Poetry in Motion

Poetry in Motion: Lisbon

In this Baixa location – also known as Pombalina Downtown – it’s no surprise that you can find some of the finest examples of traditional architecture in the city. Of course, this apartment is no exception. Only a four-minute walk to Lisbon Cathedral, and six to the bustling, harbour-facing square, Praça do Comércio, this renovated building is no less impressive than its local surroundings. We love the care and attention to detail that has gone into this apartment, which retains the building's original architectural features, as well as reusing debris from historic earthquakes. The beautiful timber structures that you’ll notice right away in the lounge are typical of the pombalina style and practicalities. Some antique tiles, recovered from the 1755 disaster, have been made into panels that adorn the corridors. It's not all about the history here though – there are plenty of modern touches too. You’ll have an array of contemporary art to peruse, as well as Bluetooth speakers and a sleek, charcoal-coloured kitchen. After exploring every corner of this elegant home, pour a glass of vinho verde and take in the views from the French doors of the ornate Juliet balcony.

Home truths:
*The main building entrance is shared, not private to your home
*Paid, public parking is available 300 metres away, and the Maria Madalena tram stop is just 54 metres from home
*As this home allows for self check-in with a keypad, you won't meet your host
*There's no washing machine, but there's a coin-operated laundrette nearby
*The twin beds in the second bedroom can be put together to make a double bed
*Even though there's a lift, you'll need to climb some stairs for access
*The building isn't well sound-proofed, you may be able to hear your neighbours walking around
*You won't find a welcome hamper or basic essentials here, so we'd recommend packing some bits and bobs to get you started