Lisbon, Portugal

If you take a long look at Lisbon, you realize that it is different from all other cities. Finding out why wouldn't be a waste of time. It would involve a voyage between the seven hills on which the city is built, and centuries of history in districts such as Alfama, Castelo and Mouraria. Discovering Lisbon involves taking some time to notice the small details, the stone pavings, the tiles on the floor, the iron on the verandas and the fountains found in the typical gardens. The history of Lisbon can be found in the views from the majestic castle, and on the brows of each and every hill. Lisbon is not only about the past, it is also about the here and now. Through its modern business districts, and the new avenues which are springing up all the time, Lisbon proves that it is a city in constant development.

Origins

It is documented that there has been a human presence in Lisbon for at least 300,000 years, after remains were found recently in this area. It is thought that the early settlers hunted and fished for food, in a completely different ecosystem to the one in place nowadays. Excavations in the Serra de Monsanto found that the settlers already produced pottery, which they traded, and that they already began to farm the land.

Ulysses and his men saw a flash of lightning fall on the spot where Lisbon is now located and start a massive conflagration. On closer inspection they found a fiery sphere, with the following inscription, 'On this foundation, lay the first stone of my city'. Ulysses then did as the inscription commanded, and named the city Ulisaypo or Olissopo. It is from there, according to legend, that Lisbon got its name.

The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos monastery was the biggest construction made in the era of the discoveries. Built during the reign of Manuel I, nicknamed the 'adventurer' owing to the riches he came by in India, it is a fine example of the 'Manueline' style of architecture, which highlighted a maritime theme. In those days, the banks of the river Tagus were closer, and it was possible to watch the boats coming in to port, laden with the spices that brought so much wealth to Portugal.

This enduring structure watches over Lisbon from the highest hill in the city's center. During the Christian Reconquista, the castle played an important role in reclaiming the country back from the Moors. The castle was later dedicated to Saint George, thus earning its name Castelo de S.Jorge.

During those Maritime discoveries, Portugal used its riches to expand the city, much like many other cities in that time. A royal palace was built in the 'Ribeira' and a new thoroughfare; 'Rua Nova' was created and quickly became the new commercial center, now known as the 'Baixa'. The Praça do Rossio and the Terreiro do Passo, which became a meeting place for the locals were also constructed. The 'Casa de India' was founded, and it was here that all the business was taken care of and all along the banks of the river, beautiful homes were being built for the aristocrats of the time, like the magnificent 'Palacio Corte Real' and the very famous 'Casa dos Bicos', built by Afonso de Albuquerque's son.

A number of religious buildings were also constructed, examples being the Jerónimos Convent and the Mother of God convents. An urbanization plan was also being considered, this later became the district of Bairro Alto.

Manuel I continued the development of the city and the Rossio and the Torre de Belem were built between 1515 and 1521. Between 1650 and 1755, the Palace of Necessidades was constructed and notably the majestic Aqueduct, built between 1713 and 1748, which brought many benefits to the city of Lisbon.

This destructive earthquake, also known as the Great Lisbon Earthquake, was one of the most deadly earthquakes that has ever occurred, with its effects killing thousands of people and almost completely devastating the city. The earthquake increased the already high political tensions and put on hold many colonial goals that the country had. Yet it was from the ruins of the earthquake that the new Lisbon rose, with new architecture as well as new perspectives on science, politics, and philosophy.

To get a better view of Lisbon and its shops, attractions, and monuments, we think it is more convenient to divide the city in areas, taking into account the characteristics and also the historic and cultural differences of the people of Lisbon.

Baixa/Chiado

The Baixa/Chiado area is one of the most beautiful areas in Lisbon. You will see the most magnificent square in the city, the Praça do Comércio facing the Tagus River and the arch of Rua Augusta. Baixa/Chiado is also the shopping area of Lisbon, full of high quality stores. Here you will find excellent hotels such as the Hotel Metrópole that has a nice view on the Praça dos Restauradores. Hotel Avenida Palace is another choice for refined accommodations. The Orion Eden, also in Praça dos Restauradores, is located near the Elevador da Glória, which takes you up to the Bairro Alto. Another hotel situated in this area is the Bairro Alto Hotel, Lisbon's first boutique hotel. Full of bars and restaurants, this area in the center of Lisbon is the place to go out.


