Mysterious Lisbon: stories, legends, and enigmatic places

Lisbon is the city of light and hills that has inspired poets and travelers for centuries. But behind its luminous charm, Lisbon hides a secret side — made up of legends, memories, and places that carry untold stories.

Legends that shaped the city

The legend of Martim Moniz

During the conquest of Lisbon, led by King Afonso Henriques, Martim Moniz faced the Moors at one of the city gates. In a decisive act, he threw himself into the doorway to keep it open, sacrificing his own life to prevent the gate from closing.
His sacrifice is said to have been crucial for the conquest of the city. Today, Martim Moniz’s memory lives on not only in the square that bears his name, but also in chronicles and popular culture. His story stands as a symbol of courage and devotion to the nation — though, like many legends, it blurs the line between fact and myth.

The raven of Saint Vincent

Visitors to Lisbon can hardly miss the raven of Saint Vincent, the city’s patron saint. According to legend, two ravens accompanied the boat that carried the saint’s remains to Lisbon, becoming a symbol of protection and loyalty. They are featured on the city’s coat of arms, which can be seen on historical and official buildings, such as Lisbon City Hall.

Places full of mystery

Casa dos Bicos

Near Campo das Cebolas, the Casa dos Bicos stands out for its pointed stone façade. Built in the 16th century, it has witnessed stories ranging from political intrigue to secret romances.
Today, it houses the José Saramago Foundation, which honors the life and work of the first Portuguese writer to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, in 1998.

• Location: Rua dos Bacalhoeiros

Carmo Convent

In the heart of Chiado, the Carmo Convent has stood in ruins since the 1755 earthquake. Its open structure, exposed to the sky, is a symbol of the strength of a city that rose from the ashes. Many believe echoes of the past still linger there, giving the place an almost sacred aura. Today, it hosts immersive shows, concerts, and other cultural events.

• Location: Largo do Carmo

Roman Theatre

Another surprising place is the Roman Theatre, one of the city’s most enigmatic treasures beneath the castle hill. Buried for centuries, it now stands, among carefully preserved ruins and remains, as a window into the past — reminding us that Lisbon was once an important Roman city.
Many believe the theatre was used not only for performances but also for sacred rituals and ceremonies, adding to the mysterious aura that still surrounds it.

• Location: Rua de São Mamede

Secrets you’ll want to uncover

Roman Galleries of Rua da Prata

Hidden beneath the Baixa Pombalina district, the Roman Galleries of Rua da Prata are among Lisbon’s most unique archaeological treasures. These underground structures date back to ancient Olissipo and remain closed to the public for most of the year.
When they open for a few days of guided visits, visitors can walk through partially flooded corridors and admire the grandeur of Roman engineering — which remained hidden for centuries. Here, the city’s history literally emerges from beneath our feet, sparking the curiosity of those eager to discover Lisbon’s secrets.

• Location: Rua da Conceição; Rua da Prata

Águas Livres Aqueduct

Built in the 18th century, the Águas Livres Aqueduct is one of Europe’s greatest feats of hydraulic engineering, designed to supply Lisbon with drinking water. Stretching 58 km with monumental arches, it remains one of the city’s most striking landmarks.
Beyond its architectural and technical value, the aqueduct is linked to dark episodes — most notably, the 19th-century serial killer who is said to have used the arches as a hiding place to ambush and kill travelers. This sinister past, combined with its monumental scale, makes the aqueduct a place where engineering and legend intertwine, fascinating visitors and locals alike.

• Location: Calçada da Quintinha

Lisbon is a city of contrasts — radiant, yet wrapped in mystery. It’s this duality that makes it unforgettable.
Now that you’ve uncovered some of its legends and explored its enigmatic stories and places, let yourself be surprised by the streets that once housed and inspired some of Portugal’s most celebrated authors.