This time we decided to visit the Castle and its neighbourhood. In order to reduce the difficulties that arise from the high slope of the hill, we chose to use two lifts that take us directly to the middle of the castle hill.
We leave Baixa and take the Castle lift (Elevador do Castelo), located in Rua dos Fanqueiros . This lift takes us to Largo Adelino Amaro da Costa. In front, to the left is Largo do Chão do Loureiro where we will take a 2nd lift to Rua Costa do Castelo
Next to the exit of Chão do Loureiro lift (on the left) we have a belvedere, baptized with the same name, where it is possible to admire the Praça do Comércio and its triumphal arch as well as the remaining downtown.
Leaving the belvedere, turn right, and continue along Rua Costa do Castelo (on the right we have an accessible path). A little further ahead we see the steps of St. Crispim. From here on, begins Rua Milagre de Santo António, alluding to the protective image of the saint that existed near the gate wall that stood at the beginning of the stairs.
We continue along the accessible path and at the end of this street we turn left into Rua Bartolomeu de Gusmão. The Castle is near and at the end of this street we can already see its wall. Unfortunately, the accessible path finishes at the end of this street, next to Rua Chão da Fe, which is on the right.
We walk a few metres along this street with care because the floor is irregular and to the left we see the Arch and door of São Jorge that takes us to the Castle and to its Neighbourhood.
Well, let's go across and enter Rua Santa Cruz. This street has a sharp slope in its beginning. The Castle is on the left and its visit is advised. In the neighbourhood, we propose a walk along Rua Santa Cruz and Rua Recolhimento (the two main ones). Enjoy talking with the locals and meeting the Castelo folk. In Rua Recolhimento we have the entrance to Jardim do Recolhimento (belvedere), facing Graça Hill and an excellent belvedere to see the Church and Monastery of São Vicente de Fora and the National Pantheon in Santa Engrácia Church.
