Before you go, read up on the history of Lisbon, from the renowned spice-trading days to destructive earthquakes that shook this capital city. Emanating from a precarious fault line, the city is comprised of well-preserved sights against a backdrop of tree-lined boulevards that represent a new European era.
With a past that stems from the Celts to the intercontinental spice trade to destructive earthquakes, the history of Lisbon runs almost as long as its precarious fault line runs deep.
The land of Portugal has been a sought-after prize since the Celts first laid claim to it in 700 B.C and thereafter by a parade of occupants, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and Spaniards. Although these inhabitants influenced the façade of Lisbon, the city has retained its own borders for nearly nine centuries.
The city's most influential visitor, Prince Henry the Navigator, arrived in 1418. This aspiring explorer founded a school of navigation at the southern tip of Portugal, where he plotted an exploratory mission. The members of this mission succeeded in finding Brazil, Africa, India, China and Japan, which established one of the most lucrative trade routes of the century. With spices coming from the east and gold coming from the west, Lisbon sat at the helm of the activity and triumphed as the richest city in Europe during the Golden Age.
Lisbon: once a wealthy city.
Lisbon's power relinquished in the 16th century after the Spanish usurped the throne. However, the monuments, palaces, statuary and other structures erected during this time period reflect the capital city's once wealthy dominion.
Before you go to Lisbon, find out some important trip planning information, including details about the location, climate and local culture. For a moderately priced vacation destination, Lisbon offers its visitors an unpretentious atmosphere that most other cities in Europe lack.
LOCATION, CLIMATE - Lisbon lies on the southwest border of Portugal, west of Spain and east of the Atlantic Ocean, on the River Tejo, as a port city. The city enjoys a temperate climate, ranging from 50 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The best months to visit are between April and October, during the dry season.
Modern-day Lisbon.
CITY, EARTHQUAKES - Lisbon sits on the Iberian Peninsula on top of the Meseta fault line. In effect, many earthquakes have struck the city. The most destructive earthquake rocked the city in 1755 and almost completely destroyed the center of Lisbon. The reconstruction that followed reshaped Lisbon into one of the best planned cities in Europe, with wide avenues and boulevards lined with trees and statuary.
PEOPLE - As the capital of Portugal, Lisbon holds almost one million Portuguese-speaking people. However, English is widely spoken as well. Natives refer to themselves as Lisboans and typically refer to Lisbon "Lisboa."
COSTS - Lisbon can be discovered on a budget. As one of the least expensive cities in Europe, you can find a good meal for under $5 and moderate hotel room for about $15 (the more extravagant traveler should double these prices). Lisbon, as well as most of Europe, adopted the European euro.
Familiarize yourself with Lisbon before stepping off the plane, ship, train or other means of transport. Thankfully, in a city that sits on hills, most of the activity revolves in the lower regions - so you won't get blisters. Get a glimpse of what you can expect to see.
Torre de Belém
There are many monuments, palaces, statuary, parks and churches remaining from Lisbon's wealthy spice-trading days (even after the earthquakes). One of the most exemplary attractions is the Torre de Belém, which marks the birth of the Golden Age of Portugal. This Manueline tower, built in 1515, stood to protect the city's harbor on the Rio Tejo. Today, it stands as a symbol of the famous voyages, from Vasco da Gama to Ferdinand Magellan, that made Portugal rich.
Tour historic Alfama.
Visit the Alfama, the oldest part of the city enclosed under medieval walls. Built on the highest hill, overlooking the Baixa (the heart of the city), Alfama retains its traditional splendor through narrow cobblestone streets and a provincial pace of life. Find typical Portuguese traditions here, such as fado music shows. Fado is known as Portuguese blues that was inherited from 16th-century sailors.
Go shopping for quality goods at a bargain. Open-air markets offer everything from leather and wool to pottery and lace. Find decorative tiles, called azulejos. The making of these tiles was handed down from the craftsmanship of the Moors.
Visit the countryside spanning Lisbon. You?ll see charming villages, abundant crops, and ancient churches and monasteries with waterfront vistas. You?re likely to see the coast, as Portugal (a country 300 miles long) holds almost 500 miles of coastline. Fishing, in reflection, is an important part of the country?s economy, which you'll find in outerlying fishing towns.
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