The Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of the best places to take photos in Lisbon; not so much for the views, which are fantastic, but for the beautiful contrasting colors found in the garden.
What to expect at Miradouro de Santa Luzia
This beautifully landscaped terrace is next door to the Church of Santa Luzia (St. Lucy). It is one of the most romantic sites in Lisbon and offers fantastic sunsets.
The white chapel stands in beautiful contrast to the pink and purple bougainvillea flowers that dominate the terrace. Also adding to the scene is the contrasting blue of the old azulejo tile. The Miradouro de Santa Luzia is a photographer’s delight.
There are two significant tile panels by artist Antonio Quaresma. One depicts Lisbon before it was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. The other blue and white mosaic shows the conquest of Lisbon from the Moors in 1147.
In the center of the bougainvillea garden is a bust of Lisbon historian Júlio de Castilho.
Visitors can sit on tiled benches under a pergola and take in views of the National Pantheon – the building with the large dome that dominates the Alfama skyline, as well as the churches of St. Steven and St. Michael with its two bell towers.
There is also a reflecting pool in the garden of the church.
Behind the church, heading uphill a few steps, you will find the stunning Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
How to get to Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Rua do Limoeiro, Alfama
GPS Coordinates: 38.71190068694179, -9.13024011758335
Trams 12 and 28 both depart from Praça Martim Moniz. Tram 12 will have a much shorter line. Both stop right in front of the Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
Bus 737 departs from Praça da Figueira. It stops almost in front of the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Get off at the Limoeiro stop, just past the cathedral. If you do not get off there, the bus will turn left and head uphill to the doors of the castle.
Another option is to follow the Tram 28 tracks and walk uphill from the Baixa flatland.
Hours and Admission for the Santa Luzia viewpoint
The miradouro is free of charge and open 24 hours a day.
What else is near the Miradouro de Santa Luzia?
- Miradouro das Portas do Sol This large terrace overlooking Alfama and the Tejo River is just uphill from the Mitradouro de Santa Luzia. Miradouro das Portas do Sol should also be on your “Do not miss” list. Miradouro Portas do Sol viewpoint – What you need to know
- Artist Vhils (Alexandre Farto) tile portrait of Fado legend Amália is approximately 45 meters uphill from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, on the opposite side of the street, located behind a city bus shelter.
- Miradouro da Graça A guide to the beautiful Miradouro de Graça viewpoint is a five-minute uphill climb to the Graça neighborhood from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
- Lisbon Cathedral Lisbon Cathedral | All you need to know before you go perhaps three minutes downhill from Miradouro de Santa Luzia, on the same side of the street.
- Roman Theatre and Museum A small archaeological museum with Roman artifacts from the area, located behind the cathedral at Patio de Aljube 5.
- Aljube Museum of the Resistance Aljube Museum – learn about Portugal in the 20th century three minutes downhill from Miradouro de Santa Luzia, on the opposite side of the street.
- Saint Anthony Church and Birthplace – Next door to the Aljube museum, opposite the cathedral.
- Tram 28E Where does Tram 28 stop? All you need to know about Tram 28
- Castelo de São Jorge In and around Castelo de São Jorge – Lisbon’s castle
- Alfama neighborhood – You are standing in and looking out over, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood.
- São Vicente de Fora Visit São Vicente de Fora in Lisbon: Everything you need to know about the old monastery with its two cloisters and huge collection of blue and white azulejo tiles.
- Feira da Ladra Feira da Ladra – Lisbon’s 750-year-old flea market takes place behind São Vicente de Fora on Tuesday and Saturday mornings
- Santa Engracia – The National Pantheon The dome in Lisbon, Santa Engrácia – The National Pantheon of Portugal
For information about other miradouros or scenic viewpoints in Lisbon, read my article, Lisbon’s Best Miradouros and Scenic Viewpoints – A visitor’s guide
Thanks for reading about Miradouro de Santa Luzia – one of the best places in Lisbon to take photos.
