5 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Encarnação That You Shouldn't Miss

Reviewed By RGSOUNDF - Mercerville, United States

Praça Luís de Camões, interchangeably referred to as Largo do Camoes, the both words translated as "square", the location may not strike you by its sheer scale, for it lacks the grandeur and historical significance of both Rossio and Praça do Comércio, but its more intimate and, shall we say cozy, design is more conducive to a leisurely and more relaxed hanging-out, that being the reason the square is always bustling with life, comingling of residents and visitors alike, and a place of eternal rendez-vous for all ages. By now, you will probably know that the square is named after one of the most important founders of Portuguese poetic and literary language, Luís de Camões (1524-1580), usually referred to as "Portuguese Shakespeare". Architecturally, the square is surrounded by fine "Pombaline" (the style that domineered post-1775 earthquake Lisbon urban reconstruction) buildings and impressive mosaic pavement, the famous "Calçada Portuguesa", however, honestly, both the houses and the pavement are omnipresent almost anywhere in Chiado and Baixa central districts of Lisbon. The location is right in the middle of Chiado district with Rua do Alecrim leading down south to the TimeOut Market, and the "Pink Street", with Rua da Misericórdia leading up north towards Largo Trindade Coelho (with its Church and Museum de São Roque) and Calçada do Duque, with Bairro Alto "party-non-stop" neighborhood to the west and Largo do Chiado (Cafe A Brasileira with the statue of Fernando Pessoa) and Rua Garrett, with the area's both of Lisbon only 2 Michelin stars restaurants, to the east. Certainly there are tons of places to eat and drink, with two best Pasteis de Nata (freshly baked custard pies) joints in town, Manteigaria and a small Pastelaria Batalha, across the square of each other. Quiosque Lisboa, a round-shaped kiosk, located on the square itself offers hot beverages, wine, snacks and light meals, with sitting-down area complete with chairs, tables, and umbrellas against the elements.