WHAT TO SEE
TO KNOW LISBOA IS
TO ENTER A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES - YOURS!
Legend has it that Lisboa was founded by Ulysses. The name comes
from “Olissipo”, which has its origins in the Phoenician words
“Allis Ubbo”, meaning “enchanting port”.
Most likely it was founded by the Phoenicians and styled by the
Moors which shows in the strong Arabic influences. It was, after
all, ruled by the Moors for 450 years. In the 12th century the
Christians re conquered the city but it was not until the mid
13th century that Lisboa became the country’s capital.
With the beginning of the Portuguese Age of Discoveries, Lisboa
enriched as a spice and jewellery trade centre.
The breakthrough for Portuguese expansion came in 1498 when
Vasco da Gama discovered the sea route to India. This was indeed
the beginning of a golden age, characterised by the Manueline
architectural style named after King Manuel I, with its typical
decorative use of maritime motifs. Over the centuries Lisboa
naturally grew and changed. When the city centre was almost
completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1755, it was rebuilt
by Marquês de Pombal, who thus created the Baixa Pombalina, a
commercial area that still retains much of its original lay out.
OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS
THE CITY HAS PREPARED ITSELF FOR THE FUTURE
Lisboa held an enormously successful international EXPO in 1998
and European Football Championship in 2004. As a result, a city
that was already vibrant and diverse rapidly acquired a more
modern and avant-garde dimension. As The Observer said, “Lisbon
itself change, phoenix-like, into a more modern and colorful
city”.
Lisboa is a historic capital, a potpourri of unusual character
and charm, where 800 years of cultural influences mingle with
modern trends and life styles creating spectacular contrasts.
For more information please go to:
www.visitlisboa.com
Attractions:
Praça Marquês de Pombal
Terreiro do Paço
Baixa/ Chiado
Palácio de Belém
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Castelo de São Jorge
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