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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, Lisbon 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, characterized 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 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.
Richly
captivating!
Lisboa Invites You!
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