It’s true that there are many viewpoints in the Portuguese capital, but we dare say that the Panorâmico de Monsanto is the most incredible of them all. But how did a circular building that looks like a UFO end up in the middle of the country’s largest forest park?
Designed by Chaves Costa, the modernist architecture of this building was originally intended to house the Panorâmico de Monsanto restaurant. Although it was inaugurated in 1968, it never actually opened its doors to the public, being limited to hosting occasional events. Just five years later, its concession was revoked, and the restaurant was replaced by a bingo hall, which also failed to succeed. From 1996 to 2002, the UFO-like building was completely abandoned but hosted one last event in 2003.
In 2017, after 14 years of neglect, the Lisbon City Council finally reopened the site as a viewpoint. Now, visitors can enjoy a 270º view from the former restaurant, as well as admire the beautiful ceramic panel at its entrance and the tile artwork on the top floor depicting Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake.
The Panorâmico de Monsanto Viewpoint is located in the Monsanto Forest Park.
Filipe Mendonça
Filipe has a degree in Advertising, works as a software developer in Germany, and is the creator of O Guia Nativo. The idea for a website offering non-touristic tips came about in 2014 but only became a reality in 2019.
