In the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Amadora is a conveniently located city just a metro ride away from Portugal’s capital. It offers easy access to the magnificent royal palaces on the outskirts of Lisbon.
Within reach from Amadora are several notable attractions, including Queluz, Ajuda, and Fronteira, which are home to splendid royal palaces. Additionally, the astounding World Heritage Sites, such as the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, are within your grasp.
One remarkable feature in Amadora is the Águas Livres Aqueduct, a colossal 18th-century structure that miraculously survived the catastrophic earthquake in 1755. This impressive aqueduct, which stretches across the city, played a crucial role in providing drinking water to Lisbon. It is a testament to the remarkable engineering achievements of the time. Furthermore, being on the Metro’s Blue Line in Amadora allows you to easily explore Lisbon’s beloved landmarks and neighborhoods within just half an hour.
Here are two noteworthy places to visit:
Queluz National Palace and Gardens
Built during the latter half of the 18th century, Queluz National Palace stands as one of the last great Rococo palaces in Europe. It served as a summer retreat for Dom Pedro of Braganza, who later became king consort after marrying his own niece, Queen Maria I. The palace was designed by the Portuguese architect Mateus Vicente de Oliveira and his French mentor Jean-Baptiste Robillon. Its stunning architecture and interior decor leave visitors breathless. Make sure to explore the Ceremonial Facade, the tile panels in the Sala de Mangas, the Ballroom, the Hall of Ambassadors, and the Queen’s Boudoir with its exquisite marquetry flooring. Don’t miss the boating canal in the palace grounds, adorned with beautiful azulejos (traditional Portuguese tiles).
Águas Livres Aqueduct
Running through the area, the Águas Livres Aqueduct is an awe-inspiring engineering marvel of the 18th century that withstood the devastating 1755 earthquake. This monumental aqueduct was constructed to address Lisbon’s long-standing water shortage by channeling water from Caneças, just north of Amadora, to the city. The construction spanned approximately 20 years, from 1731 to the 1750s, and its dimensions are truly impressive. The highest arches, reaching up to 65 meters, can be found in the Alcantara Valley, featuring Gothic-style points. You also have the opportunity to walk along a section of the aqueduct between Amoreiras and the Monsanto Forest, experiencing the historical significance and grandeur of this remarkable structure.
Amadora International Comics Festival
Amadora BD, the largest comic event in Portugal, celebrates the art of comic strips, animated films, and illustration. Since its inception in 1990, this festival has grown to attract artists from around the world.
Taking place over a span of two weeks, Amadora BD offers a multitude of activities throughout the city, with the main events held at the impressive 4,000-square-meter Fórum Luís de Camões. Attendees can participate in workshops, engage in debates, attend autograph sessions, enjoy film screenings, and partake in conferences. Each year, the festival showcases a featured author, and in 2016, it honored Marco Mendes, a talented author based in Porto. Typically held at the end of October or the beginning of November, this event is a highlight for comic enthusiasts.
Jerónimos Monastery
Just a short distance south of Amadora lies the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, a must-visit attraction in Lisbon. Constructed at the beginning of the 15th century during a period of great optimism and wealth, the monastery reflects an era of remarkable discoveries in the New World and Asia.
The opulent late Gothic architecture, showcasing an exuberant style known as Manueline, vividly portrays the newfound affluence of the time. Particularly noteworthy is the south portal of the Church of Santa Maria, adorned with incredibly intricate sculptures on its tympanum, archivolt, and surrounding window. Inside the church, the vaulting leaves visitors in awe, and the two-tier cloister in the monastery features meticulously sculpted nautical motifs.
Belém Tower
Situated on a small island in the Tagus River, Belém Tower is an iconic defensive structure and a designated World Heritage Site. Built in 1515, the tower served to protect the river mouth and secure Lisbon’s harbor. It stands as a symbol of the Age of Discovery, marking the departure point for expeditions that forever changed the course of history.
The architectural style of Belém Tower is a prominent example of the ornate Manueline style, which incorporates influences from Moorish design in its domes and merlons, as well as intricate stonework depicting exotic beasts. Visitors can admire the stunning loggias, explore the cloister, and discover the casemate. Within the cloister, the statue of Nossa Senhora de Bom Successo holds special significance, cherished as a symbol of protection by sailors.
Ajuda Palace
The Palace of Ajuda, perched on Ajuda Hill, was the final residence chosen by the Portuguese Royal family before the monarchy was abolished. Construction of the palace began in 1795 but was never fully completed, resulting in a captivating blend of architectural styles. The project faced numerous interruptions due to political unrest, leading to a roster of architects working on different sections of the palace.
Inside, the palace reveals a labyrinth of interconnected rooms and halls, each adorned with unique themes and lavish decorations. Visitors can explore the Spanish Tapestry Hall, Music Room, Chinese Room, and many more captivating spaces. A notable highlight is the Throne Room on the second floor, featuring thrones for King Luís and Queen Maria Pia.
Lisbon Zoo
Located a short distance from the city, Lisbon Zoo offers a delightful day out for visitors of all ages. With its origins dating back to the 1880s and its current location in Sete Rios since 1906, the zoo is home to 2,000 animals from 300 different species. Conservation plays a significant role at the zoo, which actively participates in 57 breeding programs.
