Photo Essay: Lisbon illuminated – the city at night
Just before Christmas, I spent a weekend in Lisbon trying out my new camera and got some great shots of Lisbon at night. I love the city at any time of the day but once the sun sets and the lights come on, it takes on a magical, mystical appearance. Clever illumination picks out features that you may not notice in daylight, making even simple things more dramatic and special.
Here’s what I mean:
This cobbled, stepped street is in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto district. The orange glow of the street light makes for a very atmospheric shot, I think.
The arched entrance to Lisbon’s Praça do Comércio appears to be edged in gold, which is only fitting for the former palace square.
King José and his horse look ghostly in this light. The statue is being restored at the moment but you can find it in Praça do Comércio.
The giant Christmas bauble in the background, along with the smoke creates a dramatic impression. I think the smoke is from the many chestnut vendors dotted around Rossio square.
The neo-Manueline facade of Rossio station, Lisbon’s prettiest transport hub, has long been a favourite of mine. It’s impressive enough during the day but the lights and shadows make the patterns even more striking.
Which city do you think looks better at night? Let me know in the comments.
For more ‘illuminating’ posts, check out this week’s photo challenge.
I loved Elvas at night! Would share some night pix with you if I knew how!
[...] Weekly Photo Challenge: Lisbon illuminated – the city at night [...]
Love that first shot, Julie. It’s a beauty. Wonder what Lisbon did with that ball? I’m sure I could find a home for it.
I can’t say which is the best city at night as, having only been in Portugal for 7 months we have only experienced one city at night and that was Porto. But I have to say if you looking across the river from Vila Nova de Gaia, by the bridge, it is stunning at night. Lovely pics by the way.
Thanks
I agree with you – Porto’s amazing at night, too.
I love Portugal. One of my all time favorite places, Avenida da Liberdade, and all the wonderful restaurants, to sit and have a cup of coffee and watch the people walking down the street, a total pleasure moment. Nice to find you here.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I’m heading to Lisbon again at the weekend so I’ll have a coffee for you! I love the city more each time I visit
Awwww, that’s so nice.
[...] Weekly Photo Challenge: Lisbon illuminated – the city at night | Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal [...]
I wish we could also have a large Christmas ball like that red one.
I’d seen photos of it before going there but I had no idea how enormous it was until I saw it for real. It was much better than the Christmas tree that they had for 2012.
[...] Weekly Photo Challenge: Lisbon illuminated – the city at night | Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal [...]
Thanks so much for becoming a “Follower.” I’m happy to find your site as well.
I love Rossio station, it’s beautiful and you have made it look even better at night! I had seen a photo of the Christmas bauble in another blog that I follow but was a day one, looks prettier all illuminated.
Thanks Sami. It was really pretty and you could even go inside it!
so beautiful but my favorite is the 4th shot where i could see a giant bauble.. hmm, i think i could smell the roasted chestnuts too.. i love chestnuts.. great photos julie
Thank you elizz. The atmosphere in the square that evening was rather special with all the lights and smoke. It’s a lovely time of year to visit Lisbon.
[...] Weekly Photo Challenge: Lisbon illuminated – the city at night | Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal [...]
oh fab shots!!!!!! must must must visit Lisbon this year!!!!
Thanks, and yes, you MUST! Have you been yet?