Last Cathedral, Castle and archaeological site

The Committee decided my itinerary is a little too ambitious after yesterday, so a more relaxed day today.  A not so early wander along the riverfront to the Time Out Market to see trade underway, but suprisingly quiet for a Saturday morning.  Coffee, and then a one stop train trip to the city proper (queues for train tickets to beachside areas are long - note for tomorrow!).

Some wandering, including to Miradouro de Santa Catarina, some snacking, then some shopping time for Pat before getting together for a drink.  Pat headed back to our apartment, while I headed up hill to the Se (Cathedral). Even into the latter part of the afternoon, the famous Tram 28 is packed and not worth the crush - so it's a substantial climb. The Se was built in 1150 on the site of a mosque soon after the city was recaptured from the Moors - and was restored in the 1930's.

Climbing continued to the Castelo de Sao Jorge which sits gazing grandly over the city.  First settlers in the area in the 7th century BC, but the castle dates to the mid 11th century when the Moors ruled Lisbon.  Occupied then by Christian crusaders in 1147, royals from the 14th to 16th centuries, and convicts in every century, the castle has seen it all - battles, coronations and an earthquake.  Never quite made it to the highest rampart, but did a good job until the left ankle again packed up, resulting in the second unfurling of the walking stick - particularly necessary on the steep descent on the slippery marble cobblestones.

Stopped off at Miradouro da Graca for great views of the hillside, the river and the Ponte 25th de Abril. Notwithstanding the time that had passed, every Tram 28 was still packed to the rafters - so it was all the way down hill to home.

Feet up for a while before a clean up and dinner.  Turned left outside our apartment tonight before walking past about 8 restaurants in 150m and settling on Empregado de Mesa, a family run local restaurant operating since 1953.  Mother & father, son and grandson (on school holidays) all working tonight.  Good wholesome food, but without the glitz of the last two nights.