Page 33 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 LISBON EDITION
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The Largo do Carmo and Carmo Convent
The Santa Justa Lift took us up to an observa- ernment’s surrender and the end of the Salazar
tion deck, Terraços do Carmo, terraces now oc- dictatorship. It was also here that they founded
cupied by an open-air café and bar with views the first Portuguese university in 1290.
Sao Jorge castle and over Rossio Square. From The park has two affordable cafes, favorite
there it’s just a few steps to places for locals and visitors to
Largo do Carmo, one of our fa- relax at shaded tables. There’s
vorite jacaranda-filled squares usually some entertainment too.
punctuated with a monumental We enjoyed an accomplished jazz
drinking fountain from 1771. guitarist several times while we
The historic plaza is home to sipped gin and tonics or cold
the headquarters of the Na- beers. The plaza is surrounded by
tional Guard, where Prime restaurants, museums and an-
Minister Marcelo Caetano chored by the ruins of Carmo
took refuge during the 1974 Convent, one of Lisbon’s most
revolution, leading to the gov- hauntingly beautiful sights.
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