Portugal is situated in the most western part of Europe. It covers an area of 92,000 square kilometres and has a population of 10 million people. It was founded as an independent kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula more than eight centuries ago.

Lisbon is the capital of the country. The history of the city goes back to the time of the Phoenicians, then the Greeks and after them the Romans. After the fall of the Roman Empire came the Barbarian invasions and in the eighth century, the Arabs started to invade the country. In 1147 the first king of Portugal won the city from the Moors with the help of the Crusaders, after a four-month siege. Since then, Lisbon has continued to grow and develop, all the time celebrating its rich cultural diversity. Nowadays it is a modern city with a wealth of historic monuments and museums, a warm and friendly atmosphere, moderate climate and full of hospitality. It is well worth a visit.

Climate

Lisbon falls within both Atlantic and Mediterranean climatic zones. Due to these characteristics, there is little variation in temperature, with lots of sunny days even during winter. In March you can count on some showers and mild temperature (around 16ºC).

What to see 

Lisbon offers its visitors an endless selection of things to see and do. Both the lovers of daytime outings and those who prefer nightlife will be spoilt for choice.

Within a wide choice of places that visitor cannot fail to visit we suggest:

- The historical quarters
     Alfama, Castelo and Mouraria 
     Bairro Alto, Chiado and Bica 
     Baixa and Rua Augusta 
- The Belém Tower 
- The Jerónimos Monastery 
- The Discoveries Monument 
- The São Jorge Castle 
- The Lisbon Cathedral 
- The ruins of Carmo Convent 
- The Santa Justa Elevator 

Amongst the Museums

- The National Ancient Art Museum 
- The Modern Art Centre Museum 
- The Chiado Museum 
- The Water Museum 
- The Electricity Museum
- The Gulbenkian Museum 
- The National Tile Museum 
- The House – Museum of the “Medeiros e Almeida” Foundation 
- St. Anthony Museum 
- The Folk Art Museum 
- The Maritime Museum 
- The National Coach Museum 
- The Music Museum 

Around Lisbon

- Estoril and Cascais (famous beach resorts)
- Sintra (World Heritage site) 
- Arrabida, Setúbal and Sesimbra (across the bridge) 
- Obidos, Alcobaça and Batalha

Where and what to eat 

Lisboa is the ideal destination for good food lovers. Visitors will find restaurants with typical food and excellent service, where prices may vary between € 25,00 and 35,00.

Because of its location by the sea, Lisboa and its surroundings are ideal to try delicious fish dishes. “Bacalhau” (dried, salted cod) is a famous Portuguese dish.

Cakes and deserts are also very good. The “Pasteis de Belém” in particular are a must. Made from a special recipe that belonged to a friar from the “Mosteiro dos Jerónimos”, they have been a delight to Portuguese taste buds for over 160 years.

Emergency Telephone numbers
Ambulance, Emergency, Fire Dept. and Police: 112

This is a list of links to Websites with information about Lisbon and Portugal.

General Information about Portugal
www.portugal.org

Portugal virtual
www.portugalvirtual.pt

Portugal - golf courses
www.portugalgolf.pt/menu.htm

Portugal - lodging in manor houses - a wonderful experience
www.pousadasofportugal.com

Portugal - arts and traditions
www.visitportugal.com

Lisbon Tourism official website
www.atl-turismolisboa.pt

Lisbon - Transportation
www.metrolisboa.pt
(includes other transport sites in Portugal and Lisbon)

Edited by: Paralelo 38 @ 08-08-2007 - 17H34