Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.mude.pt
; Rua Augusta 24; 10am-6pm Tue-Sun)
Baixa's newest star is the Museum of
Design and Fashion, a cavernous concrete-walled space - set in a former bank - that con-
tains furniture, industrial design and couture dating from the 1930s to the present. Exhibits
are arranged by decade, with signs in both English and Portuguese.
Highlights include iconic furniture by Arne Jacobsen, Charles Eames and Frank Gehry,
plus haute couture by the likes of Givenchy, Christian Dior and Balenciaga. Don't miss
temporary exhibitions staged downstairs in the former vaults.
Elevador de Santa Justa
ELEVATOR
(cnr Rua de Santa Justa & Largo do Carmo; admission €5; 7am-10pm)
If the lanky, wrought-iron El-
evador de Santa Justa seems uncannily familiar, it's probably because the neo-Gothic mar-
vel is the handiwork of Raul Mésnier, Gustave Eiffel's apprentice. It's Lisbon's only ver-
tical street lift. Get there early to beat the crowds and zoom to the top for sweeping views
over the city's skyline.
RUINS
Núcleo Arqueológico
(Rua Augusta 96; 10am-5pm Mon-Sat)
Hidden under Banco Comercial Portuguesa is the
Núcleo Arqueológico, a web of tunnels believed to be the remnants of a Roman spa dating
from the 1st century AD. You can descend into the depths on a fascinating guided tour in
English (departing on the hour) run by the Museu da Cidade.
Igreja de São Domingos
CHURCH
(Largo de São Domingos; 7.30am-7pm Mon-Fri, noon-6pm Sat)
It's a miracle that the enigmat-
ic Igreja de São Domingos still stands, having barely survived the 1755 earthquake, then
fire in 1959. A sea of tea lights illuminates gashed pillars, battered walls and ethereal
sculptures in its musty yet enchanting interior. Note the Star of David outside marking the
spot of a bloody anti-Semitic massacre in 1506.
The square is a popular hang-out forLisbon's African community. At dusk locals gather
for sundown cherry liqueurs at A Ginjinha (
Click here
)
.
Rossio & Praça da Figueira
PLAZAS
