Lisbon Portugal

admin — Sun, 11 May 2008 04:53:05 +0000

Lisbon is not only the biggest city of Portugal, it’s also the capital. The centre of the city has 560.000 inhabitants. By all districts in the greater area around Lisabon it’s possible to count more than 2,8 million people.

The capital of Portugal is built on seven hills, and offers a breathtaking atmosphere for the visitor, with a lot of World Heritage monuments. Legendary cafés and art nouveau shops increase the impression of a lovely metropolis on Europes Western border.

As Lisbon is located directly next to the sea, the city has also sandy beautiful beaches to offer. The hot temperatures during summer time makes it to a pleasant amusement to jump and dive into the water.

The city was already existing when Julius Caesar was in power. Lisbon was a part of the Roman Empire, and was known under the name “Felicitas Julia”. Also the Islam had its time in Lisbon, and ruled the city until the first half of the 12th century.

The rise of Lisbon started in 1147, when the city was conquered by the Christian crusader Afonso Henriques. Since then on, the political, economic, and cultural importance of Lisbon was increasing rapidly.

Lisbon is known to have a very mild climate. It’s supposed that the city is one of the mildest European capitals. Summer months are usually sunny, hot and dry.

Have you ever been to Lisbon? Please leave a comment and tell how you liked it.

Lisbon Beach

admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:32:53 +0000

The beach of Lisbon is a very popular destination for tourists and locals.

Many things are possible and there are usually a lot of attractions in summer. Practicing windsurfing and kite boarding is not a problem. Most of the areas of the beach are quite clean and have the blue flag of the European Union for excellent conditions.

Lisbon Castle

admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:32:14 +0000

The castle of São Jorge is located on the top of one of the seven hills of the city, and is known as the cradle of Lisbon. Castelo de São Jorge offers a wonderful panorama over the whole city.

This special hilltop was always a popular place since the existing of Lisbon as a settlement. Its first traces date back to the 6th century BC.

The castle was a very important protection for Lisabon against the conquering desires of Muslim warriors at the end of the 12th century.

An extensive renovation between the years 1940 to 1950, stopped the neglect and made the castle to an important tourist attraction.

This is the view over Lisbon from one of the towers.

Lisbon Panorama

admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:31:20 +0000

The most beautiful panorama of Lisbon can be seen on the top of the castle.

Oceanarium Lisbon

admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:30:28 +0000

The Oceanarium in Lisbon was built at the end of the millenium, and known as Europes largest sea museum.

The unique experience can be found in 16.000 animals and plants representing over 450 different species.

4 million litres is the amount of the water content in the tanks. This makes the Oceanarium to one of the biggest aquariums in the world.

Eduardo Park Lisbon

admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:29:40 +0000

The Lisbon Park which was dedicated to Eduardo VII, can be found on the extreme north side of the Liberty Avenue.

Eduardo VI was an English king, and a big friend of Portugal. When he arrived in 1903 to confirm the English-Portuguese friendship, the name of the park was changed from “Liberty Park” into “Eduardo VII Park”.

There is a lot to see and experience. A Sports Pavilion for tennis, swimming and gym, which was built in 1932. A lot of restaurants, and the greenhouse with a green museum.

Lisbon Cathedral

admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:28:56 +0000

The cathedral of Lisbon is the oldest church in the city. It was in the same year when Lisbon was conquered by Christian soldiers, when the building works for this huge project began.

Nowadays the religious building is a mix of different architectural styles, which survived many earthquakes in its long history.

Commerce Square

admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:26:18 +0000

The Portuguese experession for the Commerce Square is “Praça do Comércio”. The place is located in the centre of Lisbon, close to the Tagus river.

Jeronimo Monastery

admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:23:48 +0000

The decision to built the “Jeronimo monastery” took place in 1496 by King Manuel I.

Five years later the construction works started. It took 100 years to finish the whole project.

The monastery is known to be called the “jewel of Manueline architecture”. Unique and beautiful Manueline style can be experienced by the visitor.

Jorinmo monastery was always associated with the Royal House of Portugal. This is the reason for the strong, special and emotional meaning to the Portguese nation.

Lisbon Old Town

admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:21:55 +0000

One of the hills in the old town of Lisbon in the sunet.