|
|
|
Lisbon The Forgotten Gem Of Europe
or many centuries, Lisbon, and parking are difficult, to say
the capital of Portugal, the least. Some of the hills can
was regarded as one of the be taxing to climb, but in most
most magnificent cities in cases a funicular or tram is
Europe. With its long history, available. Much of the appeal of
Moorish influences, stunning the city is to be found wandering
location and vast riches from up and down the streets. Examples
India and Brazil, it was a of both Moorish and art nouveau
trading hub for hundreds of architecture are common, as well
years. But a devastating as beautiful mosaic pavements.
earthquake in 1755, followed by
fire and a tidal wave, reduced it One of the highlights of Lisbon
to ruins and obscurity. is the Castelo de São Jorge,
perched high above the city, and
In recent years, however, Lisbon yet quite close by. Originally
has begun to return to some of built in the 5th century, it has
its former glory. It was the undergone many extensions, and
European City of Culture in 1994, modifications. It has been used
hosted Expo 98, and was the major as everything from a royal
host city for the huge soccer residence to a prison. The
event, Euro2004. More people are panoramic views are magnificent.
discovering its fascinating blend
of old and new. Even better, it If your tastes are a little more
still remains relatively upbeat, then the area to visit is
affordable by European standards. Bairro Alto. This area has long
had the reputation for containing
the best restaurants and
Located on 7 hills beside the Rio nightclubs in Lisbon.
Tejo (River Tagus), Lisbon is Alternatively, if you want to go
best explored on foot, as driving upmarket, then the shopping
district for you is Chiado. modern, there's also the Centro
de Arte Moderna (Modern Art
Lisbon also contains a number of Centre).
excellent museums. The Museu
Calouste Gulbenkian contains what Eventually, if you reach the
was originally a private point where you're completely
collection of classical and saturated with art, tiles and
oriental art. The very generous gorgeous buildings, you can
benefactor left his collection to always spend some time in the
the people of Portugal, along Parque das Nações, or the
with a very generous charitable Nations Park. It was the site for
foundation. It's very easy to Expo 98, and now contains
spend a day strolling around the gardens, various family
gallery, even though only about a attractions, restaurants and
quarter of the collection can be bars. It even contains Europe's
displayed at any one time. largest Oceanarium.
Depending on your interests, you Lisbon is the type of city that
can also spend time in the Museu you can try to sample in a day,
Nacional de Arte Antiga (National but it takes much longer to truly
Museum of Ancient Art), or the appreciate all of its many and
Museu Nacional do Azulejo varied delights. Allow yourself
(azulejo are the hand painted plenty of time to do just that,
tiles which adorn so many of and your visit to Lisbon will
Portugal's buildings). If you remain amongst your most
prefer something a little more treasured memories.
About the Author:
Travelling is a much loved past time for the author. To find out more, check out http://www.travelportugalinfozone.com or http://www.travelportugalinfozone.com/lisbon/ for more information.
Source: www.isnare.com
|
|
