ABOUT LISBON

With more than a thousand years history, Lisbon is full of great monuments, that brings one of the most important moments of national history.

Empire capital, Lisbon has is maximum exponent of wealth in the Discoveries Era, ensuring this way an unique heritage of rare beauty.

 

Starting for Belém, who is the most paradigmatic neighborhood related to discoveries heritage, it was from his beach, that Vasco da Gama’s great ships went to the discover of the sea route to India and where you can breathe the greatness of what was the Portuguese Empire.

As one of the city main attractions, the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, was built in 1501 by King D. Manuel I, but only 100 years later was completely finish.

The architectural excellence is evident, having been recognized as World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The tombs of Vasco da Gama and of the epic poet Luís de Camões can be found here.

Also in Belém near by the River you can find the Tower of Belém built in the XVI century by Francisco Arruda, also recognized as World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

Much more recent, but still relying on the greatness of the Discoveries, you can find also at Belém the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. The monument, was built in 1960, celebrates the fifth centenary of the death of the “Infante D.Henrique”, paying tribute to the him, one of the most dedicated person of the Discoveries and also to the most fundamental Portuguese navigators.
Belém built with no doubt, its uniqueness as a symbol of the "golden age" of Discovery.

But modernity and cultural activities are also present in CCB - Centro Cultural de Belém.

To walk through the extensive gardens to admire the river, or simply to taste the delicious Pastéis de Belém, Belém is fundamental.

Turning to the neighborhoods in central Lisbon, the historic districts are destination for those who visit to the capital of Portugal. By their culture, history, architecture, or just for people to walk easily, it is imperative to discover them.

A structural part of the identity of Lisbon, these neighborhoods offer, to who discovers them, a true personal map. The possibilities are endless. Do not let them get away!

The area of Carmo, next to the Chiado, has some fascinating history of the city, such as the Convento do Carmo and the Carmo Church, which maintains the elegance and grandeur. There you can visit the ruins, but also the Carmo Archaeological Museum, which includes a collection of pre-historic, Roman, medieval, Manueline, Renaissance and Baroque. The Carmo Square is also a place emblematic of recent national history, having been privileged stage of the Carnation Revolution on April 25th 1974.

The link between Carmo and Baixa is made by another monument of city, the irresistible Santa Justa Elevator. At the top we find a beautiful view of the Baixa. Do not miss the opportunity to either rise or fall by this Elevador, the only vertical lift that provides a public service and was designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, with a unique architectural style.

 

The November 1st, 1755, Lisbon was almost totally destroyed by an earthquake, and rebuilt according to plans drawn by the Marquês de Pombal (Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo), Minister of War and Foreign Affairs, reacting swiftly the ruins of the earthquake, have said ” that it was necessary to bury the dead, care for the living and rebuild the city”. Central part of the reconstruction of Lisbon will be designated by Baixa). The grid adopted in the reconstruction plans allowed the design of the squares of Rossio and the Terreiro do Paço, this one with a beautiful arch and open to the Tagus River.

Above the Rossio, discover the Avenida da Liberdade. A walk along what was in the nineteenth century, the "Public Road" the city and where elites gathered to walk.

Today, they are on the Avenue the most expensive stores where the shopping are made the city more cosmopolitan and more international .

Close to the Castle, in Graça, is the Church and Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, one of the most imposing and notable religious monuments in the city. Built shortly after the conquest of the city from the Moors, was the result of a vow made by King Afonso Henriques to São Vicente during the siege of the city in 1147.

And finally few steps towards the river, lies one of the most traditional neighborhoods of Lisbon and more linked to Fado, a place not to be missed, the Alfama neighborhood.