visit > museums & galleries

This is a unique opportunity to see and feel some of Lisbon's history through your own eyes, with 2 places that are must-sees: the São Julião Church (St. Julian), where the Bank of Portugal Museum is currently located, and which hosts several different exhibitions, as well as the D. Dinis wall.

After the earthquake of 1755, the São Julião Church was moved to this location from the intersection of São Julião Street and Augusta Street. Just below, in the basement, is the D. Dinis Wall, recently discovered, after the rehabilitation work done on the bank's headquarters.

This wall was built in the 13th century, with the goal of protecting people and property against attacks coming in from the sea, more specifically from the city's waterfront area. But, in 1755, the Lisbon earthquake damaged the structure almost completely, which remained buried for over 250 years. In 2010, archaeological excavations carried out during the refurbishment of the Bank of Portugal headquarters brought the monument back to daylight.

By visiting this wall, you’ll understand how this defensive structure later influenced the city’s urbanization. You can see 3 marks on the wall, relating to the 3 different types of urbanism that the city has had since the 13th century, until present day.

Here you’ll have a fantastic sensory experience, as you enter an atmosphere that transports us back in time, and in a basement where sounds, images and all our senses are put to the test, in one single experience. In order to feel all this, the idea is to visit it yourself – after all, admission is free!