The Miradouro de Santa Luzia (Santa Luzia viewpoint) and Largo das Portas do Sol are two of the perfect places to stop off after visiting Lisbon Cathedral or the Castle of São Jorge.
Located in the Largo de Santa Luzia on Rua Limoeiro, Miradouro de Santa Luzia offers lovely views to the east, of the rooftops of the Alfama district and the towers of three distinctive churches: the large white Baroque dome of the Church of Santa Engrácia (the National Pantheon), the white bell towers of São Miguel Church and the single bell tower of Santo Estêvão Church, all against a backdrop of the River Tejo. The viewpoint is located next to the Santa Luzia Church, which has a small charming garden with benches and azulejo-panels conveying scenes of historical Lisbon on the outer wall of the church.
There is another large azulejo-panel on a wall to the south of the square and a small pool in the centre of the square. There is even a drinking fountain. Despite the welcome shade provided by the bougainvillea-covered colonnade, the viewing terrace looks a bit faded, with chipped tiles, while hawkers accost unsuspecting tourists.
A very short walk further up the hill to the east of the Santa Luzia Church is Largo das Portas do Sol, another viewpoint with views of São Vicente da Fora Church, Graça Church, the dome of the Church of Santa Engrácia and the River Tejo. Portas do Sol (meaning ‘Doors of the Sun’) was one of the entrance gates to the city in the past. It is now a lively square with buskers and more people trying to sell cheap items to tourists. In the centre is a statue of Saint Vincent (the patron saint of Lisbon) carrying the ship with two ravens which is associated with him. Behind him is the São Vicente de Fora church There is a lovely café below the terrace, Portas do Sol Restaurant, with sofas where you can sit with a cold drink and enjoy the view, away from the all activity on the terrace above.
