The Architecture of Lisbon and Modern Comforts

When working with international clients from different continents, their description of the ideal apartment is remarkably similar: a specific number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and, of course, air conditioning, heating, and an elevator.

They often add details like proximity to the river, metro access, and so on. And when they’ve had the chance to explore Lisbon, their wishlist grows: a flat area, no overhead planes, and close to cafés and restaurants—but without noise.

This charming city, with its over 3,000 years of history and unique features, naturally exhibits distinct characteristics in its construction and evolution. Lisbon’s architecture still includes buildings over three centuries old, sometimes side by side with recent constructions, making it essential to understand its history and pivotal moments—or, should I say, its fractures. Thus, its construction and reconstruction.

The reality is that construction in Lisbon has been shaped by distinct periods, influenced by the city’s events and the advancement—or lack thereof—of construction methodologies. Below is a brief summary of how building styles evolved over time and the defining features of each era. What were apartments like in Lisbon’s historic areas? Interestingly, technological progress has not always led to improved construction techniques and quality, as you’ll see below.

Pre-Pombaline Construction (Before 1755) ¹

• Durable stone masonry walls (often including wood, tiles, etc.) with mortar
• Wooden floors
• Ground floors with stone arches and masonry vaults (brick)

Pombaline Construction (1755–1880)

• • The first earthquake-resistant regulations in the world, introducing the “cage” structure, inspired by seismic memory
  • Enhanced care in construction techniques and materials

  Upper floors with key interior walls made of wooden frameworks (“St. Andrew’s crosses”)

Mixed Construction (1940–1960)

• • Load-bearing masonry walls with reinforced concrete floors (initial use of reinforced concrete)
  • Brick masonry partition walls and increased building heights
  • Replacement of wooden floors with thin reinforced concrete slabs.

Reinforced Concrete Construction (1960–Present)

• • Framed structures (columns and beams) in reinforced concrete
  • Solid (or mushroom-shaped) reinforced concrete slabs with cantilevered balconies
  • Reinforced concrete cores in taller buildings for seismic stability.

Following the 1755 earthquake, Lisbon expanded westward and later, from the riverbank northward. The city’s most desirable areas have remained relatively consistent, with riverside zones and Pombaline reconstruction areas continuing to attract residents for their convenience, proximity, river views, and vibrant lifestyle.

However, buildings are products of their times. Features considered standard today—multiple bathrooms, air conditioning, heating, elevators—are not consistently found along the same street or neighborhood. 

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¹ Fernando Branco, João Ferreira, João Ramôa Correia, “A Evolução das Construções”

In the past six years, much has been done to renovate buildings and apartments, addressing decades of neglect. Like it or not, foreign investment and increased demand have driven this transformation, aiming to meet the rising need for real estate solutions.

In many historic neighborhoods, it wasn’t uncommon to see abandoned, dilapidated gray buildings with closed windows and dark interiors. This still exists to some extent for those, like me, who walk the city regularly. Nevertheless, many areas have seen significant improvement, and the transformation is striking in some zones.

That said, some peculiarities remain. You might find a three-bedroom apartment with just one bathroom—sometimes accessible only through the kitchen! Or, incredibly, in certain parts of the city, apartments once lacked any bathroom at all, which were added only years later.

Today, it’s possible to find, occasionally, a one-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms, air conditioning, heating, and an elevator. You might also find a modernized apartment in an 18th- or 19th-century Pombaline building on a stunning fifth floor—with or without an elevator. And yet, you can still find some of the best river and city views, complete with a balcony or terrace, while living on the ground floor. Where?? Talk to me and I’ll show you. 

This is part of the story behind the homes you’ll encounter in Lisbon. Centuries of history, countless lived experiences, and a few setbacks have shaped the urban landscape we still see today in many historic areas. Understanding how Lisbon was built, rebuilt, and evolved is crucial to appreciating the diversity of its real estate—even within the same street. For those unfamiliar with Lisbon’s architectural history, this background may narrow or shift the options available, but I hope it brings greater understanding of the city and its architectural heritage. It might even help you refine your house-hunting criteria. After all, what matters most to you when looking for a home in Lisbon? What are your non-negotiables? Anyone who knows this city well can quickly pinpoint one or more neighborhoods that fit your criteria. It’s a journey that often leads to unexpected – and delightful – results.

Forgive me, there are no predictable statistics or guaranteed outcomes. Only the certainty that the home or neighborhood you initially described may not be the one you end up living in.

That’s one of Lisbon’s charms. Each neighborhood tells a story and has its own unique character. And no matter where you go, you’ll always find historical and original elements. Best of all is the local commerce. While some areas have undergone major changes, local shops still thrive, supported by loyal nearby residents and beyond. These shops offer solutions for nearly everything—from key cutting to hardware stores, grocers, shoemakers, bakeries that sell nothing but bread (few but still present), and, of course, countless cafés open early and closing late, where everything is discussed, and everyone is in the know. Though I’m a Lisbon native with my favorite spots in the city, I confess that during my work (the beauty of my job), I often discover new details about neighborhoods or streets I barely knew, and I find my heart falling in love again. Sometimes, I feel like I’m “betraying” my chosen areas, but then I smile as Pedro Abrunhosa’s song comes to mind: “Help, I’m falling in love; it’s impossible to resist such charm.”.