Lisbon

Lisbon is an amazing cosmopolitan melting pot, an eclectic mixture of old and new, at once laid back and go getting, heavy on new investment and historic ambience. One of the chief delights of Lisbon is exploring its labyrinthine streets, history and cultural development.

This slightly eccentric mix is best symbolised by EXPO 98. This end of millennium event helped again put Lisbon on the world map. It was mounted in celebration of an historic event that had happened 500 years previously - Vasco da Gama's departure for India - which had helped Portugal and Lisbon on the road to global recognition.

Scenically Lisbon is astonishing. It is built on seven hills overlooking the Rio To. The rewards for those with the stamina to climb all seven hills are some stunning views across one of Europe's truly unique cities.

Where to Go and What to See

The Alfama

The first place many visitors make for is the Alfama district. This part of Lisbon retains much of the charm of an earlier era. Spared the devastation visited on other areas of the city in the great Earthquake of 1755 the Alfama is a warren of narrow cobbled street. Sights worth seeing in the district include the Cathedral (S'e) which dates back to the 12th century and the Castelo Sao Jorge (St George's Castle). The castle is believed to have been some kind of hilltop fortification since before Roman times. The name of the castle dates back to an Anglo- Portuguese pact of the 14th Century.

Bairro Alto

Glimpses of old Lisbon can still be seen in the streets of the Bairro Alto district. Apart from the pleasure of roaming its narrow streets and alleys, it is also home to some of the best Fado bars and nightlife in Lisbon.

The Gulbenkian Museum

More recently arrived on the city map is the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. This came into being as the result of a bequest by Gulbenkian - an Armenian Oil Magnate- to set up a foundation that was 'charitable, artistic, educational and scientific.' He also bequeathed his collection of Oriental and Occidental art.

The foundation has assets in excess of one billion dollars and is the largest outside the US. It has also become a cornerstone of Portugal's cultural life. Amongst the museum highlights are the Egyptian room, the Greco/Roman section a fine Oriental Islamic art collection and a huge section devoted to European art. Nearby is the Gulbenkian Museum of Modern Art, also well worth a visit.

Belem

Heading down towards the sea, visitors come to Belem. This is the place where De Gama, Diaz, Magellan and others departed from and the port where the fruits of their discoveries came back in. Belem is now the location of a UNESCO world heritage site, based around the Torre De Belem and the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos.

The tower is a symbol of the Age of Discoveries, erected as it was in 1515. Jeronimos Monastery was erected by Manuel the First in 1502 to celebrate da Gamas voyage to India. Both are fine examples of the Manuelin style typical of the period. In the same vein and also worth a visit is the Museu de Marinha (Maritime Museum).

Fun

For those preferring entertainment of a different kind there is the nearby Estoril resort home to a huge Casino and nearby a number of high quality Golf Courses.

Many of the EXPO 98 sites have now been 'recycled' and put to a number of different uses all aimed at further regeneration of the nations capital. These include parks, a harbour for nearly a thousand boats and Europe's largest Aquarium.

For shopping head to the Rua do Ouro, Rua Garrett, Rua Da Prata and Rua Augusta. The Centro Commercial Colombo is a vast shopping mall and is to be found on Avenida Colegio Militar.

Where to Rest Your Head

Lisbon has a wide selection of places to stay, from the cheap (campsites and Hostels) to the moderate (a choice of comfortable hotels) to the expensive (high quality internationally renowned Hotels).

Now I am gasping for something to eat...

The Portuguese may not be globally famed for their gastronomic prowess but Lisbon is littered with restaurants to suit all tastes and pockets. It is also worth watching out for a local speciality, which are the Pastelarias and Confeitarias that are, simply put, coffee and pastry places. With its variety of choice, the Bairro Alto district is the place to go for eating out. Many places may require reservations so it is as well to check before going. Should you fancy a drink then try the Port or the local white lightning, which is distilled from wild strawberries.