Where to find the best Portuguese pavement in Lisbon

This is where it all started. After the first black and white limestone pattern appeared at the São Jorge Castle in Lisbon in 1842, the ‘calçada portuguesa’ conquered the city and later the country and colonies. Now Lisbon is still the place to find the best Portuguese pavement. You will come across many different patterns by just going for a walk, but you can also check this list of best places in Lisbon to find calçada portuguesa.

Baixa pombalina

Downtown Lisbon is filled with traditional Portuguese pavement. Go shopping or sightseeing, but don’t miss the patterns in these streets and squares: Rossio (the wavy pattern is one of the first of the city), Rua da Vitória, Rua dos Correeiros, Rua Augusta, Rua da Conceição, Praça do Comércio, Rua da Prata, Rua do Ouro, Rua dos Fanqueiros, Rua do Comércio and the Praça do Município.

Cais do Sodré and Chiado

In these two neighbourhoods you will also need to pay attention to your feet. The Praça Duque da Terceira has a great pavement, because here the white and black stones are used the other way around. Continue on the following streets and squares: Largo de São Paulo, Rua do Alecrim, Rua Nova do Almada, Largo da Boa-Hora, Largo do Chiado, Rua Garrett, Largo Camões and the Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara.

Rest of the city centre

In other areas of the centre of Lisbon these are the places to look for Portuguese pavement: the entrance of the São Jorge Castle, Rua dos Cegos, Rua Primeiro de Dezembro, Restauradores, Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, Avenida Almirante Reis, Rua de São José, Avenida da Liberdade, Praça Marquês de Pombal, Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo, Jardim das Amoreiras, Avenida Álvares Cabral and the Rua de São Jorge (the roundabout).

Belém

In this historically important part of Lisbon you will find calçada portuguesa in the gardens in front of the Jerónimos Monastery  (Praça do Império) and around the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (the waves make the monument feel even more like a ship).

Parque das Nações

Less traditional, but not less interesting Portuguese pavement can be found in the neighbourhood Parque das Nações. Birds, fish, unknown sea creatures and a modern interpretation of waves decorate these streets along the river Tagus.

The story behind Portuguese pavement

Sightseeing is always more fun if you know a little bit about the background of the things you see. To find out the story behind the beautiful Portuguese pavement you can read this article.

And I would love for you to share your tips on the subject. Have you found a spectacular design somewhere? Let me know in the reactions below!

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