The parish of Benfica is today a vast urban and population center that harmoniously combines the old and the modern, as well as the rural and the urban. It encompasses approximately two-thirds of Monsanto Forest Park, also known as the “Lungs of Lisbon.” The parish is divided into its main neighborhoods: Boavista, Charquinho, Pedralvas, Calhariz Velho, Calhariz Novo, and Santa Cruz. It is precisely in the Santa Cruz neighborhood that the headquarters of one of the city’s oldest clubs, Clube Futebol Benfica (“FóFó”), founded in 1895, is located. The club has won several national titles in roller hockey and field hockey.
Most of Benfica’s monuments originated from former estates, including: Benfica Fountain, Church of Our Lady of Protection, Calhariz Church, Silva Porto Park, Benfica Gates, Peres Estate, Granja Estate, section of the Águas Livres Aqueduct, and Vila Ana.
This parish has a high concentration of services and schools, from primary education to higher education, traditional shops, shopping centers, public transportation, and easy access to every part of the city. Notable sites include Silva Porto Park, Benfica Market, Baldaya Palace, Colombo Shopping Centre, Granja Estate, and the School of Education.