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The capital
of Portugal, Lisbon is a legendary city with over 20 centuries of History. The
name of the place comes from "Olissipo", which means "enchanting
port".
 Lisbon has been inhabited since immemorial times. Celts, Romans,
Visigoths and Arabs have been among its peoples. Portugal became independent in
1139 ant its first king, D. Afonso Henriques conquered the city from the Moors
in 1147. It became the capital of the kingdom in 1255. Its position in relation
to River Tagus and the sea had a favourable and marked effect on its
characteristics. In the 15th, 16th and 17th
centuries Lisbon was the starting point for the discovering made by Portuguese
navigators, which rapidly changed the city into an international trading centre
for the merchandise that flowed from the newly discovered lands: the Atlantic
islands, East and West Africa, India and Brazil, etc.
Over the
centuries Lisbon naturally grew and changed. In 1755, an earthquake destroyed
about two-thirds of Lisbon and killed more than 60,000 people. The Marquês de
Pombal, who thus created the Baixa Pombalina that still retains much of its
original character, rebuilt the city.
Lisbon is a city of surprises and contrast:
twisting, narrow streets in the older quarters, spacious avenues dating from the
beginning of the century and, close to the centre, famous monuments, some of
which have been classified by UNESCO.
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