Graça Church and Convent, Lisbon

The Graça Church, one of the oldest in Lisbon, was built in 1271 and given to the hermits of Saint Augustine, albeit the present Baroque-style structure was constructed in the 18th century after the 1755 earthquake ruined the original structure.

Inside, you will get some initial impressions: an interesting painted ceiling, a (rather scary-looking) statue of São Tomás de Villanova, two ornate marble chairs placed in the sacristy, plus a few gilded Rococo-style sculptures in the chapels... But walk further on to the adjoining convent and you will find a white room with tiled walls from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries making up large historic scenes! There is no charge for any of the above-described, which is quite nice indeed.

Apart from the church, you have to come here for the fantastic views across Lisbon afforded by Graça's 'miraduro' – the highest lookout point in Lisbon. It may be a bit of a leg workout going up the hill to the romantic pine-shaded terrace, but well worth it in the end, especially if you find comfort in the little shops and markets scattered through the neighborhood.