with historic houses as old as the city itself, cobblestone streets which are so worn down the stones are almost indistinguishable from each other as well as some of the most vibrant personalities the city has to offer. The squares of Alfama are alight with colourful banners and decorations as there always seems to be some sort of party or festival happening here. Mixed in with the ancient stones and tiles, the colours and breathtaking backdrops here are unreal.

Lavadouro Publico

In the Alfama neighbourhood, if you know where to look, you can step inside a historical public laundry facility. Inside are several large washing basins where adorable old ladies still wash and dry clothes, carpet and more for the neighbourhood. But what makes this place so neat, aside from the fact that it is a little piece of history frozen in time, are the colour block walls and the way the clothes which hang to dry create a pattern on the glass blocks separating the washing area from the drying racks.

Parc Eduardo VII

One of the first places we visited when we arrived in the city was Parc Eduardo VII. We landed super early in the morning, well before we were able to check into our Airbnb, and needed somewhere to relax and the park was one of the only things open. Parc Eduardo is located at the north end of the central downtown area. Constructed in 1902 the garden stretches over 26 hectares and over looks the Avenida da Liberdade. From the top of the long stretch of green grass and manicured bushes, you have a beautiful view of the Tagus river, and the city stretched out around it. From here not only do you have a fantastic view, but have a better idea of the size and scope of Lisbon.

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Rua da Rosa in Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto is a neighbourhood which absolutely silent during the day, and yet at night, it explodes with life! It’s where you’ll find all the trendiest bars and the hottest night life. But during the day time, it’s a fantastically peaceful place to explore and admire the iconic Portuguese tiles and bright coloured apartment buildings. Walking down the streets you’ll hear only the sound of your footsteps and the occasion resident sweeping off their front steps.

Bica Elevator

The Bica Elevator is one of the most popular spots for a photo is Lisbon. And while it might seem overly touristy during the day, in the early morning this part of the Bica neighbourhood is absolutely stunning and provides incredible photography opportunities. The old tram began running 1892 to help the residents of Lisbon get up the steep hills upon which the city is built on top of. Although these trams and the surrounding neighbourhood are always heavily graffitied, this somehow only adds to the vibrant nature of the town and doesn’t detract from it.

Rua da Condessa

At the end of the Rua da Condessa, in Bairro Alto, you’ll find a long staircase, flanked on either side by dazzling buildings. In between the two buildings is framed on the most magnificent vistas in Lisbon. In the distance, high atop the hill is one of Lisbon’s old ruins, like the old guard looking down over the new city.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

My favourite Miradouro is the Miradouro de Santa Luzia! Not only does it have one of the most spectacle views across Alfama and the Tagus river, but is also has a lush garden, incredible tile work veranda and lots of rich, blooming trees. No matter which way you’re looking, there is something absolutely magical to see here. This place gets mobbed during the day time, but if you arrive early enough (especially at sunset) you’ll be in for a real treat!

Carmo Convent

The Carmo Convent was once Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a Catholic convent located in the heart of Barrio Alto. Fires, earthquakes, political and religious upheaval all resulted in the convent falling to ruins, but thankfully no one had the funds to demolish it. In the later 20th century, it was converted into a museum and what was left of the structure was given supports to prevent its further degeneration. The interior of the convent, with it’s roofless view of the sky is breathtaking. If you’re lucky enough to be there at night or when there is an event, the interior is lit up to highlight the architectural details while the open rooftop provides stunning views of the stars above.

Jeronimos Monastery

The Jeronimos Monastery was built in the 15th century by King Manuel. Manuel used money the realm gained from explorations around the world to fund its construction. Portugal was known for its explorers and as such, made a lot of money from its imports. This meant the architect had a virtually unlimited budget for the construction. And it’s for this reason that we find this opulent, renaissance building we see today. No matter where you turn or where you look, there are exquisitely framed shots. Hidden in the details throughout the building are oceanic elements. Each one reflecting this strong seafaring country, and are a joy to discover as you explore.

Tower of Belém

The Tower of Belém is located along the scenic Tagus river. It was once a defensive system for Lisbon to help the military see any incoming ships into their harbour. The tower is both a military structure but also an architectural gem of the city. Standing in low tide, on the shores of the river, looking up at this tower is a magnificent sight to see. There’s no need to wait in the super long line and pay six euros to get inside. The view from the exterior is much prettier anyways and exploring it from all angles along the banks of the river is much more fun than waiting in line.

LX Factory

The LX Factory is located west of the city centre but easily accessible by Uber or metro. It’s a hipster mecca built in what used to be a 19th-century industrial site. This area has yet to be overrun with tourists. And, for now, is a calm, peaceful stretch of trendy stores and cute cafes. One of the best places to visit here is Ler Devagar. Ler Devagar is a charming bookshop built inside an old newspaper printing press facility. It feels like a mix between abandoned factory and Belle’s library from Beauty and the Beast.

