Lisbon Spain Square

Spain Square (Praça de Espanha) in Lisbon is a significant urban space that has evolved notably over time, shifting from a traffic-heavy junction into a more welcoming and functional area.

It sits at the intersection of several major freguesias—Campolide, Avenidas Novas, and São Domingos de Benfica—and has long served as an important gateway between central Lisbon and its western districts. Its redesign in recent years reflects a broader urban movement in Lisbon toward greener, more accessible public spaces, turning what was once a car-dominated zone into a more balanced environment for pedestrians and community life. This transformation has made the square a more inviting point of connection within the city, blending infrastructure with open space in a way that supports both mobility and leisure.

The area around Spain Square is rich in cultural and institutional landmarks, giving it a distinctive character within Lisbon’s urban fabric. Nearby stands the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, one of the city’s most important cultural institutions, known for its museum, gardens, and diverse programming)). Also close is the Palácio de Palhavã, the official residence of the Spanish ambassador, which adds a diplomatic and historical dimension to the square’s surroundings)). These elements make the square not just a transit point but a place where cultural, historical, and international influences converge, shaping its identity and relevance.

In its newest form, Spain Square has embraced a more ecological and community-oriented vision. The redevelopment introduced a large urban park designed to improve environmental quality, enhance walkability, and create a space where residents and visitors can gather, relax, and enjoy landscaped areas. This shift aligns with Lisbon’s broader sustainability goals, emphasizing green infrastructure and public engagement. The result is a dynamic urban setting where history, culture, and contemporary landscape design coexist, offering a refreshed experience of one of Lisbon’s key public spaces.

Suggested walking tour in Praça de Espanha
São Sebastião Metro Station → Gulbenkian Modern Art Centre → Garden of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation → Calouste Gulbenkian Museum → Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima

Gulbenkian Modern Art Centre
The Gulbenkian Modern Art Centre (Centro de Arte Moderna, CAM) in Lisbon is a vibrant cultural space dedicated to modern and contemporary art.

Originally opened in 1983, it was reimagined and reopened in September 2024 with a new design by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Kengo Kuma, in collaboration with landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic. The building integrates seamlessly with its surrounding gardens, creating a fluid connection between architecture and nature. Its striking canopy, inspired by Japanese design and covered with hundreds of Portuguese ceramic tiles, provides a distinctive transition between interior and exterior spaces. The centre houses the largest collection of Portuguese modern and contemporary art, spanning the 20th and 21st centuries, while also presenting international artists and experimental projects.
Beyond its permanent collection, the Gulbenkian Modern Art Centre hosts temporary exhibitions, performances, and educational initiatives that highlight both established and emerging artists. The Engawa space, a laboratory-like area, encourages public engagement with creative processes, while the centre’s programming reflects Lisbon’s dynamic role in the global art scene. Recognized as Arch Daily’s Building of the Year in 2025, the CAM has become a landmark for art, architecture, and cultural dialogue in the heart of the city. It continues the vision of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation to promote artistic innovation and accessibility, offering visitors a unique experience where art and nature coexist harmoniously.
See more at Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian - Wikipedia.
Photograph by Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian distributed under a CC-BY 4.0 license.

Garden of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
The Garden of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon is a serene urban oasis designed in the 1960s by landscape architects Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles and António Viana Barreto.

Spread across several hectares, it integrates modernist principles with naturalistic landscaping, creating a harmonious environment that blends architecture, art, and nature. The garden features winding paths, shaded groves, ponds, and open lawns, offering visitors a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustle. Its design emphasizes biodiversity and ecological balance, with native and exotic plant species carefully arranged to create seasonal variety and visual richness.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the garden serves as a cultural and social space, complementing the foundation’s museum and concert hall. It hosts outdoor exhibitions, performances, and educational activities, while also providing a habitat for birds and small wildlife. The interplay of water, vegetation, and sculptural elements reflects the foundation’s mission to promote art and culture in dialogue with the environment. Today, the Gulbenkian Garden is not only a beloved green space for Lisbon residents but also an integral part of the foundation’s identity, embodying the vision of Calouste Gulbenkian to unite beauty, knowledge, and public enjoyment.
See more at Gulbenkian Park - Wikipedia.
Photographs by Vitor Oliveira distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon is one of Portugal’s most prestigious cultural institutions, founded in 1969 to house the vast art collection of Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, an Armenian oil magnate and philanthropist.

The museum’s holdings span over 5,000 years of history, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to European masterpieces. Its galleries are divided into two main sections: the Founder’s Collection, which includes works by artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Turner, and Lalique, alongside Islamic, Oriental, and Classical art; and the Modern Collection, which focuses on Portuguese art from the late 19th century to the present. The museum’s architecture, designed by Ruy Jervis d’Athouguia, Pedro Cid, and Alberto Pessoa, integrates modernist lines with surrounding gardens, creating a tranquil environment for visitors.
Beyond its permanent collections, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions, concerts, and educational programs, making it a dynamic cultural hub in Lisbon. Its integration with the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation ensures a broader mission of promoting the arts, science, and education. The museum’s serene gardens, designed by landscape architect Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles, complement the experience, offering visitors a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Today, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum stands as a testament to Gulbenkian’s vision of sharing beauty and knowledge, and it remains a cornerstone of Lisbon’s cultural life.
See more at Calouste Gulbenkian Museum - Wikipedia.
Top photograph by Yair Haklai distributed under a CC-BY 4.0 license.
Bottom photograph by Julien Chatelain distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

René Lalique collection in the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
The René Lalique collection at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon is one of the most celebrated parts of the Founder’s Collection, showcasing the extraordinary artistry of the French jeweler and glassmaker.

