By Felicity Walker
For many centuries, Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, wasregarded as one of the most magnificent cities in Europe. Withits long history, Moorish influences, stunning location and vastriches from India and Brazil, it was a trading hub for hundredsof years. But a devastating earthquake in 1755, followed by fireand a tidal wave, reduced it to ruins and obscurity. In recentyears, however, Lisbon has begun to return to some of its formerglory. It was the European City of Culture in 1994, hosted Expo98, and was the major host city for the huge soccer event,Euro2004. More people are discovering its fascinating blend ofold and new. Even better, it still remains relatively affordableby European standards.
Located on 7 hills beside the Rio Tejo (River Tagus), Lisbon isbest explored on foot, as driving and parking are difficult, tosay the least. Some of the hills can be taxing to climb, but inmost cases a funicular or tram is available. Much of the appealof the city is to be found wandering up and down the streets.Examples of both Moorish and art nouveau architecture arecommon, as well as beautiful mosaic pavements.
One of the highlights of Lisbon is the Castelo de São Jorge,perched high above the city, and yet quite close by. Originallybuilt in the 5th century, it has undergone many extensions, andmodifications. It has been used as everything from a royalresidence to a prison. The panoramic views are magnificent.
If your tastes are a little more upbeat, then the area to visitis Bairro Alto. This area has long had the reputation forcontaining the best restaurants and nightclubs in Lisbon.Alternatively, if you want to go upmarket, then the shoppingdistrict for you is Chiado.
Lisbon also contains a number of excellent museums. The MuseuCalouste Gulbenkian contains what was originally a privatecollection of classical and oriental art. The very generousbenefactor left his collection to the people of Portugal, alongwith a very generous charitable foundation. It’s very easy tospend a day strolling around the gallery, even though only abouta quarter of the collection can be displayed at any one time.
Depending on your interests, you can also spend time in theMuseu Nacional de Arte Antiga (National Museum of Ancient Art),or the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (azulejo are the hand paintedtiles which adorn so many of Portugal’s buildings). If youprefer something a little more modern, there’s also the Centrode Arte Moderna (Modern Art Centre).
Eventually, if you reach the point where you’re completelysaturated with art, tiles and gorgeous buildings, you can alwaysspend some time in the Parque das Nações, or the Nations Park.It was the site for Expo 98, and now contains gardens, variousfamily attractions, restaurants and bars. It even containsEurope’s largest Oceanarium.
Lisbon is the type of city that you can try to sample in a day,but it takes much longer to truly appreciate all of its many andvaried delights. Allow yourself plenty of time to do just that,and your visit to Lisbon will remain amongst your most treasuredmemories.
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