| Visiting
Lisbon the Alluring Capital of Portugal by and © Stan Smith |
| Lisbon
is known as the major artery of Portugal's transportation system. A network
of railways and highways converge at Lisbon. Public transportation within
the city entails electric trams, trains, buses, and curiously enough, an
entire system of elavadors (cable-operated trams). Most notably, the Elavador
de Santa Justa made of cast iron that vertically rises up to 148 feet.
The
city is shaped into the corrugated sides of seven hills. The lowest point
in Lisbon is the waterfront area where the Alfama district can be found.
This district, one of the few portions of the city that endured an earthquake
in 1755, espouses winding narrow streets and fascinating medieval structures.
Another district, Baixa, had to be rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, but
still represents the finest of 18th-century architecture and ambiance.
Similarly, the hilly Bairro Alto district with its lush gardens and quaint
neighborhoods, lavish in a 17th-century setting.
Lisbon's
population is around 600,000 in the city itself. Two million people live
in the area around Lisbon, including both sides of the Tejo River. The
area enjoys short winters and long summers with the maximum temperature
said to not be over 84 degrees Fahrenheit. December through March is the
rainy season when mostly drizzle or light showers take place. |
 
Discovery
Monument Padrao Dos Descobrimentos
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Detail
of the Monument to the Discoveries & 25th April Bridge,
Belem,
Lisbon, Portugal
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Lisbon
and its surrounding area provide visitors with a diverse array of encounters.
There are many sandy beaches available in the area. The city's abundant
street cafes delight patrons with local fare. Neighboring fishing villages
give a realistic view of life in a working seaport. Of course, the city
provides modern shopping and offers a multitude of cultural activities.
However, the dense vegetation that harbors mystical royal palaces in the
area north of Lisbon cannot be missed.
The
main maritime entrance into the city is the Praca do Comercio. It was built
over the ruins of a 400-year-old palace. Other curious historical points
of interest around the city include Saint George Castle, the Monastery
of Jeronimos, and the Tower of Belem.
Saint
George Castle is located on the highest hill in Lisbon. It was an ancient
citadel that the Moors conquered in 1147. The castle actually dates back
to the 5th century, A.D. Vistas from the castle are breathtaking. Locals
as well as tourists enjoy the tranquility and spectacular views of the
city and the riverbank area. |
| The
Monastery of Jeronimos was built in 1498 as a monument to the15th century
Portuguese navigator Vasco de Gama. Many a sailor would pray in its chapel
before heading out to sea. The monastery is adorned with stone statues
of sea monsters, various maritime symbols, and brilliantly colored tiles.
The
Tower of Belem, built in 1521, rises above a series of forts that once
protected the riverbank area. Presently, two bridges span the Tejo River.
The 25th of April Bridge built in 1966 and the Vasco de Gama Bridge built
in 1998. Modern day Lisboetas, people of Lisbon, are not worried about
fortifying their city instead mobility is the greater need.
As
it emerges as a major city in the European Union, Lisbon continues to celebrate
its extensive past and optimistically anticipates its destiny to come.
|
Tower
of Belem at Sunset, Lisbon, Portugal
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