The capital of the country with its 540,000 inhabitants extends from the wide bay of the Tejo estuary and numerous, partly steep, hills..

Already 1000 BC. BC, the Phoenicians settled in Lisbon.. The natural harbor was already in the earliest time base of commercial shipping, the Greeks and Romans used over 300 years.. This was followed by the Visigoths, who were expelled by the Arabs in 715.. The Moors, who ruled the city for 400 years, made Lisbon a fortified city.. In 1147 King Alfonso Henriques finally defeated the Moors and 100 years later Lisbon became the capital of the kingdom.. In the 15th century, under the rule of Manuel I, the city flourished.. The riches that came from the busy trade with the colonies were used for the construction of countless wonderful buildings «Manueline».. Lisbon was the richest city in Europe until November 1, 1755. On this day, the city was devastated by a terrible earthquake and a tidal wave and almost completely destroyed.. About 300 palaces and about 100 churches were razed to the ground.. About 30,000 people lost their lives that day.. The Marques de Pombal campaigned for a speedy reconstruction and the city got a completely new structure with straight streets and large squares..

The most traditional districts are the Baixa «Lower Town», Bairro Alto «Upper Town» and the Alfama.. Although exploration on foot is quite possible, one should not miss to use the classic means of transport of Lisbon.. These are Elevador da Glória, Elevador de Santa Justa and tram number 28.

     

Baixa : This is the location of the Bank and shopping district of the city.. Between Rossio and Praca do Comércio runs Via Augusta, the city´s shopping street..
Whether one visits one of the designer boutiques or is seduced by the sweet delicacies of the many cafes or just strolls through the black and white paved pedestrian zone is left to each one.. Anyone who has ever experienced the flair of Baixa will always be happy to come back..

     

Alfama : The oldest part of the city is nestled close to the castle hill.. On a tour through the narrow, winding streets you feel transported to another time.. Here, renovated houses alternate with dilapidated ones.. Instead of engine noise you hear the twittering of canaries, which are present in almost every house..

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Bairro Alto : The nightlife district of Lisbon.. Pubs, bars, small restaurants and, of course, the Fado restaurants line up here closely.. Food scents and melancholy fado sounds are a constant companion in exploring this vibrant district..
The small, old crafts and so many idyllic places invite also during the day to a visit..

   

Belem with the wonderful monastery is best reached by bus «727, 729, 28» or the Electrico 15. Do not miss the Pastéis de Belém «puff pastry with vanilla cream» to taste..

Parque das Nacoes : You can spend a day at the former EXPO site.. The Oceanário, the shopping center Vasco da Gama, a chairlift ride over the grounds and, and, and - the day goes by way too fast..
By underground, Station Oriente, you can easily reach Parque das Nacoes..

It would go beyond the scope of the book to describe all parts of the city and to list all highlights.. To get to know the beauty of this city you have to take a few days, because only then it is possible to discover the hidden treasures..


~halifax7~halifax7~, 2013-06-14