After a period of persistent decadence, the old Lisbon evoked by Amália Rodrigues has become a desirable destination, already threatening to dethrone other popular tourist hubs, such as Venice and Barcelona. An unbeatable example of this metamorphosis is the recent completion of the cruise terminal on the banks of the Tagus River estuary, a project commissioned to the always efficient and exquisite João Luís Carrilho da Graça.

Respecting views over the Alfama district and the city’s old walls, the terminal is a simple compact volume rising two levels, and connects with the raised railway network by means of two footbridges. In scale and color it resonates with Lisbon’s characteristic profile and tones. Carrilho da Graça Fernando Guerra fg+sg Rita Burmester