Bica, Lisbon

This simple little quarter, which runs down from the Calçada do Combro/Rua do Loreto to the Tagus, exudes considerably more peacefulness than neighboring Bairro Alto. Only a few cars journey here due to its sloping site and its dense construction. Narrow streets and flights of steps dissect the old quarter, which appears extremely self contained and unspoiled. Here, as in Alfama and Mouraria, there are simple pubs, which serve the inhabitants of Bica, almost exclusively, as meeting places.

Bica Map

Important Information:

Transit: Bus: 13; Tram: 16, 18, 19, 25, 26, 28, 28B.

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Related Attractions

Elevador da Bica

The Elevador da Bica rises above the steep Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo and forms the connection between the Calçada do Combro/Rua do Loreto and the Rua de S. Paulo. The lower station of this funicular railroad is almost hidden behind a facade on the Rua de S. Paulo with the inscription "Ascensor da Bica" (no. 234). It was constructed by Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard and opened to the public in 1892.

Alto de Santa Catarina

Not far from the Elevador da Bica lies the lovely viewpoint Alto de Santa Catarina. From here there is an extensive panorama of the Tagus, the Ponte 25 de Abril and the opposite bank.

A stone colossus was placed in the small park in 1927, representing an allegorical figure, well known in Portugal, from Camoes Lusiaden and thus symbolizes Portugal's "Golden Age".

According to Camoes' fantasy the Adamastor surfaced at the Cape of Good Hope and warned the Portuguese explorers of storms and danger. The Adamastor is a work by the artist Júlio Vaz Júnior.

Mercado da Ribeiro Nova

The Mercado da Ribeiro Nova, Lisbon's largest market hall, stands on the Tagus below Bica, in the Avenida 24 de Julho, near to the Estaçao Cais do Sodré. The building was constructed in 1902 by Joao A. Piloto; its current appearance, with the gleaming white cupola, has existed since renovation in 1930. A previous 1882 construction was destroyed by fire.

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