Marques de Pombal, Parque Eduoardo VII- Avenida Liberdad, Statue of 1st Marquis of Pombal
Estrela, that literally means "star", is a district in the West end of central Lisbon. It is a very hilly area with many sloping streets. The historical tram ride, that we joined, takes you through the narrow, hilly streets of Estrela. The center is the Basílica da Estrela, or the Royal Basilica and Convent of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (Real Basílica e Convento do Santíssimo Coração de Jesus). The Estrela Basilica, consecrated 1789, was ordered by Queen Maria I of Portugal. It is a white neo-classical/late baroque building with a dome and twin bells, situated above the square Praca da Estrela, where many of the historical yellow trams stop. Opposite the church, on the other side of the square is a small, beautiful park, Jardim Guerra Junqueiro, or simply called Jardim da Estrela (the Star Park). Assembly of the Republic, Portugal's parliament, is situated here. The building is called São Bento Palace. This imposing white neo-classicist building, sitauted on a hill overlooking the district, was constructed between 1598 and 1938. São Bento Mansion, the neo-classical residence of Portugal's prime minister, is situated with in the grounds of the palace. Many of the historical yellow (and some red) trams pass through the Estrela district. Besides Alfama, they were the most memorable tram rides we did. The Lisbon tramway network has been operating since 1873, and many of the original trams are still in use. |