Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Miradouro de Santa Luzia is a small viewing terrace in Lisbon's Alfama district, set on a hilltop above the Tagus River. It is among the best known of the city's many miradouros and one of the most romantic, decorated with plants and azulejo panels and looking out over the rooftops of Alfama and the water beyond.

Where is it and how did it get its name?

The terrace sits in Alfama, the oldest quarter of Lisbon, on a steep slope that descends toward the Tagus. It is named after the small church of Santa Luzia that overlooks it. The coordinates are roughly 38.7117 N, 9.1302 W.

What is there to see?

The highlight is the blue azulejos, traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles, covering the east wall of the church that faces the terrace. Two historic panels are displayed there:

• one shows Terreiro do Paço, the city's palace square, as it looked before the 1755 earthquake,
• the other depicts crusaders besieging St. George's Castle during the reconquest of Lisbon in 1147.

They turn a short stop into a small lesson in the city's history. The terrace itself is green and intimate, full of plants, which makes it a pleasant place to pause between the steep lanes.

What are the views like?

From the terrace you look over a maze of red-tiled Alfama roofs and a broad stretch of the Tagus. It is one of the spots that best shows the layout of the district: a tightly built hillside tumbling toward the river. Early morning and late afternoon bring softer light and the best photographs.

What else is nearby?

About 90 seconds on foot away is Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Its name comes from the old Porta do Sol, one of the gates of medieval Lisbon in the Moorish walls, destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. This second terrace offers a slightly different angle on the neighbourhood, so it makes sense to visit both in a single walk. From here it is also easy to continue toward St. George's Castle, the subject of one of the azulejo panels.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry free? Yes. It is an open public terrace that anyone strolling through can visit.

How long does a visit take? Usually 20 to 40 minutes: time for photos, the azulejos and a short rest. Allow a little longer if you combine it with Portas do Sol.

When is the best time to go? Early morning tends to be calmest, while late afternoon gives warm light over the Tagus.

Is it easy to reach? Alfama is hilly, so expect steep streets and steps. Comfortable shoes are a good idea.

Why visit? Because one stop gives you a panorama of Alfama and the Tagus, historic azulejos and easy access to the district's other viewpoints.