Lisbon is one of the smallest capitals in the world but its legacy has been
left in many countries, all the way up to the far reaches of Asia. Way
before the British Empire became a force to be reckoned with, the Portuguese
were already sailing the seven seas in search of new land, earning the
country its reputation as the country of explorers.
Built on seven hills, this beautiful port city has a lovely view and
almost-constant festivities the entire year making it an immensely fun,
wholesome experience for any tourist. When planning your trip, try to find
out if there are any festivals in particular during your visit so that you
can truly enjoy Portuguese culture in its element. All the places are also
easily accessible by public transport and you could also walk about in its
little niches to find hidden surprises.
From The Ashes...
The city was rebuilt after virtually being destroyed by a huge earthquake in
1755 but Portugal’s colonising days ended as a result. However one part of
the city which was untouched by the quake was the Alfama- the oldest and
most historic part of Lisbon. It is here that you will find Lisbon Castle or
the Castle of São Jorge (the Portuguese equivalent of St George). This
beautiful castle still shows the mark of the Moors who had built it on the
site of a Roman fort, laying claim to it till the 12th century when the city
was once again wrested from Muslim domination by the Crusaders.
Other than the castle though, the rest of the Alfama too is beautifully
captivating. Walking through it is almost like entering the past, enhanced
by the fact that some of the streets are so tiny that it is impossible for
any vehicle (except the ever-present trams of course) to pass through. It’s
a veritable maze of tiny roads and hidden niches, with so much to explore
including the Sé Cathedral, once a mosque and Lisbon’s oldest church. There
are also many other churches, monasteries and old buildings to admire. And
of course, plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants where you can sit and enjoy
delicious Portuguese delights to the mournful notes of Fado- a form of music
unique to Portuguese culture, particularly in Lisbon.
Time
Warp To The Past
Pride in its own culture is evident in the many museums within the city. To
name a few, the Museu de Marinha (Naval Museum) is a tribute to the city’s
sea-faring past while the Museu da Agua da Epal (Water Museum) shows the
history of the Aqueduct, built in 1746 to bring clean drinking water to the
city. The Aqueduct itself known as the Aguas Livres Aqueduct (Aqueduct of
Free Waters) is also a remarkable sight and an amazing example of
engineering from the 18th-century. The surrounding areas also tell their own
tales, including one of the infamous Diogo Alves who reportedly shoved his
victims down the aqueduct after robbing them.
The elegant Belém Tower, the gateway to Lisbon, was built in the 16th
century to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s expedition and must be included in
your sightseeing tour. You should also take a trip to Sintra, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site with its Sintra Mountain Range, palaces and other historical
attractions.
Lisbon offers an abundance of nightlife and entertainment, besides wine
tours within the city. And don’t forget too, the beauty of its waterfront
and parks. All in all, a delightful experience that you wouldn’t want to
miss.
Lisbon is one of the smallest capitals in the world but its legacy has been
left in many countries, all the way up to the far reaches of Asia. Way
before the British Empire became a force to be reckoned with, the Portuguese
were already sailing the seven seas in search of new land, earning the
country its reputation as the country of explorers.
The city was rebuilt after virtually being destroyed by a huge earthquake in
1755 but Portugal’s colonising days ended as a result. However one part of
the city which was untouched by the quake was the Alfama- the oldest and
most historic part of Lisbon. It is here that you will find Lisbon Castle or
the Castle of São Jorge (the Portuguese equivalent of St George). This
beautiful castle still shows the mark of the Moors who had built it on the
site of a Roman fort, laying claim to it till the 12th century when the city
was once again wrested from Muslim domination by the Crusaders.
Pride in its own culture is evident in the many museums within the city. To
name a few, the Museu de Marinha (Naval Museum) is a tribute to the city’s
sea-faring past while the Museu da Agua da Epal (Water Museum) shows the
history of the Aqueduct, built in 1746 to bring clean drinking water to the
city. The Aqueduct itself known as the Aguas Livres Aqueduct (Aqueduct of
Free Waters) is also a remarkable sight and an amazing example of
engineering from the 18th-century. The surrounding areas also tell their own
tales, including one of the infamous Diogo Alves who reportedly shoved his
victims down the aqueduct after robbing them.
