Lisbon, capital and heart of Portugal. The city spreads out over the hills bordering the banks of the Tajo River, where the statutory of the river forms what is called the Sea of Straw (Mar de la Paja). Its Phoenician name, Alisubbo, which means cove, inlet or small bay, gives us a good idea of what it must have been like for its first inhabitants; a privileged riverside paradise.
Coming out of our Lisbon hotel, which should overlook the Eduardo VII Park around the marques of Pombal Square, you head down the main Avenue da Liberdade towards the River Tajo, pasing in front of the national Theatre Dona maria II, in the famous Rossio Square, the center of the city where there is a commemorative momument to Pedro IV. In the square is the Sao Domingo Church and to one side, the Square of Figueira with King Joao I majestically sitting atop his horse.
Taking the Rua ( avenue) Augusta, we are drawn towards the Commerce Square, right on the waterfront. Facing the south-side, there is a wharf opening out onto the channel where you can take very relaxing boat rides on the river and to the north of the square, the Triumphal Arch, style Louis XIV representing glory, bravery and intelligence. Heading to the west, direction of Cascais and Estoril, we first enter the area called Chiado, one of the most characteristic and enchanting areas of Lisbon. Chiado means sly or clever, named after two of its most notorious occupants. Here we can see the Chaido Museum, its collection of art is dedicated to the Portuguese art from 1850 to 1950. Its open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 to 6, Monday not open and Tuesday from 2 to 6. From here the Museum of Ancient Art, built in the 17th c., right on the waterfront.
This is Portugal´s most important museum which is installed in the Palace of Count Alvor, better known as the Palace of Janelas Verdes, located on the same street. There are 65 halls with an endless list of painters and sculptors from all over the world. Changing over from painted art, we can go to the Carriage Museum and feast our eyes on a different kind of art, horse drawn carriages. Elaborate luxurious carriages accompanied by the ornaments and trappings used on the horses in the 17th and 18th c. A Manuelino gem, the Monastary of the Jeronimus started in 1502 is a must to be seen. Its main aisle and nave does not only amaze us with its amplitude and brightness but also for a clashing and ill-assorted combination of decoration together with the Manuelino style. The Fortress called the Tower of Bethlehem built between 1515 and 1519 is beautifully seen from the land or the river. It was made to protect Lisbon from invaders but looks so majestic with its white stone mini towers decorating each corner.
And as a special treat, the Park of the Nations where the World Fair was held in 1998. You will need at least a whole to be able to enjoy all the different pavilions, each one expressing a different theme like the ocean life and the future. Another three fourths of the park is dedicated to natural green areas for relaxation. It is recommendable to buy a special pass at the information booth in the Shopping center, which includes many of the extra attractions.
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