Located in the historic center of Lisbon, the charming Chiado neighborhood has been inhabited since the Roman Empire. In 1755, the Great Lisbon Earthquake destroyed much of the area, so it was rebuilt. And then in 1988, a fire destroyed 18 buildings, between 200-300 people lost their homes, and nearly 2,000 people who worked in the area lost their jobs. The fire was fought by 1,680 firefighters, leaving 60 with injuries.
Through both disasters, Chiado survived and now thrives as a bustling cultural and commercial district. Between luxury shopping, museums, theaters, and historic landmarks; Chiado draws many locals and tourists, day and night.
Our apartment, located in the middle of the all the action, was quite the contrast to our quiet neighborhood in Sun City Peachtree, an active adult community south of Atlanta, Georgia. And that’s exactly what we loved about it!
Shopping for groceries was just a short walk up the street. Going out for a fabulous dinner was as close as a 25-foot walk out the building’s entrance and across the alley. Chocolate craving? Delicious chocolate tartlets were just 120 feet up the street at a wonderful bakery.
There was so much to see just a short walk away that I often popped out to wander around and do photography while Bruce rested. And when we were in our apartment, we often opened the glass doors and stood out on our balcony to watch the action below. Never a dull moment!
Transportation was also conveniently located. The metro station and bus stop were both a very short walk away, and the train and ferry stations were a ten-minute walk down the hill. Those cute yellow trams were right outside our door!
In addition to those iconic yellow trams, what made Chiado so charming were the designs in the cobblestone streets, tile facades of the buildings, street art, and architecture.
Here then, are photos I shot around our neighborhood. I’m not sure where the Chaido and Bairro Alto neighborhoods start and end, so I included both here. Principe Real is a little bit further north and Pink Street a little bit further south, so I will save that for later. And, you will have to wait to see that delicious dinner across the alley; the Portuguese cuisine deserves its own special post!
(For all photos, click on the image for a full screen view.)
Chiado at night:
Next up: LOVING LIVING LIKE A LOCAL IN LISBON #3: PRINCIPE REAL (NORTH) & PINK STREET (SOUTH)
