Modernity and history in Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and the country’s largest city. Its population is more than 2,5 million and it’s the most western of all the European capitals: the city is located on the Atlantic coast, by the Tagus river. This Portuguese pearl will enchant you with its churches, castles, medieval streets and museums.

Its coastal line stretches from the river Tagus to the beaches of Alentejo region, from modern urban constructions to picturesque fishing settlements. Located on the south-western coast of the Pyrenean Peninsula, Costa de Lisboa is rich in natural landmarks and attracts tourists with its mild climate.

Those who come to Lisbon for the first time will see much more than they expected. None of books can give a complete description of the country, where diverse traditions and cultural peculiarities stand side by side. In the course of 15 centuries not only local people, but also merchants and travelers from India, Japan and Africa brought their customs to Lisbon.

The city’s historic centre stands on seven hills, that is why Lisbon is rich in steep slopes, which make it difficult for cars and buses to move along some streets. But the city is provided with funiculars and lifts – quite a spectacular view it is. No wonder why this area has long been attracting romantic people and merchants. A lot has changed since the times when first settlers appeared on this territory, but the city’s looks are still stunning. All this plus the relaxed and unconstrained atmosphere of Lisbon and the mixture of different architectural styles – and you will find yourself in one of the most pleasant cities in the world. What is no less important, a stay in Lisbon won’t cost you a fortune – the city is really economical.

The heart of Lisbon is filled with wide avenues, green trees, modernist-style buildings, mosaic decorations and numerous cafes. Lisbon is like an impressionist painting which depicts small pastel-painted houses, the domes and towers of local churches. One local attraction is the Monsanto Forest Park 10 square kilometers big – this is one of the largest European parks.

The city is now being reborn and renovated. After many years of standstill and passiveness, nowadays its modern, lively, energetic and cosmopolitan atmosphere reminds of the times when Lisbon was the trade centre and the starting point for many sea expeditions.

Renovation of the city started in the 1990s. During the period there were a number of new constructions erected here. Those are Vasco da Gama Bridge connecting the city airport with the country’s highways and Gare do Oriente transport hub (built by the project of an award-winning Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava) that connects Lisbon with the rest of Europe.

But those are not only new projects that enchant tourists – the city will attract you with its old charm and a sort of provincial feeling. The Castle of Sao Jorge at the magnificent medieval district, old wooden trams riding up and down the streets, art-deco cafes and roadways decorated with mosaics will help you feel the city atmosphere. Many historic attractions were destroyed during the great 1755 Lisbon Earthquake, but many were left and are now no less popular with tourists than such modern constructions as the Lisbon Oceanarium.

A small distance away from the city tourists can enjoy several sandy beaches: Costa da Caparica, Estoril and Cascais, forests of Sintra and a wonderful Mafra Monastery. Lisbon is filled with light, vivid, self-assured, fresh and modern spirit.