Viewpoint of Santa Catarina

As we go up to the Viewpoint of Santa Catarina, our imagination wanders to the chairs of the friendly kiosk that kindly waits for our arrival. We order an espresso as we savour the landscape beyond Rio Tejo¹ by the shadows of a beautiful garden also known as Jardim do Alto de Santa Catarina².

Behind us, streets grow right up to the famous Calçada do Combro³ and Bairro Alto.

This is a small hill of Colina de Santa Catarina⁴, opposite to the Museu da Farmácia⁵, it is relatively low compared to other viewpoints of Lisbon, where looking to the right, you can see Cristo-Rei⁶ and Ponte 25 de Abril⁷, the bay that unifies the municipalities of Almada and Seixal and Serra da Arrabida⁸ sitting on the horizon. As a surprise, we found that the crane Lisnave, stands as tall as we are.

Behind the white clock tower – mark of the current Mercado da Ribeira⁹ – on the left hand side, sits the river station Cais-do-Sodré to where ferries travel back and forth from Almada.

Standing right in front of us, representing the new headquarters of the company EDP, are two white modern line buildings that obstruct part of the viewpoint perspective. Many were the lovers of this peaceful viewpoint that by showing their obvious dissatisfaction, made the news.

Continuing to the right hand side, following the waterfront line, emerges the Terminal de Cruzeiros da Rocha Conde de Obidos¹⁰ of the Porto de Lisboa¹¹, gateway to all Portugal visitors.

Translation references

1. Tagus River
2. Garden of Alto of Santa Catarina
3. Causeway Combro
4. Hill of Santa Catarina
5. Pharmacy’s Museum
6. Christ Statue
7. 25^th April’s Bridge
8. Arrabida’s Sierra
9. Ribeira’s Market
10. Cruise Terminal of Rock Count of Obidos
11. Lisbon Harbour