Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal. It is the seat of the district of Lisbon and capital of Lisboa region. Lisbon Population: 564,657 (2005). The Lisbon Metropolitan Area has almost 3,000,000 inhabitants.
History:
Lisbon dates back to pre-Roman times - legend has it that Ulysses founded the city, although it was more probably the Phoenicians. Its early years were a constant battleground, with Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians in turn overthrown. In 205 BC the Romans began their two-century reign in Lisbon, and it became the most important city in the western Iberian region, renamed Felicitas Julia by man of the moment, Julius Caesar.
In 714 the powerful Moors arrived from Morocco, replacing a succession of northern tribes. They fortified the city and hel
d out against Christian attack for an impressive 400 years. By 1147 the Moors' luck had turned and the Christians finally recaptured Lisbon. (It took another century for Christian forces to complete the reconquest of Portugal.) In 1255 Lisbon replaced Coimbra as Portugal's capital and developed rapidly on the back of booming maritime and inland trade.
The 15th century brought the Age of Discoveries - Portugal's golden era of sea exploration. Not satisfied with repelling the Moors from Portuguese soil, Prince Henrique (Henry the Navigator) decided to sap Islam's economic power by finding a way around it by sea. He put to work the best sailors, map makers, ship builders and astronomers he could find. In 1434 one of his ships sailed beyond the much-feared Cape Bojador on the West African coast, breaking a maritime superstition that this was the end of the world. The Prince was rewarded with gold and slaves from West Africa. In 1497 came Vasco da Gama's famous discovery of the sea route to India. The wealth from these expeditions transformed Lisbon into the opulent seat of a vast empire. It also spawned the extravagant Manueline architectural style, best typified in the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Belém.
The glory days as the world's most prosperous trading centre were short lived. The cost of expeditions, maintaining overseas empires and attempting to Christianise Morocco brought Portugal to its knees. In 1580, in a bitter blow to national pride, Felipe II of Spain claimed the throne and it took 60 years for fed-up nationalists to overthrow their traditional rival and return Portugal to its people. By the late 17th century the tide had well and truly turned and the discovery of gold in Brazil saw Lisbon enjoy another period of profligate expenditure. Again, however, this extravagance was cut short. In 1755 a massive earthquake reduced the city to rubble and, sadly, Lisbon never recovered its power and prestige.
After Napoleon's four-year occupation of Lisbon from 1807, the city, like the rest of the country, fell into political chaos and military insurrection for over a century. In the early 20th century, a 16-year period brought 45 changes in government. Yet another coup in 1926 brought António de Oliveira Salazar onto the scene. Quickly rising from finance minister to prime minister, he ruled Portugal for 36 years, heading an authoritarian regime that lasted until 1976. During his rule, political parties and strikes were banned. Censorship, propaganda and brute force, exemplified by a feared secret police force, kept the country in order.
19th and 20th centuries:
In the first years of the 19th century, Portugal was invaded by the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte and king John VI of Portugal temporarily fled to Brazil. Considerable property was pillaged by the invaders. The city felt the full force of the Portuguese liberal upheavals, beginning its tradition of cafés and theatres. In 1879 the Avenida da Liberdade was opened, replacing a previous public garden.
Lisbon was the centre of the republican coup of October 5, 1910 which instated the Portuguese Republic. Previously, it was also the stage of the regicide of Carlos I of Portugal (1908).
During World War II Lisbon was one of the very few neutral, open European Atlantic ports, a major gateway for refugees to the U.S. and a spy nest.
In 1974, Lisbon was the central destination point of the Carnation Revolution maneuvers, the end of the Portuguese Corporative Regime (Estado Novo).
In 1986, a fire near the historical centre of Chiado greatly disrupted normal life in the area for about 10 years.
In 1994, Lisbon was the European Capital of Culture.
Expo '98 was held in Lisbon. The timing was intended to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama's sea voyage to India.
Economy:
Lisbon, as the capital city of Portugal, has an economy concentrated on services. Most of the headquarters of multinationals operating in Portugal are concentrated in this city. Greater Lisbon is also heavily industrialized, especially the south bank of the Tagus river (Rio Tejo).
The Lisbon region is by far the wealthiest in Portugal: it produces 45% of the Portuguese GDP, and in per capita terms it is well above the rest of Portugal and above the European Union average. The Lisbon region is likely to stop receiving development aid from the EU in the coming years.
Education:
The city has several private and public secondary schools, primary schools as well as kindergartens. In Greater Lisbon area there are also international schools such as Saint Julian's School, the Carlucci American International School of Lisbon, St Dominic's school, Deutsche Schule Lissabon, and Lyceé Francais Charles Lepierre basic.
There are 4 major public universities in Lisbon: the University of Lisbon (founded in 1911 it is Lisbon's oldest higher education institution in continuous operation), the Technical University of Lisbon, New University of Lisbon and the ISCTE, providing degrees in the natural sciences, engineering, medicine, law, education, sports, architecture, social sciences and humanities. There is also a polytechnic institute, the Polytechnical Institute of Lisbon.
The Lisbon Agenda was an EU agreement on measures to revamp the EU economy, signed in Lisbon at an EU summit in 1999
Attractions:
Belem :
Portugal's caravels sailed off to conquer the great unknown from Belém, and today this leafy riverside precinct is a giant monument to the nation's Age of Discoveries. First stop should be the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a Manueline masterpiece whose intricate decoration and peaceful spaces will leave you inspired. A short walk away is the Torre de Belém, the much-photographed symbol of Portugal's maritime glory. The imposing limestone Monument to the Discoveries, also facing the river nearby, is shaped like a caravel and features key players from the era. When you've digested enough maritime history, head off to the famous Antiga Confeitaria de Belém for some delicious pastéis de Belém (traditional custard tarts). If you have time, look around the Centro Cultural de Belém, one of Lisbon's main cultural venues, which houses the Museo do Design, a collection of 20th-century mind-bogglers.
Baixa :
Rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, the Baixa's wide avenues and pedestrianised Rua Augusta are a pleasant place to shop and grab a coffee. The area's chief attraction is the Elevador de Santa Justa. This imposing wrought-iron lift offers an easy ride up to the Bairro Alto, plus a rooftop cafe with views to kill for. Built in 1902 by Gustave Eiffel follower Raul Mésnier du Ponsard, it has more than a passing resemblance to the Eiffel Tower. Avoid the touristy umbrella-topped cafes below and save your coffee break for this (still touristy but far more elegant) architectural gem. Time your visit to enjoy a drink at sunset.
Bairro Alto :
The Bairro Alto is famous for its nightlife, although the Parque das Nações and riverside areas are now giving it a run for its money. There is no shortage of bars and clubs, in fact, your greatest problem could be keeping up with the resident party crowd, who start late and often continue till dawn. During the day see Lisbon life up close by exploring the picturesque streets and becos (staircased alleys) that wind up the area's steep hills. For a change of pace rub shoulders with Lisbon's finest in the upmarket Chiado shopping district or commune with the souls of writers past at the elegant Café A Brasileira. Also look out for the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, atop the Elevador da Glória, for its commanding view of the city, and the ruins of the Convento do Carmo.
Alfama :
With its miradouras and medieval streets, Alfama is Lisbon's oldest district, and one of its most interesting. It is best known for its Castelo de São Jorge, set high on the hill of the same name. Although it has been extensively refurbished and isn't all that authentic, the castle is nevertheless worth exploring and offers possibly the best views of the city. Wander down (to save your legs) through Alfama's steep, narrow, cobblestoned streets and catch a glimpse of the more traditional side of Lisbon before it too is gentrified. Linger in a backstreet cafe along the way and experience some local bonhomie without the tourist gloss. Take a well-deserved break at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia or Miradouro da Graça (which has a cafe) and enjoy yet more stunning views of the city. If you haven't had enough of churches already, the Romanesque Sé (Cathedral) is Alfama's most important. For an instant fix on what fado is all about head to the Casa do Fado.
Cristo Rei :
We would be remiss if we didn't tell you to visit the Cristo Rei, over the river in Cacilhas. A smaller version of Brazil's giant Jesus, this religious icon with arms outstretched has major kitsch value, as does its gift shop. The latter is an Ali Baba cave of over-the-top gilt and bejewelled Cristo Rei everything. Do yourself a favour and don't miss this hotbed of religious craftsmanship. The views from the top of the monument aren't half bad either. sources: travel.yahoo.com
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Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal. It is the seat of the district of Lisbon and capital of Lisboa region. Lisbon Population: 564,657 (2005). The Lisbon Metropolitan Area has almost 3,000,000 inhabitants.