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

My other favourite Miradouro is the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcantara. This stunning lookout also has a beautiful square, and nearby kiosk, where you can grab a Ginjinha to drink and sit watching the sunset. Often this square draws groups of musicians who preform traditional music for the crowds which gather. From here you can see across the entire city, over to St. George’s Castle and the surrounding hillside. Looking out at the view, drink in my hand and music in my ears, is honestly one of my favourite memories of the entire trip.

Pink Street

Located along the Ruo Nova Do Carvalho is where you’ll find the insta-famous ‘pink street’. At night this area acts as Lisbon’s ‘Red Light District.’ But during the day the charming pink-painted road makes everything a little less sinister. People have had a lot of opinions about this street, some recommending to skip visiting it. I think some people expected a pretty and pristine roadway as it appeared on some people’s feeds. But many Instagrammers highly photoshop their pictures in order for the road to look cleaner and empty.

So here is the real thing. No photoshopping. Here it is in the raw. I actually still thought it was super cute, as long as you know what to expect. I loved the way the colours on either side played off the road. It’s an adorable little spot to stumble upon when exploring downtown.

Pastéis de Belém

The Belem Monastery was where the recipe for Portuguese egg tarts was invented. These are now popular the world over but nowhere more than in Lisbon. You’ll find these sweet treats everywhere but Pastéis de Belém is where it all began, and you’d be remiss not to take a million pictures of these delicious treats before devouring them all. The shop they are sold in is in itself a becoming maze of white and blue tiles walls and smells heavenly. It’s a great place to sit and enjoy those sweet treats along with an espresso in hand, soaking up the atmosphere of this historic bakery.

Arco Da Rua Augusta

The entryway to Lisbon’s largest square can be found through the Arco Da Rua Augusta. The gateway opens up onto the Comercio Plaza which looks out over the Tagus River. This archway is located along one of the busiest streets in Lisbon and sometimes it can get annoyingly touristy. But if you arrive here early in the morning, you’ll be left only with the elegant scene of 18th century Lisbon.

Lisbon Story Arch

Located down a quiet staircase just nearby a busy tourist lookout point you’ll find the Lisbon Story Arch. It’s a bright and cheerful series of funny cartoons representing the history of Lisbon. In a city which is brimming with street art and graffiti, this is one of the best pieces which is not only a work of art but also gives you a little bit of history lesson to boot!

Sintra

Sintra is located just 45 minutes by train outside the city, and 30 minutes by car. This village is home to some of the most incredible castles and historical buildings around Lisbon, and it feels like living inside a fairytale. Pena Palace is the most fantastical of all the structures and whose colours seem to beam across Sintra’s skyline. It’s probably the most popular photographed spot in all of Portugal and as such is bursting with tourists. Get here as early as possible, a few minutes before opening if you can, and you’ll find it to be so much more enjoyable than only an hour or two later when you can barely move for the people. And who can blame them for all coming, it really is as amazing as you hear it is!

Hopefully, this helps you out in your quest for finding the best Lisbon has to offer! Let me know in the comment what your favourite part of the city was or what you’re most looking forward to seeing.

Happy Travel Adventurers!

The post The Ultimate Lisbon Photography Guide Incredible Instagrammable Places You Must-See first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

The Klementinum is a large building complex that stretches across an entire city block. Since the 15th century, astronomers, scientists, philosophers and musicians have poured through its door to study the precious books inside. These great men of science and art came together here. Each influenced the other and developed some of the modern era’s most incredible inventions. The Klementinum is home to several important institutions, including the National Library of the Czech Republic. But it is also an architectural and cultural treasure. With its stunning Baroque facade, beautiful courtyards, and intricate decoration, the Klementinum is a true feast for the eyes. So, join us as we discover the hidden gems and hidden stories of this beautiful complex.

Table Of Contents

1. Access & Admission
2. History
3. Great Mirror Chapel
4. 2nd Floor
5. The Great Library
6. The Bookshelves
7. Globes
8. The Meridian Hall
9. Viewpoint

Access & Admission

The only way to get into the libraries is by a guided tour (unless you’re a Czech scholar). These run about every hour and are worth every penny! For tour times and hours, visit their website.

To find the entrance to the tour, you walk through a small set of wooden doors near the church. Inside you will see a ticket booth with a cramped employee sitting behind the glass. After purchasing your ticket, you wait for your tour guide. Once they arrive, you’ll be whisked off throughout this gorgeous building.

Tickets cost: 300 Kc for Adults ($13 USD), 200 Kc ($9 USD) for Students and Seniors and children are free.

History

The Klementinum dates all the way back to the 11th century. It was formerly a tiny chapel dedicated to Saint Clement run by Dominican monks. The Hapsburg Emperor Ferdinand I wanted to help increase his power within the Roman Catholic Church and in Bohemia (now Prague). To do this, he invited the Jesuits into his city.

Wanting to make them feel more at home and give them some sense of importance, the Emperor gifted them the building now known as the Klementinum. It had a prime location, right across from the Charles Bridge, and was an excellent gift for the order.

In 1556, the library’s development began. By 1653 they had managed to build one of the most significant collections of books and the literary material in Europe. When the entire library was finished, it was the most massive building in Prague, after Prague Castle. Eventually, the Jesuits fell out with the Pope. So in 1773, the library was given over to Prague’s people and became a part of Charles University.

