Lisbon: the beautiful Portuguese city
Lisbon, the capital and largest city in Portugal, is expected to have 544,851 inhabitants within its administrative boundaries and a total area of 100.05 km2 . The urban area of Lisbon, which is the 11th most populated urban region in the European Union, extends outside the administrative boundaries of the city and has a population of approximately 2.7 million.
Lisbon is a wonderful city because of its importance in banking, commerce, fashion, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education and tourism. Lisbon is recognised as an alpha-level world metropolis.
Along with Porto, Lisbon is one of only two Portuguese cities to be recognised as a global metropolis. Three Global 2000 companies are based in Lisbon. It is one of Europe's major economic hubs, with one of the continent's largest container ports and a growing banking sector. There are many beautiful sites in Lisbon.
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Lisbon Attractions
There are many better places to visit in Lisbon, some of which are listed below.
The Belem Tower
The Belem Tower, which stands in the shallows near the entrance to the Tagus River as a representation of the remarkable age of Portugal's discovery in the 16th century, is perhaps the most representative of all Lisbon's historical monuments. One of the most magnificent sites in Lisbon is the Belem Tower.
The tower, which was built in 1515-1521 as a fortress and was originally located in the middle of the river (the stream has since changed), is the pinnacle of ornate Manueline construction. Its elaborate facade is decorated with fantastic maritime elements, including twisted ropes and stone armillary spheres.
Indeed, this structure is so priceless and distinctive that UNESCO has designated it a World Heritage Site. The King's Chamber on the second floor, which opens onto a Renaissance loggia, is the most intriguing interior feature of the building. It is spread over several levels. The exquisite arcades are topped by the royal coat of arms of Manuel I.
Santa Justa lift
The strange Santa Justa lift, a neo-Gothic lift and the city's most unusual and avant-garde form of public transport, stands somewhat incongruously on the rooftops of Lisbon's Baixa district. It is one of Lisbon's magnificent sites.
The lift was built by the French architect Raoul Mésnier du Ponsard, a pupil of Gustave Eiffel, and opened in 1901. At first glance, its riveted wrought iron frame and battleship grey paintwork evoke the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It was built to link the Baixa with the Largo do Carmo in the trendy Bairro Alto district, home to high-end shops, fado houses and independent restaurants.
The 32-metre journey to the top is now made by curious visitors rather than commuters, who climb into cabins with wooden panels and the original polished brass remaining in place. A platform just below the upper deck is accessed by the creaky cabin lift. Passengers have two options from here: they can disembark and walk across a bridge to the Bairro Alto or choose to climb the spiral staircase to the upper deck.
Day trip to Sintra
A 40-minute direct train ride from the city centre takes you to the incredibly charming town of Sintra, which is arguably one of the most rewarding day trip experiences from Lisbon. This captivating place unfolds like a picturesque picture book of royal palaces, enigmatic houses and a mighty 8th century Moorish fortress, nestled in the foothills of the rugged Serra de Sintra, a rolling terrain of verdant woods dotted with granite outcrops.
The historic old town (Sintra-Vila), a wonderful arrangement of colourful and elegant houses, decorative cafes and traditional restaurants wedged along a maze of cobbled streets and narrow alleys, stands in this charming setting. Sintra is also a good place to visit among Lisbon's beautiful sights.
Arco da Rua Augusta: a triumphal arch
Praça do Comércio, Lisbon's huge riverside square, is quite stunning from the ground, but its size is only really appreciated when viewed from the Arco da Rua Augusta and is considered the best riverside visit from Lisbon's beautiful sites.
The city's main avenue for walking, Rua Augusta, is located near the northern end of the hall, where the iconic 19th century arch is located. The monument, designed by Portuguese architect Santos de Carvalho, was dedicated in 1873 to commemorate the restoration of the capital after the earthquake of 1755.
The top of the arch, surmounted by a terrace topped by an allegorical statue of Glory crowned by statues of Bravery and Genius and draped with crowns, has just been opened to the public. Vasco da Gama and the Marquis of Pombal are two other statues of national heroes supported by an entablature below.
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
This monastery has been a national monument since 1907 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. It was built by Manuel I in memory of Infante Dom Henrique of Portugal (Prince Henry the Navigator). It was built in the 16th century and given to the monks of the Order of Saint Jerome at that time. Among the beautiful sites of Lisbon, it is also considered the best place to visit.
In 2016, he joined the National Pantheon. Sebastio I, Vasco da Gama and Luis de Cames all rest in the monastery church (Igreja de Santa Maria de Belém), where Filipe I moved their remains in order to eliminate the superstition that Sebastio I would return to save Portugal. However, few people sincerely believe that the remains of King Desire are contained within them. Not to mention that the monastery is only 500 metres from the famous Pastéis de Belém.
The best things to do in Lisbon
There are many things to do in Lisbon but some are mentioned below:
Private tour: day trip to Évora and Almendres Cromlech from Lisbon
The tour also takes you to some of Lisbon's most beautiful sites. On this private day trip from Lisbon, explore the historic city of Évora and the spectacular stone circle complex of Almendres Cromlech. The distinctive Roman ruins of the city of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are examined on this private tour. Visit one of the largest megalithic monuments, Anta Grande do Zambujeiro, and the gruesome Bone Chapel to gain a new perspective on Portugal's history (Grand Dolmen de Zambujeiro).
Take the tram 28
Lisbon is a city known for its creaky old tram lines, rather like San Francisco in the US. None is more recognisable than tram 28, which has been climbing the narrow, winding streets of the historic Alfama district for decades. Among Lisbon's magnificent sights, this is one of them.
The journey begins under the palm-studded slopes of Graca, winds its way through the narrow streets of Escolas Gérais, and then stops in front of the magnificent domes of the Estrela basilica.
The windows offer unique opportunities for people-watching, and as you pass many magnificent palaces and castles along the way, you will undoubtedly discover decades of history.
Getting lost in the Alfama quarter
Lisbon's answer to the historic districts of other European historical capitals is the small, condensed quarter of Alfama. It is recognised as the oldest part of the city, much like the Forum in Rome, but this one dates back to the Moors of Africa rather than the rulers of Lazio. Among the magnificent sites of Lisbon, it is also one of them because it is the oldest part of the city.
One of the best things for tourists to do in Portugal's capital is to explore the district's complex of winding streets and alleys. Tall buildings such as Lisbon Cathedral and tiled chapels can be seen around the corners as you go.
In addition, there are the remains of the old city walls and many secret squares with open-air cafés.
Conclusion
Lisbon offers a wide range of attractions and activities to do. You must go there because it is a charming place, and your visit will be unforgettable and will stay in your heart forever.
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