Portugal: Lisbon – Igreja de São Vicente de Fora

February 12, 2025
Lisbon
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My wandering through Alfama brought me to the imposing, but majestic church of Igreja de São Vicente de Fora. I stood admiring its façade, for a few minutes. Its design incorporates Manueline and Baroque design features including intricate carvings and exquisite statues. I made up my mind to step inside and see if it was worth visiting. I discovered that this was more than a church, it was also a monastery. Built in the late 16th century under King Philip II of Spain, the structure has withstood centuries of transformation, making it one of the city’s most important religious landmarks. The church is dedicated to Saint Vincent of Saragossa, the patron saint of Lisbon.

It was a little pricey to enter but after reading its leaflet inside I decided to stump up the entry fee.

Stepping inside the church I was immediately captivated by the vastness of the white marble interior. The church’s interior features a Latin cross layout with a single, barrel-vaulted nave. The main altar, commissioned by King João V in the early 18th century, is a Baroque masterpiece by Portuguese sculptor Joaquim Machado de Castro. This altar takes the form of a baldachin and is adorned with numerous statues.

One of the most impressive parts of the church was the sacristy, which is an exquisite example of 18th-century Portuguese design, featuring a lavishly decorated interior that showcases intricate azulejo tile panels, marble furnishings, and a richly carved wooden ceiling. The tiles, a hallmark of Portuguese religious architecture, depict biblical scenes and moments from the life of St. Vincent.

Adjacent to the church are the monastery’s cloisters, renowned for their extensive collection of 18th-century azulejos (blue and white ceramic tiles). 38 tile panels depict various scenes, including episodes from La Fontaine’s fables and historical events. As well as the panels on the walls of the church and cloisters there was also a gallery displaying ceramic tiles conveying biblical and historical stories.

Another part of the monastery I had not expected was the Royal Pantheon of the House of Braganza, established in the 19th century in the former monastic refectory. This pantheon serves as the final resting place for many members of Portugal’s last ruling dynasty, including King João IV and the country’s last monarch, King Manuel II.

The highlight of my visit, however, was climbing up to the rooftop terrace, where I was rewarded with a panoramic view of Lisbon. From this vantage point, I could see the iconic red rooftops of Alfama, the Tagus River, and in the distance the Castelo de São Jorge.

Planning your visit to the Igreja de São Vicente de Fora

Getting There

📍 Address: Rua da Madre de Deus, 4, 1900-312 Lisbon, Portugal

By Bus: Take bus numbers 718, 742, 794, or 759 to the “Igreja Madre de Deus” stop.
By Train: The nearest train station is Santa Apolónia, about a 20-minute walk away.
By Tram: Tram 15E towards Algés, but you’ll need to walk a bit.
By Taxi/Uber: A short ride from the city center (around 10 minutes from Baixa-Chiado).

Getting around Lisbon

Getting around Lisbon is easy, thanks to its well-connected public transport system, walkable streets, and affordable rideshares. Here are the best ways to navigate the city:

Public Transport

Metro – The fastest way to travel long distances. Four color-coded lines connect major areas, including the airport.
Trams (Eléctricos) – The iconic yellow Tram 28 is a must-ride for tourists, but trams also serve practical routes.
Buses & Trolleys – Extensive coverage, great for reaching places not served by the metro.
Trains (Comboios) – Take the train from Cais do Sodré to Cascais or from Rossio to Sintra.
Ferries – Cross the Tagus River to Cacilhas or Almada for great views of Lisbon.

Tickets & Passes

Viva Viagem card (€0.50) – Rechargeable and valid on all public transport.
Zapping fare – A pay-as-you-go system that offers discounted fares.
24-hour ticket (€6.80) – Unlimited rides on metro, buses, and trams.

Other Transport Options

Walking – Many areas like Alfama, Baixa, and Bairro Alto are best explored on foot.
Taxis & Ubers – Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow are cheaper than traditional taxis.
E-scooters & Bikes – Available throughout the city via apps like Lime, Bird, and Gira.
Tuk-tuks – A fun but pricey way to tour Lisbon’s hilly streets.

The Lisboa Card

The Lisboa Card is Lisbon’s official tourist pass, designed to help visitors save time and money while exploring the city. It offers free or discounted access to numerous attractions, unlimited use of public transportation, and additional perks.

Key Benefits:

Free Admission: Access up to 51 museums and monuments, including notable sites like the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the Santa Justa Elevator.
Unlimited Public Transportation: Enjoy unlimited travel on Lisbon’s metro, buses, trams, and funiculars. The card also covers train journeys to nearby destinations such as Sintra and Cascais.
Additional Discounts: Benefit from discounts ranging between 10% to 50% on various tours, shopping, and nightlife activity

Pricing (as of 2025):

Adults:
- 24-hour card: €27
- 48-hour card: €44
- 72-hour card: €54
Children (ages 4-15):
- 24-hour card: €18
- 48-hour card: €24.50
- 72-hour card: €30.50

The card becomes active upon its first use and remains valid for the duration purchased (24, 48, or 72 consecutive hours).

Where to Purchase and Collect:

You can purchase the Lisboa Card online through the official website. After purchasing, you’ll receive a voucher via email, which can be exchanged for the physical card at various pick-up locations across Lisbon, including:

Ask Me Lisboa | Airport: Located at the arrivals area of Lisbon Airport.
Ask Me Lisboa | Terreiro do Paço: Situated at Praça do Comércio.
Codfish History Center: Found at Terreiro do Paço – Torreão Nascente.
Ask Me Lisboa | Centro Tejo: Also located at Terreiro do Paço.
Ask Me Lisboa | Cais do Sodré: Located at Praça do Duque de Terceira, Cais do Sodré.