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Great Mirror Chapel

The first room that the guide will take you into is the Great Mirror Chapel. The architecture of the Klementinum varies from room to room, as different parts of the building were built during different periods. This room, however, is an excellent example of Baroque architecture. The Mirror Chapel was built in 1724 and features ornate frescoes, mirrors, the ceiling, and intricate gilded stucco. The rust-coloured walls and peach-painted ceiling are a unique touch. They make the chamber glow and make the visitor feel warm and cozy.

The faux marble columns along the walls each contain a beautifully framed work of art. These works of art were primarily created by Jan Hiebl, a Czech artist of little note. But Hiebl made a significant impression on the people who visit this chapel. One of the most important things to look at here is the two organs. The first was played by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on his visits to the Klementinum.

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This chapel can also be visited if you buy tickets to one of their “Classical Concerts.” These concerts are a fantastic option for visiting the Klementinum outside a guided tour. You will be treated to music from the 18th century played on the historic organ during the show. Usually performed by gifted local musicians. The very same organ played by Mozart himself now hosts new talented musicians hoping to become the following great composer!

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2nd Floor

After soaking in all the beauty inside the chapel, your guide leads up the first set of narrow stairs to the 2nd floor. This is where the historic library is housed. On the way to the library, you pass by various glass cabinets of curiosity. These different house instruments are used by astronomers to explore the skies, track weather and map constellations.

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The corridor is covered in ornate stucco, and the ceiling contains frescoes. Each scene is drawn from prominent literary writings, like echoes of the past, leading you down toward your destination.

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Although you can’t walk inside the library and pick up any books, there are various special volumes under the glass. These examples give you a glimpse of the books you’d find on the shelves within. Each one is masterfully handpainted with perfect calligraphy and illustration on every page. Monks would spend a lifetime creating a few copies of the same book. They would disperse the copies to only a few prestigious libraries worldwide.

The Great Library

As the guide leads you to the only open set of doors, you will be immediately taken aback by the tremendous amount of things to look at inside the Great Library. The shelves housing over 20,000 books from the early 17th century onwards are a stunning display. There is a sea of baroque finishings washing over the walls.

The ceiling features a large fresco, an original part of 18th-century design. The paintings on the ceiling depict the Temple of Wisdom, a city from Greek Mythology, which was thought to have housed thousands of theological volumes dating back to 1600. Jan Hiebl, the same artist who painted the frescos in the Mirror Chapel, also did these frescos. He uses light and shadow to create a domed effect even on the flat ceiling. Hiebl spent tireless hours giving the illusion of natural sunlight pouring into space despite natural light being restricted to protect the books from damage.

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The Bookshelves

The bookshelves are carved from stunning dark wood, which shines even in the dim light. Some columns are carved into spirals, topped off with gold capitals. Above the tops of each bookshelf are golden frames with the names of prominent Jesuits inscribed on them. These Jesuits were the people who helped build this impressive library.

The books in the collection consist mainly of theological volumes in various foreign languages. It also contains a Mozartiana, a book about the life of Tycho Brahe and Comenius. You’d also find historical examples of famous Czech literature. Some of the collections’ books are so rare and unique that they have been given to Google to be digitally preserved online for everyone to see.

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Globes

In the centre of the room are various globes of different sizes, displaying historical diagrams and maps of the world. You can see how opinions have changed throughout the years on the map of the world. The shapes of continents would grow or shrink based on the newest technology or information. There are also several sets of celestial globes to be found here. Celestial spheres show the position of the stars in the sky.

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The Meridian Hall

Although you might not want to leave, eventually, the tour guide must move on. You are taken to the next floor, which contains Meridian Hall. The Meridian Hall was an invention designed to determine and mark twelve noon. When the scientists inside would see that noon had come (based on their instruments), they would ring the bells from the top of the bell tower. This would indicate to the rest of the town that it was midday. Alongside the Meridian Hall is several weather recording devices that note the temperature as early as 1775. These are even still used today to continue to record the weather.

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Viewpoint

You can mount the final, very narrow, rickety set of stairs to walk out onto the bell tower. You must climb up 172 steps to get to the top of the building. But you’ll be rewarded with a stunning 360° view of Prague’s red-topped roofs.

Being up here helps you understand where everything is in Prague. You can see all the important landmarks, and bronze diagrams help identify all the famous buildings you’re looking down at. This was so helpful since we’d see something far off in the distance and want to make a note of tracking it down once back on land.

Seeing as the tour group is so small, you have this view all to yourself once the group spreads out. It was so romantic and truly an oasis of serenity in a city which can be overwhelming and full of tourists.

A massive bronze sculpture of Atlas holds up the world on the very top of the bell tower. On our way out, we looked at the top of the tower from where we were once standing. The Klementinum and the Strahov Monastery are my two favourite landmarks in Prague. You MUST visit them if you’re ever in the city, especially if you’re a library lover like me!

The post A Guide to the Prague Klementinum first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.