Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cost and Hours:
Church—free, daily 9:00-19:00; cloisters—€2.50, Mon-Sat
14:00-19:00, until 18:00 off-season, closed Sun; treasury—€2.50, Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00,
closed Sun; on Largo da Sé, several blocks east of Baixa—take Rua da Conceição east,
which turns into Rua de Santo António da Sé.
Visiting the Church:
Started in 1150, this was the first place of worship that Christi-
ans built after they retook Lisbon from the Moors. Located on the former site of a mosque,
it made a powerful statement: The Reconquista was here to stay. The church is also the
site of the 1195 baptism of St. Anthony—a favorite saint of Portugal (locals appeal to him
for help in finding a parking spot, true love, and lost objects). Also, some of St. Vincent
is buried here—legend has it that in the 12th century, his remains were brought to Lisbon
on a ship guarded by two sacred black ravens, the symbol of the city.
The
cloisters
are peaceful and an archaeological work-in-progress—they're currently
uncovering Roman ruins. The humble
treasury
is worth its fee only if you want to support
the church and climb some stairs.
Elevador de Santa Justa
—This 150-foot-tall iron tower, built in 1902, connects the
flat Baixa district with the Barrio Alto/Chiado districts up above. You can ride the
elevator for a fine city view, while getting a sweat-free connection to the upper town (€5
round-trip tickets only, covered by Viva Viagem card, but only worthwhile with 24-hour
card—which makes it free; note that if “zapping,” it'll cost you €5; daily 7:00-21:00).