Avenida da Liberdade

In the haute-couture shopping district of Avenida da Liberdade/Marquês de Pombal, you will find opulence near the Tivoli shopping center, in Hotel Tivoli and the Tivoli Jardim. Many head offices can be found along the Avenida da Liberdade as well as cinemas and theatres. The famous and smart Lisboa Plaza, for instance, is located on this avenue. In the vicinity of Eduardo VII Park, there is the SANA Hotel Rex, facing the Marquis of Pombal's statue, and the Hotel Fenix. If you are looking for a more affordable hotel, check out the Residencial Astória which has wonderful accommodations at a very fair price. To the north of Eduardo VII Park is the Calouste Gulbenkian foundation with its Museu Calouste Gulbenkian and its nice gardens.

Praça de Espanha

In the Praça de Espanha area you will find several hotels with different price ranges, from the more affordable Hotel Ibis Lisboa José Malhoa to the luxurious Novotel Lisboa, both located on the Avenida José Malhoa.

Avenida da República/Campo Pequeno

In Avenida da República/Campo Pequeno, there is a famous organization called Culturgest, that offers a wide range of cultural activities, ranging from dance, music and theatre. The Praça de Touros, which was renovated to include a retractable ceiling and a shopping mall, can also be found in this area. Regarding hotels, there is the Alif and the Holiday Inn Continental.

Lapa

Lapa is considered to be the most elegant area in Lisbon. Most of the embassies are settled in this quarter and many Portuguese artists live here. The Hotel Lapa, an old palace built in the XIX century, is a top-notch hotel with a magnificent view over Lisbon and the river; the Pensão York House with its marvelous gardens and the nice Janelas Verdes. Even though the area is quite tranquil, you are still near Alcântara and the Docas where you will find many bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

Alfama

There are two tourist areas in Lisbon that do not have many hotels to speak of. They are the famous Alfama and Belém areas. Alfama is the most typical and traditional district in Lisbon, with traces of Moorish architecture. Here, the predominant Castelo de S.Jorge looks over the entire city. Do not miss the view! It is common in restaurants, to drink aguardente (brandy) while you are listening to typical Fado music. As there aren't many good hotels in this area, you may want to consider renting a room in a local resident's home or you can always stay in the Baixa/Chiado area.

Belém

Belém, is no doubt the most visited area in Lisbon. Besides the wonderful view over the Tagus River, there are also many monuments and museums located here. Monuments such as the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and the Centro Cultural de Belém are all delicious cups of cultural brews that must be ingested voraciously with any visit to Lisbon. If you wish to stay in this section of Lisbon the Vila Galé Ópera Hotel is the best option.

Costa do Estoril

Situated around 25 kilometers from Lisbon, you will discover the Costa do Estoril that spreads from Carcavelos to Cascais. Cascais and Estoril are two ideal places for holidays by the beach, famous for hosting European high-society. The nightlife is great and the restaurants specialize in fish and seafood, which are excellent. Besides the sun and the beach, look for the Marina in Cascais and the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães for an interesting time along the Costa do Estoril.

The majority of hotels along this strip of coastline are high-end. Some of the most notable hotels along the Costa do Estoril are the Pestana Cascais, the Hotel Baía, or the Hotel Cidadela. But you can still find some more affordable hotels like the Residencial Solar Dom Carlos or the Casa da Pergola.

In the western part of Cascais, near the Boca do Inferno; you find Cascais Village. In Estoril, famous because of its casino, most of the hotels have sea-views; try the Hotel Clube do Lago and the Hotel Vila Galé Estoril.