The Route of the Saints is an itinerary of beliefs, passions and visions that crosses the historic neighborhoods of Alfama, Mouraria and Graça, winding between staggering events, blissful miracles and prodigious legends.
The first patron saint of Lisbon named by the Church was Saint Crispim, a shoemaker martyred in Soissons. Lisbon had never heard of him and instead favored Vicente de Zaragoza, a deacon who supposedly sailed to the south of Portugal more than four hundred years after being martyred. Saint Vincent ended up, however, overshadowed by Saint Anthony, the miracle preacher who died and was sanctified in Padova, but who was born and grew up in Lisbon - where he supposedly returned after falling asleep, in a spectacular miracle of bilocation.
Even today there are few residents who know who is the official patron of Lisbon, but the mysticism of the saints continues to hover over the culture and popular imagination of this city at once so blissful and so unholy.
The first patron saint of Lisbon named by the Church was Saint Crispim, a shoemaker martyred in Soissons. Lisbon had never heard of him and instead favored Vicente de Zaragoza, a deacon who supposedly sailed to the south of Portugal more than four hundred years after being martyred. Saint Vincent ended up, however, overshadowed by Saint Anthony, the miracle preacher who died and was sanctified in Padova, but who was born and grew up in Lisbon - where he supposedly returned after falling asleep, in a spectacular miracle of bilocation.
Even today there are few residents who know who is the official patron of Lisbon, but the mysticism of the saints continues to hover over the culture and popular imagination of this city at once so blissful and so unholy.
- Igreja de Sao Vicente de Fora: One of most dazzling churches in Lisbon with an incredible history and heritage
- Irmandade de Nossa Senhora do Monte e Sao Gens: The best belvedere in town and a church linked to legend and heathen rites of fertility
- Igreja & Convento da Graca: Another gorgeous belvedere which is also the site of a monumental religious complex packed with exquisite works of art and puzzling ceramic tiles
- Igreja de Santiago: Here stars the Portuguese Road to Compostela. A good place to discuss St James and the relations between the two Catholic kingdoms of southwestern Europe.
- Fachada do Edificio na Rua do Milagre de Santo Antonio 14: Three miracles of St. Anthony are recalled on the ceramic facade of this building that now host a trendy pastry shop
- Lisbon Cathedral: Only Romanesque monument in town, stern but surprisingly stylist. As a matter of fact suspiciously stylish. Is Lisbon Cathedral as medieval as it looks?
Included
- Local guide
- Private tour
- Professional guide
- Professional photographer guide
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Lunch
- Hotel drop-off
- Hotel pickup
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