The zoo boasts an array of captivating creatures, including Sumatran tigers, African elephants, giraffes, and white rhinos. In the park’s forested areas, visitors can witness exotic birds like kookaburras freely soaring through the air. Children can also enjoy interacting with domesticated animals at the farm, while a feeding show for seals and sea lions provides additional entertainment. Exploring the zoo is made even more enjoyable with a 20-minute panoramic cable car ride and a mini train to facilitate transportation within the park.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Just a 15-minute Metro ride from Amadora, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum showcases the remarkable art collection of Calouste Gulbenkian, a British businessman of Armenian heritage. Gulbenkian played a pivotal role in opening up the Middle East’s oil reserves to the Western world in the early 20th century, amassing immense wealth during his lifetime.
The museum offers two circuits for visitors to explore. The first circuit presents ancient art from Armenia, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, providing a fascinating journey through time. The second circuit unveils an impressive assortment of paintings, sculptures, and applied art by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, van Dyck, Monet, Degas, Rodin, and René Lalique, to name just a few. The collection housed within the museum is of immeasurable value, offering a captivating glimpse into the world of art and history.
Bairro Alto
A mere 25-minute journey from Lisbon, Bairro Alto awaits with its charming array of shops, restaurants, and bars. This bohemian quarter exudes a youthful vitality, perhaps a little quiet during the day but bursting with life as night falls. Terraces lining the narrow streets come alive with people enjoying drinks, conversations, and the soulful melodies of live fado music.
One of the unique charms of Bairro Alto lies in its steep topography, making the modes of transportation a delightful attraction in themselves. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Tram 28, a relic from Lisbon’s tram system that connects Bairro Alto with Chiado and Campo Ourique.
National Coach Museum
Nestled within the magnificent horse riding arena of the historic Belém Palace, the National Coach Museum is a treasure trove dedicated to showcasing historic horse-drawn carriages. The venue itself is awe-inspiring, featuring a grand 17 by 50-meter hall where horse riding demonstrations once took place, with first-floor balconies offering a view fit for royalty.
The museum’s collection of coaches spans from the 1500s to the 1800s, originating from various European countries such as Austria, England, Spain, Italy, and France. These carriages, often lavishly adorned, were once owned by the Portuguese royal family. Among the notable exhibits is the Baroque coach used by Philip II of Portugal during his journey from Spain in 1619, showcasing extraordinary craftsmanship and opulence.
Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira
Bordering the picturesque Monsanto Forest Park, the Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira dates back to 1671 when it was constructed as a hunting lodge for the Marquis of Fronteira. Even today, the palace remains inhabited, allowing visitors to explore its interior through guided tours. Prepare to be captivated by the Sala das Batalhas, adorned with scenes from the Portuguese Restoration War, the Dining Room adorned with exquisite Dutch tiles, and the chapel, where the walls are meticulously covered in shards of purposely broken glass and porcelain.
The palace’s garden is a destination in its own right, boasting stunning azulejo panels depicting the changing seasons and showcasing busts of Portuguese kings. A visit to the Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira offers a glimpse into history and a chance to appreciate the beauty of its meticulously preserved architecture and lush surroundings.
S.L. Benfica
For football enthusiasts, the proximity of Amadora to Lisbon’s Benfica area is a thrilling prospect. This is the revered home of the legendary football club, S.L. Benfica.
As the most successful club in the country, Benfica boasts an impressive record of 35 domestic league titles, two European Cups, and has been graced by iconic players like Eusébio and Rui Costa.
The magnificent Estádio da Luz has served as the club’s home ground since 2004, offering stadium tours and museum visits that chronicle 110 years of Benfica’s rich history.
However, nothing compares to the exhilaration of attending a live match, with fixtures against other top teams often selling out quickly. Prior to the game, you’ll witness the spectacular sight of Águia Vitória, Benfica’s bald eagle mascot, soaring over the stadium and landing on the club’s crest amid thunderous applause.
Dolce Vita Tejo
Located in Amadora, Dolce Vita Tejo stands as one of the largest malls on the Iberian Peninsula.
Spanning an expansive area of 122,000 square meters, the mall boasts over 300 stores, along with cinemas, a gym, and 34 restaurants.
Despite its immense size, the mall maintains wide aisles, ensuring a spacious and comfortable shopping experience, even on busier days.
Dolce Vita Tejo is an excellent choice if you desire a day of shopping without venturing into the city center of Lisbon. Here, you’ll find a variety of international brands like H&M, Desigual, Mango, and Zara, providing ample options for fashion enthusiasts.
Kidzania
Adjacent to the mall, Kidzania offers a unique amusement park experience—an indoor city where children can immerse themselves in a world of structured and entertaining activities.
Kids will have the opportunity to assume roles such as police officers, veterinarians, firefighters, dentists, factory workers, or doctors, engaging in various tasks that allow them to earn currency.
At intervals, they can spend their hard-earned money on recreational activities and games. Some occupations even require them to obtain a university degree, granting them higher wages to further enhance their playtime.
As they joyfully pretend to be adults, they will also learn valuable lessons about money and gain insights into the workings of real-life professions.
Necrópole de Carenque
For amateur archaeologists seeking intrigue, a visit to the discreet yet captivating Necrópole de Carenque archaeological site is highly recommended.
Located within the municipality, this mysterious site was discovered in the 1930s and features tombs carved out of limestone.
Dating back approximately 6,000 years to the end of the Neolithic period, the tombs contain human remains along with stone idols, vessels, and ornamental shale plates.
A visit to the Necrópole de Carenque could be wonderfully complemented by a trip to the National Archaeological Museum near the Belém Tower, as many of the artifacts from these tombs are showcased there, forming an intriguing connection between these archaeological sites.
