Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, situated on the western front of the Iberian Peninsula.

A great deal has Altered in Lisbon since the late fadoista Amalia Rodrigues was a young girl singing in the Fado Cafes of it’s narrow roads. Unlike other European capitals, Lisbon seems to be connected to the planet, both by its long historical past that led it to discover most of the known world, as well as its place off of the Atlantic Ocean which appears to attach it  physically to the world beyond of Europe, to every far-away land. Lisbon is equally a contemporary and old city, with it’s glittery new office towers in its business area to it’s dreamy streets of Alfama, Lisbon is unique.

Lisbon has always been a city which has reached out to the globe. It was from the shoreline of the Tagus river that flows into the Atlantic Ocean that Lisbon forced itself on the world. Legendary people like Prince Henry the Navigator, Luis Camoes and Vasco da Gama were all familiar with the streets of Lisbon, and it was from its shores that the world was revealed. The Portuguese carried their culture with them to far-away, mysterious places. In a time while  many still thought that the world was flat, the Portuguese were busy setting up settlements that still still exist, in excess of 500 years from their first voyages into the unknown.

Today, with a population of approximately 2.5 million, Lisbon is Continental Europe’s most western capital. Laying on seven hills between the Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon’s history predates modern times by thousands of years. Archaeologists estimate that Lisbon was already an important city thousands of years past, homeland to numerous diverse peoples who called Lisbon home.

It is speculated that the Greeks were responsible for giving Lisbon it’s name. The Greeks named this territory, Olissipo, a name thought to have derived from the mythical king Ulysses. Over the years, name Olissipo turned into Olissipona and then finally Lisboa (Sounds like Lee-szh-Boa).

Lisbon has had several settlements of people, living on it’s shoreline, including Iberians, Celts, Germans, Romans, Moors and number of post Muslim Christian inhabitants who migrated to its shores for fame and fortune.

Lisbon became the capital of Portugal in 1255 after the Monarchy transplanted power from the Celtic Christian North to the more central and ethnically diverse center and south. It isn’t difficult to understand why the Portuguese kings were interested in the rumored far-off lands, because it was common  to have Arabs, Berbers and Jews and an assortment of other ethnicities so nearby. The Christian kings wish for wealth eventually led to a unusual position in time when the planet would transform forever.

Under management of Prince Henry the Navigator in 1419 Lisbon started seeking riches outside it’s borders and into the open Ocean. With the creation of the Portuguese Caravel, a innovative hybrid boat which could cruise in the open ocean, the Portuguese started to encounter lands were unfamiliar or established formerly, including the Azores, Madeira, Cape Verde. By the closing stages of the 1400’s, the Portuguese were on their route to India, making Lisbon the new capital of Europe.

Today, Lisbon is a city with a rich history and a energetic, diverse music and art scene. There are countless sites scattered throughout this celebrated city. Lisbon has a exceptionally calm ambiance, Lisboetas are known for their welcoming character which make Lisbon one of the most amusing cities in the world to travel.

With its broad avenues, mosaic decorations on its pedestrian paths and first-rate outdoor cafes, Lisbon is a city planned for the inhabitants. A great example of this is Lisbon’s Monsanto Park which is a 10 square kilometers park that is considered one of largest in Europe.

Lisbon is a growing city, and the necessity for new streets and bridges have been deemed essential. Lisbon has one of the world’s most advanced Subway Systems that links to many bus and train routes, making travel a joy. For motorists, the recently constructed wonder the Vasco da Gama Bridge along with the gorgeous 25th of April Bridge, are important exit and entry points to the city.

It should be noted that the 25th of April Bridge, appears extremely similar to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. This is not by coincidence,  the bridge was constructed by the same architectural firm that built the Golden Gate Bridge.

Lisbon is all about charm planned for people most notable in the pedestrian only roads that tourists and residents alike can have the benefit of the fantastic shops and restaurants that are plentiful in this city.

There are many activities that you can accomplish and observe in Lisbon, whether you are looking for a silence getaway to the Sao Jorge Castle or visiting modern buildings like the Lisbon Oceanarium, be certain to finish your day at one of the beautifully, well conserved art-deco cafes to take pleasure in a genuine Lisbon experience.

Don’t miss the Belém Tower, a medieval tower constructed by the Portuguese during their Golden Age of Discovery.

Lisbon will amaze and enthrall you like no other city. It has an character that is exceedingly human and friendly. Don’t forget to take a pair of good quality walking shoes, because once you commence your Lisbon Vacation, you will not want it to end.

Tags: capital of portugal, city thousands, european capitals, henry the navigator, iberian peninsula, luis camoes, mythical king, prince henry the navigator, tagus river, vasco da gama