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One of the most beautiful and interesting capitals of Europe...
The beautiful architecture of the capital reveals Lisbon's fascinating history and celebrates its famous citizens...
Lisbon is for me one of the most beautiful and interesting capitals of Europe. Looking out from the Castle of St.George you have a sweeping view of the entire city. Lisbon was built upon a series of hills with deep valleys leading down to the river Tagus. Walking down from the Castle, you walk through the narrow medieval streets of Alfama, into Rossio and the Baixa, past churches built upon the birthplace of St. Anthony of Padua.
In the city centre you enter an environment in which the Portuguese intermingle with Angolans, Brazilians, Goans, visitors from the old colonies of Macau and Mozambique, along with large numbers of Europeans who have to watch the football or to explore Portugal. In the evening you can relax in the Bairro Alto, enjoy a meal at one of Lisbon's endless variety of restaurants, soaking up the sounds of Fado music or choose from the wide assortment of bars and clubs in the region. .
At one point Lisbon was Olisipo, the western capital of the Roman empire, and modern archealogical research in the city is constantly uncovering new remains of Roman buildings. For several centuries it came to be in Moorish hands, until 1147 when Dom Afonso Henriques led the decisive assault on the castle that is now St. George. Many of the Moors continued to live in Portugal and converted to Christianity. In fact, the area around the castle, Mouraria, where Fado music was born, has long been referred to as the Moorish quarter.
Map of Lisbon
To do in Lisbon
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Fado Music
Fado Music
Fado Music in Lisbon.
Photo credits: José Manuel -
Historical
Historical
Belem tower in Lisbon harbour.
Photo credits: João Paulo
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Restaurants
Restaurants
Eating out in Lisbon.
Photo credits: Nuno Correia -
Oceanarium
Oceanarium
The Oceanarium in Parques de Naçoes.
Photo credits: Antonio Sacchetti
Related Reading for Lisbon
Time Out Lisbon
Explains Lisbon's history and culture. From haberdashers' shops to transvestite shows, this title reveals lesser-known facets of the city. It covers Portugal's fraught relationship with its neighbour Spain, local fashion designers, bullfights and more.
By Time Out Guides
Pocket Rough Guide Lisbon
A guide to Lisbon; covering the key sights, hotels, restaurants, shops and bars you need to know about. Slim, stylish and utterly pocketable, it comes with a full-colour pull-out map to help you find your way around.