Operating hours for these locations vary, so it’s advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

The Lisboa Card is an excellent option for travellers aiming to maximize their experience in Lisbon, offering both convenience and savings.

Eating out for vegans in Lisbon

My Mother’s Daughters My Mother’s Daughters is a nature-based café located at Largo de São Sebastião da Pedreira 49 in Lisbon, Portugal. Founded by a mother and her three daughters, the café emphasizes plant-based, organic, and seasonal cuisine. Their menu features a variety of healthy meals and drinks made from wholefood ingredients, including options like green smoothies, benedict no egg, and avocado.
Veganeats Caffe is a charming vegan bakery and coffee shop located at Rua Cavaleiro de Oliveira 42 in the Arroios neighbourhood of Lisbon. They offer a daily menu that includes a hot dish, soup, savoury items, and various cakes. The café also specialises in custom cake orders. Their operating hours are Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Please note that they are closed on Sundays.
The 26 Vegan Food Project is a renowned vegan restaurant located in Lisbon, Portugal. Situated at Rua da Horta Seca, 5, 1200-213 Lisbon, the restaurant offers a diverse menu that includes vegan versions of traditional Portuguese dishes, such as “Francesinha” and “Bifana,” as well as international options like burgers and salads. They also provide a variety of desserts, including vegan cheesecake and chocolate mousse.
The establishment operates daily with lunch hours from 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM and dinner service from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity.
O Gambuzino is a fully vegan restaurant and bar located at Rua dos Anjos 5A, Intendente, Lisbon, Portugal, 1150-032. They specialize in conscious food from around the world, using locally sourced and fresh ingredients. The restaurant ferments its own kimchi, kombucha, and tempeh, and all pickles, preserves, dips, and marinades are house-made. They support the worldwide slow-food movement.
The restaurant is open daily from 17:00 to 00:00, with the kitchen operating between 18:30 and 22:00. Happy hours are from 17:00 to 18:00 and 22:30 to 23:30.
Reservations are highly recommended, and you can make one by calling +351 218 208 406 or emailing hello@ogambuzino.com.
For more information, including their menu and updates, you can visit their official website at https://www.ogambuzino.com or follow them on Instagram and Facebook

The best time to visit Lisbon

Seasonal Overview:

Winter (December – February)

Temperatures: 8–16°C (46–61°F)
Rainfall: Frequent but moderate
Conditions: Winters are mild compared to much of Europe, though occasional Atlantic storms can bring strong winds and heavy rain. Frost and snow are extremely rare.

Spring (March – May)

Temperatures: 12–22°C (54–72°F)
Rainfall: Decreases progressively
Conditions: Spring sees pleasant temperatures and increasing sunshine hours, making it an ideal time to visit.

Summer (June – September)

Temperatures: 18–30°C (64–86°F), occasionally exceeding 35°C (95°F)
Rainfall: Minimal
Conditions: Summers are hot and dry, though the Atlantic breeze provides some relief. Heatwaves can occasionally push temperatures higher, particularly inland.

Autumn (October – November)

Temperatures: 14–24°C (57–75°F)
Rainfall: Gradually increases
Conditions: The transition from summer to winter is marked by mild temperatures and increasing chances of rainfall, though early autumn often remains sunny.

Additional Climate Features:

Sunshine: Lisbon is one of the sunniest cities in Europe, receiving over 2,800 hours of sunshine annually.
Winds: The city often experiences the “Nortada” (north wind), particularly in summer, which helps to moderate high temperatures.
Humidity: Generally moderate, but can feel higher in winter due to moisture from the Atlantic.
Extreme Weather: Heatwaves occur occasionally in summer, and strong storms can bring heavy rain and wind in winter, though these are not frequent.

Overall, Lisbon’s Mediterranean climate makes it an attractive destination year-round, with warm summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine.

Where to stay in Lisbon

1. Mid Range: Ikonik Lisboa

Ikonik Lisboa is a modern 3-star hotel situated in Lisbon’s Parque das Nações district, known for its contemporary architecture and vibrant atmosphere. The hotel offers 231 spacious and comfortable rooms, each featuring an elegant design inspired by the city of Lisbon. Guests can choose between double or twin rooms, some of which provide city or river views.

The hotel’s location is particularly convenient, being within walking distance of key attractions such as the Lisbon Oceanarium, Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre, and the Altice Arena. Additionally, the Gare do Oriente train and metro station is nearby, offering easy access to other parts of the city.

2. Luxury – EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel

The EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel is a 5-star luxury establishment situated in the heart of Lisbon, near the renowned Marquês de Pombal Square and Avenida da Liberdade. This prime location offers guests convenient access to the city’s cultural landmarks, upscale shopping districts, and beautiful parks.

Accommodations: The hotel boasts 379 elegantly designed rooms and suites, each crafted to provide a modern luxury experience. Amenities include king-size or twin beds, luxury Aromatherapy Associates bathroom products, LCD TVs, USB sockets, minibars, and complimentary welcome amenities such as water and espresso coffee facilities.

3. Budget – Patria Hotel

Patria Hotel is a centrally located accommodation in Lisbon, situated at Avenida Duque de Ávila 42, near Saldanha Square. The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms equipped with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and private bathrooms with hairdryers. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property. A continental breakfast buffet is available each morning. The hotel’s proximity to the Saldanha Metro station, just a minute’s walk away, provides convenient access to Lisbon’s historic center, including areas like Chiado, Rossio, and Bairro Alto, reachable within a 10-minute metro ride.