Santa Maria Maior, Administrative district in central Lisbon, Portugal
Santa Maria Maior is the central administrative district of Lisbon, encompassing the historic neighborhoods of Baixa, parts of Bairro Alto, and Alfama. It connects many of the city's oldest and busiest streets in a compact area.
The district was created in 2012 through an administrative reform that merged twelve historic parishes into one unit. This reorganization made it the modern administrative center for one of Lisbon's oldest areas.
The neighborhoods here house the Lisbon Cathedral, Rossio Square, and São Jorge Castle, which have shaped daily life for centuries. These places remain gathering points where locals and visitors experience the layers of the city's past.
The district is walkable with several public squares and direct access to major landmarks. Visitors should know that streets in some areas are narrow and steep, particularly in Alfama.
The district hosts an annual literary prize that honors Portuguese authors. This award helps preserve the city's literary traditions in its historic core.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
