Lisboa

cedido por: Turismo de Lisboa Visitors & Convention Bureau #shareLisboa

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 “port of enchantment”.

It is thought to have been founded by the Phoenicians and styled by the Moors which shows in the strong Arabic influences. It was, in fact, ruled by the Moors for 450 years. In the 12th century the Christians reconquered 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 prospered as a spice and jewelry trade center.

The breakthrough for Portuguese expansion came in 1498 when Vasco da Gama discovered the sea route to India. This was 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. After the city center was almost completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1755, it was rebuilt by Marquês de Pombal, who, in the process, created the Baixa Pombalina, a commercial area that retains today much of its original layout.

OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS THE CITY HAS PREPARED ITSELF FOR THE FUTURE

Lisbon held an enormously successful international EXPO in 1998 and hosted the 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 described it; “Lisbon has changed itself, phoenix-like, into a more modern and colorful city”.

Lisbon 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