Lisbon Portugal

Who and what has made Lisbon what it is today

Before the Roman conquest in III b.c., different nations like the Phoenicians and Carthaginians had settled on the top of the hill where the castle is today. When the Roman empire fell, it put an end to its history in Lisbon. As part of the history of Portugal, between the V and VII c., the peninsula was invaded by the Barbarics from the north under Visigod domain. The Arabs conquered Lisbon in 714 but in1147 was taken over by Alfonso Henriques, better known as Alfonso I, nephew of King Alfonso VI of Leon, helped by the christian crusaders.

This was to be the new start for Portugal, completely free of outside invaders. Little by little it extended its borders and in 1225, King Alfonso III made his residence in Lisbon, reestablishing the new administrative headquarters from Coimbra to Lisbon. Thanks to this king, Portugal started to become a very powerful naval country. In 1279, Dinis, son of Alfonso III was named King of Portugal. He transformed the Moorish fortress into the Royal Palace and founded the first Portuguese university with the help of the pope. In 1356, the city suffered from a terrible earthquake during the reign of King Dom fernando; last of the first dynasty. Thanks to this king´s maritime laws and political ideas, Portugal became a strong naval nation, all which was seen in the following century. In 1580, Portugal fell under the Spanish rulers of Philip II, III and IV. But in 1640, the nobles of Portugal were discontent with how things were going like less naval activity and poverty, so they made a revolution proclaiming Joao IV, Duke of Braganca, King of Portugal. But another earthquake in 1755 accompanied by a devastating fire swept away or burned over 10,000 buildings and many people died. The reconstruction was directed by the Marques of Pombal, Minister of King Jose I. Some of the characteristics of his new ideas were: a square with a momument near the River Tajo which Pombal made into the Commercial Area Square, wide streets with look alike buildings, something not seen anywhere else until the next century in Paris, and the remodelation of the Rossio.

At the end of the 19th c., the population had doubled, bringing with it modernization with railway and public lighting. An ols park was demolished and one of the most important avenues in Lisbon was made: The Avenue of the Liberty. Many more new avenues were also constructed, marking the new growth in the 20th c. In 1910, another revolution caused the king to go into exile and the setting up of the Republic took place. But in 1926, a military coup overtook the country and a dictatorship was installed, one which lasted until 1974. But about 10 years earlier, Lisbon was already feeling the changes that their naval colonial expansion was to bring. Many immigrants from Angola, Guinea and Mozambique were changing the working and social class. Thanks to the Economical European Community, sustantial monetary investments were made along with the World Fair in 1998, both helping Portugal out of its economical crisis. A new underground system and the vasco da gama bridge, together with one of the largest commercial centers in Europe, El Colomba, have recently marked Lisbon life.

Fascinating Lisbon

Coming out of our Lisbon hotel, which should overlook the Eduardo VII Park aorund the marques of Pombal Square, you head down the main Avenue da Liberdade towards the River Tajo, pasing in front of the national Theatre Dona maria II, in the famous Rossio Square, the center of the city where there is a commemorative momument to Pedro IV. In the square is the Sao Domingo Church and to one side, the Square of Figueira with King Joao I majestically sitting atop his horse.

Taking the Rua ( avenue) Augusta, we are drawn towards the Commerce Square, right on the waterfront. Facing the southside, there is a wharf opening out onto the channel where you can take very relaxing boat rides on the river and to the north of the square, the Triumphal Arch, style Louis XIV representing glory, bravery and intelligence. Heading to the west, direction of Cascais and Estoril, we first enter the area called Chiado, one of the most characteristical and enchanting areas of Lisbon. Chiado means sly or clever, named after two of its most notorious occupants. Here we can see the Chaido Museum, its collection of art is dedicated to the Portuguese art from 1850 to 1950. Its open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 to 6, Monday not open and Tuesday from 2 to 6. From here the Museum of Ancient Art, built in the 17th c., right on the waterfront. This is Portugal´s most important museum which is installed in the Palace of Count Alvor, better known as the Palace of Janelas Verdes, located on the same street. There are 65 halls with an endless list of painters and sculptors from all over the world. Changing over from painted art, we can go to the Carriage Museum and feast our eyes on a different kind of art, horse drawn carriages. Elaborate luxurious carriages accompanied by the ornaments and trappings used on the horses in the 17th and 18th c. A Manuelino gem, the Monastary of the Jeronimos started in 1502 is a must to be seen. Its main aisle and nave does not only amaze us with its amplitude and brightness but also for a clashing and ill-assorted combination of decoration together with the Manuelino style. The Fortress called the Tower of Bethlehem built between 1515 and 1519 is beautifully seen from the land or the river. It was made to protect Lisbon from invaders but looks so majestic with its white stone mini towers decorating each corner.

And as a special treat, the Park of the Nations where the World Fair was held in 1998. You will need at least a whole to be able to enjoy all the different pavillions, each one expressing a different theme like the ocean life and the future. Another three fourths of the park is dedicated to natural green areas for relaxation. It is recommendable to buy a special pass at the information booth in the Shopping center, which includes many of the extra attractions.

What else should we know about Lisbon

There are fantastic accomodations of all clases to be found in Lisbon, from five star hotels to hostels, bed and breakfast, youth hostels, campings, apartments and the famous Pousadas. Lisbon also has a fine selection of restaurants with the typical cod fish delicacies and the delicious Portuguese wines. Getting around should not be a problem because Lisbon has what is called the Lisbon card which permits you to travel around on the public Carris transport ( underground, bus, trams and lifts ). This card also includes free entrance to 26 museums, monuments and other attractions such as the Queluz palace, Sintra and pena and also discounts in other shops. They range from 11.25 euros for 24 hours to 23.50 euros for 72 hours. Thi can be found in various palces like the Avenue Jardim do Regedor or at the Monastary of Jeronimo and in the kiosks.

Being as many of the services offered are indicated with symbols or there is friendly bi-lingual assistance, travelling around Lisbon or anywhere in Portugal is a delight.