Exploring the best sights of Lisbon
According to tradition, Lisbon was founded by the Phoenicians, the great explorers of antiquity. Capital of Portugal since the 13th century, Lisbon is considered today one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. A cosmopolitan city, Lisbon was in 1994 European Capital of Culture. According to the International Congress & Convention Association, Lisbon is one of the most requested cities in the world to host international events.
St. George’s Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) was built in the tenth century and was used as a royal residence since 1260, when Lisbon became the capital of the Kingdom. In the fourteenth century, King João I married Princess of England, Philppa of Lancaster, and the king dedicated the castle to St. George, (a saint who was revered in both countries). In 1499, here has been organized by Manuel I a pompous royal reception, in honor of Vasco Da Gama. In 1505, King Manuel I moved the royal residence in the Ribeira Palace; as time went on, the São Jorge castle lost its importance. Destroyed by earthquake in 1755, the castle would be strengthened only in 1910.
Belém Tower, a symbol of Portugal, with ornaments of stone, with small towers built in Moorish style, offers a charming view for tourists. Built by King Manuel I to monitor the entrance of the city’s port, the tower served as a prison and arms depot.
Ordered by the same king, Jeronimos Monastery was built in the sixteenth century, and in 1983 was included by UNESCO, with Belém Tower, on “World Heritage List”.
Other sights that cannot be missed:
• Maritime Museum (one of the most visited Portuguese museums, dedicated to all aspects of the history of navigation in Portugal);
• The National Coach Museum (it has one of the finest collections of historical carriages in the world);
• The National Tile Museum (a museum dedicated to the ceramic tile, includes tiles dating from the second half of the 15th century);
• “Campo de Santa Clara” (an imposing baroque church, whose construction began in 1682 and was completed 284 years later);
• “Largo da Sé” (Lisbon’s oldest church, built by the first Portuguese king, D. Afonso Henriques, in the twelfth century);
• Oceanarium (the largest in Europe);
• Lisbon Zoo (here live more than 2000 animals from 330 different species);
• Edward VII Park (named after King Edward of England, following his 1903 visit to Portugal);
• “Aqueduct of the Free Waters” (built in the 18th century);
• The Marquis of Pombal Square (one of Lisbon’s busiest squares, named after the prime minister responsible for the rebuilding of Lisbon following the Great Earthquake in 1755 );
• The Belém Cultural Centre (is the largest building with cultural facilities in Portugal).
