Karl WP Beyer Lisboa, Portugal's capital, is located in the extreme south-west of Europe at the mouth of the Tagus River in the Atlantic. The city, which has around 545.000 inhabitants (as of the 2021 census), was built on seven hills, like Rome. Lisbon has been the European Green Capital since 2020. The city also has two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Torre de Belém and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.
Cruise ship on the Tagus River in front of Lisbon
Lisbon - historical
The city's history is changeable and varied. Lisbon was originally founded by the Phoenicians. The Phoenicians were followed by the Romans, and in 711 the Moors conquered most of the Iberian Peninsula as well as the city of Lisbon. The Moorish rule ended with the Second Crusade in 1147. Lisbon was annexed to Portugal and placed under Christian rule. Almost 100 years later, Lisbon became the capital of the Kingdom of Portugal.
With Dom Henrique de Avis, known as Henry the Navigator, Portugal had an influential promoter of seafaring. The country rose to become an internationally respected sea power in the first half of the 15th century, and Lisbon became the country's main port. The city and its region became immeasurably rich in the period that followed. Around 1500, Lisbon was considered one of the most glamorous trading and port cities in the world. Although the city lost its influence over the centuries, Lisbon's port is still of great importance for the city and the metropolitan region.
Lisbon - the magnificent Praça do Comércio
Lisbon - Portugal's political, economic, scientific and cultural center
The seat of government, several universities and the Academy of Sciences make the city the political, intellectual and cultural center of Portugal. Established in 1288, the University of Lisbon is one of the oldest universities in Europe. Famous people were born in Lisbon. The city is known for the wistful Fado, the traditional style of music
Cultural highlight - National Theater Dona Maria II
Economically, Greater Lisbon is Portugal's most prosperous region. The metropolitan area employs 1,3 million people and generates 45 percent of Portugal's GDP. Lisbon is a port city, maritime service center and industrial location. In addition, the city is the seat of several listed companies. According to an international survey, Lisbon's quality of life is rated as high.
Lisbon's sea of houses
Lisbon for crusaders
On their 15-kilometer voyage from the Atlantic to Lisbon, cruise ships pass four notable sights: the Torre de Belém, the Monument to the Discoveries, the statue of Cristo Rei and the huge suspension bridge, Ponte 25 de Abril. There are three docks for ships: the Terminal de Passageiros de Santa Apolónia next to the Santa Apolónia train station, the new Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa – Jardim do Tabaco Quay and the Terminal da Rocha do Conde de Óbidos (next to the Ponte 25 de Abril). .
The city impresses visitors with its straightforwardness. However, Lisbon does not present itself with exuberant southern temperament. Life runs smoothly. The residents radiate calm and serenity. Maybe it's because of the much-vaunted Portuguese melancholy? Under Lisbon attractions we present the main attractions of the city that seem to us.
Update April 2022
