Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of many viewpoints found in Lisbon.
Yet, it is one of the most romantic spots, with a terrace by the Santa Luzia church that introduces you to the Alfama district.
Here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the terracotta rooftops, the Tagus River, and amazing sunset views. Two ceramic tile panels are on the church’s outside wall.
The two panels depict Comercio Square before the earthquake, and the other shows the attack against St. George’s Castle in 1147.
Still, Miradouro de Santa Luzia might have a fantastic view, but there is more to do and see from this viewpoint.
Hot Tip🔥: While on the amazing sunset views at Santa Luzia, check out some of the great things you can do in Lisbon at night.
More About Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Among the city’s rolling hills, you find Miradouro de Santa Luzia, or Santa Luzia for short.
It is one of Lisbon’s beloved viewpoints, similar to Sao Pedro de Alcantara. Here, you get magnificent views over the Alfama district and Tagus River.
So, if you have time to visit the Santa Luzia viewpoint, you will understand why it is one of the most stunning lookouts and popular spots in Lisbon.
The viewpoint is named after the Santa Luzia church of São Brás. The church overlooks the Belvedere. The church’s east wall faces the terrace, where you find the historic panels of blue-colored azulejos.
The one shows the Palace Square (Terreiro do Paco), now known as Praça do Comércio, before the 1755 earthquake. The other panel shows the Crusaders surrounding St. George’s Castle during the reconquest of Lisbon in 1147.
From Santa Luzia, you can see all Lisbon landmarks, including Santa Engracia, the National Pantheon, the São Miguel Church spires, and the Santo Estêvão.
I lived in Alfama when I first moved to Lisbon and can attest to the stunning views at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. It takes your breath away.
The Miradouro de Santa Luzia Garden
The Miradouro de Santa Luzia is a beautifully landscaped garden with flower beds, tile panels, and elegant pergolas. The colonnaded pergola is long and covered with Bougainvillea.
The garden in front of the pergola divides it into smaller flower beds bordered with hedges. Stairs lead to the lower terrace, where a wading pool and another pergola are located.
Through the decorative round iron windows, you get the same serene viewpoint. You can relax and enjoy the fantastic rooftop terrace, especially the amazing sunset views.
There is also a bust of Julio de Castilho, a Lisbon historian. At the lower terrace, you hear the ding-ding of the yellow trams passing by. It is one of the most stunning viewpoints if you want to escape the bustling city.
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The Igreja de Santa Luzia Church
The Igreja de Santa Luzia church is built over the remains of an older church dating back to the beginning of Portugal’s existence.
The knights built the Sovereign Miltary Order of Malta and played an essential role during the Lisbon Reconquista.
You can find references to the order in the guise of the Maltese cross hanging over the front portal. The old church dates back to the 12th century during Afonso Henriques’s reign.
Mateus Vicente de Oliveira built the replacement church. The church foundations form a Latin cross. However, the most famous feature is the azulejo tiles on the southern wall outside.
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Attractions Nearby The Romantic Looking Terrace
Once you are done relaxing on the landscaped terrace and sipping on something cold from the nearby cafe, head to these great attractions.
Hot Tip🔥: To see some of the best sites, invest in the Lisboa Card, which provides entrance to 38 attractions and public transport.
The Decorative Arts Museum
Right next to the viewpoint is the Decorative Arts Museum. The Museum of Portuguese Decorative Arts (Museu De Artes Decorativas Portuguesas) is in Azurara Palace.
The museum replicates the aristocratic ambiance of the eighteenth century and is home to one of Portugal’s most comprehensive and coherent collections of Applied Arts.
The assortment features furniture from the 16th to the 20th century, paintings by Portuguese and foreign artists active in Portugal during the 18th century, and more.
Castello de Sao Jorge
Another great activity to embark on is visiting Castello de Sao Jorge with another viewpoint, Miradouro do Recolhimento. It is another one of the enchanting viewpoints in Lisbon.
You find the historic castle atop one of the highest hills. You can walk through courtyards and towers to connect with the Moorish past. Walk through the castle walls for a panoramic view of the city.
There are also lush gardens to make your visit to the castle grounds memorable, especially the peacocks.
The entrance fee to the castle costs €15.
Other Attractions Closeby
Some other attractions to explore are:
- The Lisbon Cathedral is the oldest building in the city.
- A 16th-century monastery, the São Vicente de Fora Church, with a beautiful tile interior.
- A domed church, the National Pantheon.
- Visits Saint Anthony’s birthplace, the Santo Antonio Church.
- Visit the archeological remains at The Roman Theater.
Hot Tip🔥: Feeling a bit peckish while exploring, head to any of these Alfama restaurants for a bite.
How to Get to Miradouro de Santa Luzia?
To reach the public terraces of this viewpoint, take the iconic Tram 28 from any Lisbon neighborhood.
Get off at the Largo Santa Luzia stop in front of the viewpoint. Or you can take the 12E streetcar to get off the same stop.
Traveling from Principe Real, you can use the metro and get off at Terreiro do Paço, a ten-minute walk from the Alfama district.
You can also take Uber, which costs around €4 each. A single metro ticket costs €1.55.
When is The Best Time to Visit?
Visiting the stunning viewpoints in Lisbon, such as the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, is beautiful year-round.
However, I recommend heading there in the early morning or late afternoon, as it is not that busy with tourists.
You can then peacefully walk the tiled terrace to enjoy the stunning sunrise or sunset. If you plan to visit during the summer heat in August, I recommend taking water with you.
Wrap-Up: Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Miradouro de Santa Luzia offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Lisbon, including the charming Alfama district and the Tagus River.
The Santa Luzia church, with its historic azulejo tile panels and the beautifully landscaped garden, add to the allure of this romantic spot.
Nearby attractions such as the Decorative Arts Museum and Castelo de Sao Jorge further enrich the experience.
Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking stunning vistas, visiting this viewpoint is a must when exploring Lisbon.
