There’s something romantic about the western European cities. Sitting in a sidewalk café with a cappuchino, chairs positioned at small round tables, facing out to watch the world go by. Busy people and those just strolling, fashionable, hip, students with backpacks, business people dressed for success. And, of course, the tourists, so obvious with their phones positioned between them and every sight, or poised for a selfie, or an SLR camera hanging over the neck, like me.
On the way to visit a friend who had moved to Portugal recently, as a prelude to a longer destination the following week, I enjoyed a day and a half in Lisbon, the charming capital. A week before I arrived, there was a fatal accident which took place close to my hotel. The Elevador da Glória funicular streetcar, in operation for over a century, crashed down the hillside, killing sixteen people and injuring others; five of the dead were Portuguese citizens, the rest international tourists. A steel cable that connected the two funicular cars broke, sending the higher vehicle speeding down the narrow street. I had never taken the funicular, but it was popular with tourists. Flowers were strewn along the area in memoriam.
Elevador de Santa Justa was still running.
Across the street and a block from my inn on Praça da Figueira were the unique, classic arches of the Rossio train station.
Tiles drew images on walks and added color to the surfaces.
Walking through the shop-lined streets of Baixa, it’s fun to poke in and out of the shops, noting places I might stop for lunch on the way back, and taking a different route each time. The Portuguese language is close enough to Spanish that signs and most conversation were understandable. The broad Praça do Comércio at bottom fronts the Tejo River.
The famous number 28 trolley follows along narrow, tiled, curving roads, as it climbs the Alfama neighborhood.
Wrought-iron balconies, painted tiles, red clay tiled roofs, and small plazas enliven the Alfama streets.
Walking uphill from Praça da Figueira
Night at Praça dos Restauradores
Please do not download or reproduce images from this site. ©
Your comments are welcome!
Popular posts/stats/categories
Email me at: Ruth@RuthRosenfeld.com
Follow me on: Facebook Instagram BlueSky Blog
Ruth Rosenfeld 
What a tragic accident. Wouldn’t surprise me if the funicular hadn’t been inspected properly or in a long while.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was reported that there was an inspection two months before and it looked fine. Who knows? So sad. A couple of locals I talked to said they heard the sound of the crash.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely captures of Lisbon. The funicular disaster was well documented here in the UK, how absolutely tragic that people just enjoying their holidays died, and locals too of course. Such a waste of life, which I’m sure could have been entirely preventable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your comment, Han. You would think some of those historic parts would be replaced now and then. Very sad, and some of the locals I spoke to expressed their grief.
LikeLike
I like the unique architectural styles–especially the Rossi Station. I’m fascinated by the two main arches.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved those arches, so iconic. I remembered them from a previous visit and was drawn to them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, Lisbon – one of my favourite European cities! You capture its atmosphere well in both your words and photos, and really take me back there. That funicular accident was such a tragedy. I’ve ridden it a number of times and was shocked to discover that such a thing could happen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Sarah! The accident was so tragic, and I could feel the pain through the local people I talked to. I read about it before I went and was a little apprehensive to be there so soon after it happened.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We were on that funicular a year and a half ago. What a tragic accident. I loved the city, though, and it sounds like you did, too. We were in many of the same places.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never stayed there long enough to explore the non-touristy areas of the city. I’m sure there’s much more to love!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lisbon is such a great city isn’t it? I enjoyed visiting it again through your lens today. We are in Chile now and took a few funiculars this week. We couldn’t help but think of the accident in Lisbon. Maggie
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was great to be back walking those charming streets. Safe travels, Maggie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely photos! Your photos bring me back to my time in Lisbon almost a decade ago, and who wouldn’t fall in love with the hilly, narrow streets and buildings? And the constant, warm sun is sure to cure seasonal depression! Lisbon, let alone Portugal, is one of my favorite cities I’ve visited on my travels so far, and I’d love to return soon for a revisit! Thanks for sharing, Ruth 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Rebecca! It was sweet to be back in Lisbon again after so many years, even though briefly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How lovely to spend a bit of time in Lisbon on the way to visit your friend. Beautiful set of pictures from wandering around the city. We’ve never been to Portugal, but it’s high up on our travel list.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! There are so many interesting towns to explore in Portugal. I’m sure you’ll get there and enjoy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lisbon really looks like a charming, romantic and atmospheric city. I love the narrow, hilly streets. The cobblestones. The wide river. I’ve never been to Portugal, but I hope to rectify that soon. The funicular accident was horrific, and In a way it’s strange to see the city back to normal, so soon after the tragedy. I’m sure that it was on everyone’s mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never been in Lisbon long enough to venture out into residential areas, but the charm seems pervasive. There was certainly a heavy sadness when talking with a few locals about the accident, so fresh on their minds and painful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ruth, I love the way you captured the essence of Lisbon in your photographs. I could feel myself right there in a café people watching. The imagery of the flowers to commemorate those who parished in the funicular accident was powerful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your visit and comment, Anne Marie. I’m glad you could feel the ambiance of the city from this post. It was so moving to see the flowers left by mourners.
LikeLike
The Lisbon funicular crash was horrific, dear Ruth. Media outlets in Ireland extensively covered the disaster, providing live updates from the scene and reporting on the casualties, injuries, and the ongoing investigation. I hope they are going to properly review all braking systems to see if they can stop the carriages if the cable fails. I have to say that Rossio Station is such a beautiful Portuguese landmark, especially those two intertwined horseshoe portals at the entrance. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many people have told me that coverage of the Lisbon disaster was extensive throughout Europe. The investigations into how to make the funicular safe will be ongoing. I do find the Rossio station striking. Thanks for reading and your comment, Aiva!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🥰🥰🥰
LikeLike
Great photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike