One of the three elevadors leading up to the hill that is home to Bairro Alto and Chiado. The funicular railway runs from Restauradores to Bairro Alto

The tree lined mosaic pavements of Lisbon's grandest thoroughfare, Avenida da Liberdade. Constructed after the 1755 earthquake, the road seemed infeasibly wide. However over the years the volume traffic has increased enough to show it as forward thinking

A panoramic view of Lisbon taken from the castle. You can make out the bridge, Tejo, Praca Comercio, Praca Figueira and a few other landmarks include the Elevador Santa Justa and Carmo Convent

Some better than average graffiti near Estoril.

There seems to be an epidemic of graffiti across Portugal, most of which has no artistic merit whatsoever. There is graffiti on practically every national monument I saw on a recent trip.

Estoril Casino looking out of character on an overcast March afternoon. This is the casino that was used in the James Bond film, Casino Royale.

The train station at Estoril with a castelated villa behind

An interesting looking building just off across from the railway station in Estoril

The Rose Window in Lisbon's cathedral - The Se. Built by Portugal’s first king, Dom Afonso Henriques (1109-1185), the Se was extensively damaged in the 1755 earthquake. The Rose Window, however, survived and dates back to the 13th century photo: Antonio Sacchetti

Perhaps the most famous cake shop in Portugal where Pasteis de Belém have been served since the mid 1800s

The warm custard tarts with a light crunchy casing are made from a recipe that remains a secret.

Famous the world over and enjoyed by the people of Lisbon who flock to Belemon their Sunday outing.

photo: Jose Manuel

The almost overly impressive Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Belem.

Built during most of the 16th century, the monastery is mainly Manueline in style. It was built at a time when Portugal had an empire and was in the mood to show the World its status through a plethora of monuments and palaces. Some say this is what undid the empire.

The monastery contains the tombs of 2 of Portugal's greatest sons, Vasco da Gama, the first voyager to India, and the poet Luis de Camões.

photo: Jose Manuel