|
Lisbon is located on the bank of the Tagus River and spreads over seven hills. The Moors conquered Lisbon in 715. In 1147 King Alfonso 1 led the conquest fo Lisbon and in 1260 Lisbon became a royal city. Lisbon was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1755.
|
|
The modern city of Lisbon emerged at the 1998 Expo which marked the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gaam's journey to India.
A central point in Lisbon is Commerce Square and the site of the Stock exchange and other Government Ministries. Avenida da Liberdade is the main avenue and dates from 1880.
Perched on the North bank of the river Tagus at its conflux with the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is a pretty city with a celebrated maritime history. The Capital of Portugal, roughly two and three quarter million people live in the Lisbon metropolitan area, just over a quarter of the entire countries population.
Lisbon is the Western most city in Europe, meaning many famous Portuguese naval explorers of the past were based here. Their importance to the country is recognized in the naming of the main road bridge over the Tagus after the most renowned of them all: Vasco De Gama.
|
Lisbon is in the centre of the country, four hundred kilometers from the Northern border with Spain, 300 kilometres from the Algarve, and just over two hundred kilometers to the Eastern frontier. Lisbon is sometimes known as the city of seven hills because like Rome it has incorporated the landscape into its boundaries. A series of different cultural influences are reflected in the architecture of the city, with many remaining old buildings showcasing Roman, Moorish, Gothic, and Iberian styles.
The boundaries of Lisbon are fairly clearly defined with the River Tagus to the South and the East, and the enormous Parque Florestal de Monsanto to the North West. If this isn’t sufficient for navigation, visitors can climb one of the low lying hills to get their bearings. Here are some of the neighbourhoods they should be looking for.
Alfama
In the South of the city, Alfama is the oldest and perhaps the prettiest district. Built of firm rock, it did not suffer as some other districts in the Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 and therefore an old and authentic feel remains. Traditionally a neighbourhood of fisherman and artisans Alfama remains beautiful in its simplicity. Narrow and sloping cobbled streets climb the hill from the river, some of which you need to catch a funicular to negotiate comfortably, especially if it’s hot. At the top of these, towering over a sea of whitewashed buildings with terracotta roofs is the castle of Sao Jorge, the former royal residence, which is impressive in its own right even without the breathtaking views.
Chiado
This district takes its name from Chiado square and is situated between Baixa and Barrio Alto. Visitors will enjoy the shopping opportunities here, and with books and pottery sitting among the clothes stores the area retains a slightly traditional feel. Excellent coffee shops are in plentiful supply for the less enthused shopper, many can offer a pleasant table outside in the sun.
Baixa
Also known as Pombaline, this area is notable for producing some of the World’s first Earthquake proof buildings –some over two hundred and fifty years old.
Barrio Alto
West of Alfama is Barrio Alto, which is largely a residential district. It is also here where much of Lisbon’s best nightlife can be found, with a choice of inexpensive bars, clubs and restaurants.
Belem
Furthest west in the city is Belem which overlooks the Tagus estuary and is a very green, leafy neighbourhood. The Belem tower and Monument to discoveries are well worth a visit.
|
