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 Moores 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 Marquise 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 colourful
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.
Richly
captivating.…
Lisboa
Invites You!
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