Lisbon

Thursday, 25, Feb 2010 11:17

The capital and cultural hub of Portugal should be near the top of the itinerary of anyone who wishes to explore the country. One of the most active ports in Europe before the Great Earthquake of 1755 devastated the bustling city, Lisbon still retains evidence of its glorious 17th century golden age, when its charm and majesty rivaled that of Venice.

The Alfama district survived most of the earthquake, thanks to its solid rocky foundation. Much of the narrow, winding cobblestone streets are very well preserved, as are the 16th century aristocratic houses and taverns that adorn them. Today, much of the district is populated by dockworkers, sailors, and fishmongers, and a trek through the street markets and Feira da Ladra, Lisbon's flea market, will turn up a plethora of sights and sounds. One of the oldest churches in Lisbon lies in this district, the Santo Estevão, from which a fine view of the Alfama can be taken in.

No visit to Lisbon would be complete without a trip to the Castelo de São Jorge. Beginning as a fortress built by pre-Roman peoples, the area fell to Visigoths and Saracens before its current stone walls and towering ramparts were built by the Moors. The top of the ramparts overlooks the Alfama district below and the rest of the city, out to the Monsanto mountains. To the west, the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, built to thank the Virgin Mary for the wild successes of Vasco de Gama, stands in soul-shattering majesty.

Museum enthusiasts would go wild in Lisbon's countless museums on a variety of subjects, but those short on time or interest should at least visit the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, which showcases the greatest collection of art in the country, ranging largely from the 15th through the 19th centuries.

Finally, the best view of the city as a whole can be found from the Santa Justa elevator in the Baixa district, taking visitors up over 100 feet for a spectacular vista from the viewing platform, as well as a well-windowed restaurant.