The Rossio railway station was designed between 1886 and 1887 by Portuguese architect José Luís Monteiro. It makes connections with the village of Sintra, and the 2,600-meter tunnel was excavated under the city. It is considered one of 19th-century Portugal’s most important works of engineering. It has a beautiful Neo-Manueline façade, where two intertwined horseshoe portals stand at the entrance, a clock sits in a small turret, and the sculptural decoration is abundant. Inside you can now find a Starbucks, Lisbon Destination Hostel, and a souvenir shop.
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Catching a Train at Rossio
The Rossio railway station was designed between 1886 and 1887 by Portuguese architect José Luís Monteiro. It makes connections with the village of Sintra, and the 2,600-meter tunnel was excavated under the city. It is considered one of 19th-century Portugal’s most important works of engineering. It has a beautiful Neo-Manueline façade, where two intertwined horseshoe portals stand at the entrance, a clock sits in a small turret, and the sculptural decoration is abundant. Inside you can now find a Starbucks, Lisbon Destination Hostel, and a souvenir shop.
The Rossio's Wavy Pavement
The Rossio is one of Lisbon‘s most beautiful squares and it is sometimes referred to as Europe’s most beautiful square. The pavement is composed of the unique Portuguese tiles and the design is very unusual. The impression is of an uneven, wavy area. Yet when you are walking, the pavement is perfectly even. The effect is quite impressive, . There is a huge Baroque fountain that is lit up at night and is gorgeous. At one end is the National Theatre of Dona Maria II (1840’s). The column of Pedro IV (1874) dominates the square. The side streets are filed with restaurants, hotels, the Pastelaria Suica - there since 1922, and cafes - The Art Deco Cafe Nicola,this one built on the original site opened in 1929) is a must stop where you enjoy a drink, expresso, or a great desert and watch the activity in the square. The tiny Cafe Ginjinha, Rossio is also old and traditional. Stop here at the stand up bar and try this cherry flavored liquor. Buy some flowers from the flower sellers. The kiosks have leather goods for sale. Watch the pigeons wander around. They remind you of the pigeons in Venice‘s St. Mark’s square. The street behind the theater is the Travessa S. Antao. This is a street with many restaurants. I love the Frango Rei ( Chicken King) where the typical spit roasted chicken, french fries, and salad is served. Every time I go to Lisbon this is my first night dinner. You must include a stop at the Rossio when in Lisbon.
Rossio Train Station at Night
Might be one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe, Rossio Train Station is located in Rossio Square. It connects Lisbon to near by cities such as Sintra and Cascais. The station was designed by a Portuguese architect, José Luís Monteiro, and was completed in 1890. If you don’t need to take the train from Lisbon to Sintra, I still highly recommend to visit the station and admire its architecture.
A Magical 16th Century Style Train Station
The Rossio railway station in the Rossio Square area of Lisbon in another architectural marvel. The Manueline design of the facade looks more like an ornate palace or theatre than a public building. The station was commissioned in 1886-1887 and completed in 1888. The trains run from Lisbon to the fairy-tale city of Sintra. The Manueline style of Rossio Station is typical of early 16th century Portugal. The entrance to the station is through two graceful intertwined horseshoe portals. The building is crowned with a small turret and a clock. As I walked through the portals, I saw the Belgian iron decorations. The station was huge and spotless. The train ride through the picturesque countryside ended in beautiful Sintra. Try to work a day trip or even an overnight stay in Sintra as there is so much to see and the history is extremely interesting especially the palaces. The cheeses, pastries, and wines are not to be missed. For a real treat if you want to feel special try a night or two at the Palacio de Sete Sais in Sintra! So much to do in Lisbon and its surrounding areas. You know you can always return.
Estação de Caminhos de Ferro do Rossio
The Rossio train station is one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Designed by José Luís Monteiro, it has a beautiful neo-Manueline facade with two horseshoe-shaped portals at the entrance. Its 2,600-meter tunnel excavated underground is considered one of 19th-century Portugal’s most important engineering feats. This is also where you can catch a train to nearby Sintra to see its lavish palaces, estates and gardens.
Romantic Rossio
Lisbon’s well worn grit takes on a magical golden beauty at night. Here, on Lisbon‘s main square Rossio, the Rossio train station beckons travelers to step through her horseshoe shaped doors and step into the adventure of train travel. One of the most surprising things to this traveler was the wonderful night lighting all over Lisbon. It seemed as if the daytime scruffiness of the buildings faded away, as they preened in the golden glow of nightfall. Like a beautiful woman, Lisbon becomes more lovely when bathed in the glow of romantic light.
The Ubiquitous Street Artists of Lisbon
All major cities have street entertainers who live off their dubious talents and the generosity of tourists. Lisbon is no different, except perhaps, for the sheer volume of residents and transients who make a living on their play and prey talents. Street artists congregate at every restaurant, tasca, and cafe with outdoor seating, and, like good Boy Scouts, are always prepared to entertain diners with varying degrees of success. Accordion players abound as do roaming minstrels who belt out old American songbook standards ....hoping to make a euro or two from stateside tourists. Some are very entertaining, and therefore, very successful. Others, like the unfortunate didgeridoo player, could certainly not survive on what he ekes from the crowds. To me, the most entertaining street artists were the fire twirlers, whose fiery batons would light up the night as they juggled and danced and twirled in the warm night air. Their shows were often the highlight of the evening and seemed to garner the most coveted coinage. Lisbon’s street artists make their living from entertaining and can be very persistent about seeking compensation for their showmanship. A word to the wise when traveling in Lisbon. Keep LOTS of euro coins handy so you can pay the entertainers their due.... and make sure to relax and enjoy their show.