History of Lisbon Mural (Mural História de Lisboa)
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon’s fascinating history—from the Phoenicians and Romans through the medieval Age Of Discoveries to the devastating 1755 earthquake and the Carnation Revolution in 1974—is condensed into a series of colorful comic strip–style panels at the History of Lisbon Mural. Painted by illustrator Nuno Saraiva, the public artwork is one of Lisbon’s most unique free attractions.
The basics
While many Lisbon sightseeing tours miss out on the History of Lisbon Mural, the striking artwork is a popular inclusion on street-art tours. Join an art-themed walking tour of the historic Alfama district or, if you’d rather not scale the hilly streets and many stairways on foot, a tuk-tuk tour. Combine your visit with the view from the adjoining Miradouro das Portas do Sol lookout point and nearby attractions such as Lisbon Cathedral, the National Pantheon, and the Belém Tower.
Things to know before you go
- It’s free to see the History of Lisbon Mural. (Just note that there’s a fee to visit the public restrooms opposite.)
- The mural is located at the Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint, where you can take in a panoramic view over the rooftops of the Alfama district.
- The mural is accessed by flights of steps and is not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to get there
The History of Lisbon Mural is a short walk north of the Miradouro de Santa Luzia in the heart of the Alfama district. You’ll find the mural hidden on the inside of a tunnel leading to the Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint. To get there, ride the famous Tram 28 to the Lg. Portas Sol stop, which is a 2-minute walk away.
When to get there
You can visit the mural anytime, but it’s best to choose a clear, sunny day, so you can also enjoy the views from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol next door. Note that the public restrooms are only open during working hours and usually close for an hour over lunch.
Street art in Lisbon
Lisbon is famous for its azulejos, hand-painted blue-and-white tiles, which you can admire at the National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo), as well as adorning buildings along Largo Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro and Campo de Santa Clara. There are also notable street artworks on display around the Alfama and Mouraria districts, depicting fado singers and moments from Portuguese history, as well as several colorful murals by painter Maria Keil in the city’s metro stations.
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