Can a writer leave his mark on an entire city?

An unconditional lover of the awe-inspiring Portuguese capital, Fernando Pessoa’s presence still guides us through the narrow streets of Chiado, the shady squares of Bairro Alto, and the most notable monuments, such as the Belém Tower. If you trust Pessoa’s bohemian spirit, you absolutely need to read Lisbon – What the Tourist Should See before going to Lisbon, and follow his steps in the streets that inspired his most beautiful verses.

Pessoa spent most of his childhood in Durban, South Africa, where the most dominant feeling he had for his birthplace was – Saudade. At the age of 17, he finally returned to the only city that could spark his creativity and imagination – Lisbon.

“Once more I see you,
City of my horrifyingly lost childhood…
Happy and sad city, once more I dream here…
I? Is it one and the same I who lived here, and came back,
And came back again, and again,
And yet again have come back?
Or are we all the I’s that I was here or that were here
A series of bead-beings joined together by a string of memory,
A series of dreams about me dreamed by someone outside me?

Once more I see you,
With a heart that’s more distant, a soul that’s less mine.
Once more I see you – Lisbon, the Tagus and the rest
A useless onlooker of you and of myself,
A foreigner here like everywhere else”

87 years after his death, Pessoa can still be found at A brasileira, Chiado and Rossio.

What The Tourist Should See: Pessoa’s Top 10 Places In Lisbon You Don’t Want To Miss

1. The iconic Belém Tower.
2. The breathtaking gardens of Praça Dom Luís I.
3. Pelourinho – a pillory situated in the municipal square.
4. Praça do Comércio – the largest harbour-facing square in Lisbon.
5. Go to the Center from the Praça do Comércio by taking three streets: Rua do Ouro, Rua Augusta, or Rua da Prata.
6. The Garrett Theatre – named in honor of famed 19th-century Portuguese playwright Almeida Garrett.
7. The Rossio square – the preferred meeting place of locals.
8. Avenida da Liberdade – a 19th century tree-lined avenue.
9. The gardens of Campo Grande.
10. The Jerónimos Monastery, where you can find Pessoa’s tomb.

If you have extra time in Lisbon:

1. 8th-century Saint Jorge’s Castle.
2. The Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
3. The historical monastery of São Vicente de Fora.
4. The Church of Santa Engrácia, most commonly known as the National Pantheon where you can find the grave of one of the most ancient Portuguese poets, Luís de Camões.
5. Last but not least, Mouraria – the most multicultural and bohemian quarter in Lisbon, often mentioned in Fado songs.

Save Pessoa’s list for your next trip in Lisbon!

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