Lalique, renowned for his innovative designs during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, combined natural motifs with Art Nouveau elegance, creating pieces that are both decorative and symbolic. The collection includes exquisite jewelry, perfume bottles, and glassworks, many of which highlight Lalique’s mastery of materials such as enamel, horn, and semi-precious stones. His creations often feature delicate depictions of flora, fauna, and female figures, reflecting the organic inspiration central to Art Nouveau.
Calouste Gulbenkian himself was an admirer and patron of Lalique, acquiring a significant number of his works that now form one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Lalique art in the world. The pieces on display illustrate the evolution of Lalique’s style, from his early jewelry to his later glass designs, offering visitors a unique opportunity to trace the career of one of the most influential decorative artists of his time. Today, the Lalique collection stands as a highlight of the museum, admired for its beauty, craftsmanship, and the way it embodies the spirit of innovation and refinement that defined the Art Nouveau movement.
See more at René Lalique - Wikipedia.
Photographs by Sailko, distributed under a CC-BY 3.0 license.

Exterior of the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima
The exterior of the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima on Avenida de Berna in Lisbon is a striking example of early 20th-century Portuguese religious architecture.

Built between 1934 and 1938, it was one of the first major churches in Lisbon dedicated to Our Lady of Fátima, reflecting the growing devotion to the Marian apparitions at Cova da Iria. The façade is characterized by its neoclassical and monumental style, with clean lines, symmetry, and a central tower that rises above the entrance. Constructed in pale stone, the exterior conveys both solidity and elegance, while its restrained ornamentation emphasizes the church’s spiritual purpose rather than lavish decoration.
The church’s exterior also features a wide staircase leading to the main portal, flanked by columns and sculptural details that highlight its solemn character. The tower, crowned with a cross, serves as a focal point and landmark along Avenida de Berna, making the building easily recognizable in Lisbon’s urban landscape. Its design reflects both modern influences and traditional Catholic symbolism, embodying the balance between contemporary architectural trends of the 1930s and the timeless role of the church as a place of worship.
See more at Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima - Wikipedia.
Photographs by João Carvalho, distributed under a CC-BY 3.0 license.

Interior of the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima
The interior of the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima on Avenida de Berna in Lisbon is notable for its modernist design, reflecting the architectural vision of Porfírio Pardal Monteiro, who completed the project in 1938.

As Lisbon’s first modernist church, the interior emphasizes simplicity, clean lines, and functional space rather than ornate decoration. The nave is spacious and uncluttered, with reinforced concrete structures supporting the high ceiling, creating a sense of openness and solemnity. Natural light filters through carefully placed windows, enhancing the serene atmosphere and highlighting the geometric clarity of the design.
The church’s interior also integrates symbolic elements that reflect its dedication to Our Lady of Fátima. The altar is the focal point, designed with understated elegance to draw attention to liturgical functions. Decorative details are minimal, in keeping with modernist principles, but the space retains a strong spiritual presence through its proportions and use of light. Later interventions, such as work by designer Daciano da Costa in the 1970s, introduced subtle updates while preserving the original architectural integrity. Together, the interior embodies both innovation and devotion, marking a turning point in Portuguese religious architecture.
See more at Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima - Wikipedia.
Photograph by Axel Jacobs, distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

Hotels Map

Where to Eat in Lisbon

Restaurants Map

🍽️ Local Culinary Traditions

🥖	Bread Broa de milho - Corn bread often served with grilled sardines Pão alentejano - Rustic wheat bread, widely eaten in Lisbon with soups and stews
🍲	Soups Caldo verde - Traditional soup made with kale, potatoes, and chouriço Sopa de peixe - Fish soup flavored with tomato, garlic, and herbs
🦞	Seafood Arroz de marisco - Rich rice dish with shrimp, clams, mussels, and crab 🏅 Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato - Clams cooked with garlic, olive oil, and cilantro
🐟	Fish Dishes Sardinhas assadas - Grilled sardines, especially popular during Lisbon’s Santo António festivities Bacalhau à Brás - Shredded cod with fried potatoes, onions, and scrambled eggs Peixe grelhado - Freshly grilled fish, often sea bream or mackerel, seasoned simply with olive oil and salt
🍗	Meat Dishes Bife à Portuguesa - Steak topped with ham and garlic sauce, served with fried potatoes Cozido à Portuguesa - Hearty boiled dish with assorted meats, sausages, and vegetables Bifana - Pork sandwich seasoned with garlic and spices, a popular street food
🍰	Sweets 🏅 Pastel de Nata - Lisbon’s famous custard tart, baked with flaky pastry Travesseiros de Sintra - Puff pastry filled with almond and egg cream, often enjoyed in Lisbon cafés Arroz doce - Creamy rice pudding flavored with cinnamon and lemon
🍷	Wine Vinho Verde - Light, slightly sparkling wine often paired with seafood Vinho do Porto - Fortified wine, widely enjoyed as a dessert drink Lisboa regional wines - Reds and whites from vineyards around Lisbon, known for their balance and freshness