Friday 28 March 2008

Baixa


In the Baixa, the city’s traditional shopping district, you will find dozens of shops and a great area for walks. A personal welcome makes shopping even more enjoyable. Rua Augusta is the main artery of the Baixa Pombalina, leading between Terreiro do Paço (traditionally called Black Horse Square by the English), open to the river and the symbol of power, to the beautiful Praça do Rossio (Praça Dom Pedro V)

Sunday 23 March 2008

Elevador de Santa Justa


Carmo is connected to the Baixa by another key monument in the city, the irresistible Elevador de Santa Justa. From the top of the Elevador there is a very fine view over the Baixa Pombalina. Don’t lose the opportunity to ride the Elevador, the only vertical lift that provides a public service and was designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, which explains its unique architectural style.
Photo: Jason Turner

Friday 21 March 2008

The Convent of Carmo


The Carmo area, next to the Chiado, has some of the most fascinating historical sites in the city, such as the Convent and Church of Carmo, which have maintained their elegance and grandeur. Here you can visit the ruins, but also the Museu Arqueológico do Carmo, which houses a collection of pre-historic, Roman, medieval, Manueline, Renaissance and Baroque artefacts. Largo do Carmo is also emblematic of recent Portuguese history, the site of important events in the 1974 Revolution.
The Convent of the Order of the Carmo of Lisbon is raised in a privileged position, lofty to the Rossio, and near to the hill of the Castle of Saint Jorge. The church of the convent, which went already to principal Gothic church of Lisbon, was in ruins due to the Earthquake of 1755 and it is still one of the principal marks left by the earthquake visible in the city.
Photo: Fr Antunes

Thursday 20 March 2008

Chiado


After the Bairro Alto, walk down to the Chiado, where you will find an even more sophisticated atmosphere. Ameeting point for young people, artists and intellectuals, the Chiado is an area of emblematic cafés, such as “A Brasileira”, art schools, theatres and of living history. Besides its intrinsic beauty, it is the people that make the Chiado what it is, with their activity and positive atitude.

Wednesday 19 March 2008

Bairro Alto


The Bairro Alto is one of the most characteristic and attractive neighbourhoods in the city. Typical and popular, the Bairro Alto has many modern features, with clothes boutiques and bars, many, many bars. A place where people meet in an eclectic and multicultural atmosphere - which is one of the best reasons to visit this neighbourhood. It is essential to explore it, to discover all its streets, lanes and alleys. Good restaurants alongside intimate bookshops, where things are always happening, tea rooms next to design shops and the boutiques of some of the most respected Portuguese fashion designers. It is an exciting neighbourhood, full of attractions, that combines daring and sophistication with tradition and antiquity. A walk around the Bairro Alto is an experience that cannot be repeated in any other part of the city.
Photo: retinafunck

Tuesday 18 March 2008

Historical neighbourhoods


Situated mostly in the centre of Lisbon, the historical neighbourhoods are essential destinations for visitors to the Portuguese capital. They call to be explored, for their culture, their history, their architecture, their people or simply for a relaxed stroll. A structural part of the city’s identity, these neighbourhoods offer to those willing to explore them, a true personal map. There are so many possibilities. Don’t let them get away.
Photo: Thomas Claveirole

Monday 17 March 2008

A paradise for walkers and photographers.


Lisbon iIt's one of the world's great historical cities, with characteristic and surprising sights, cultural treasures, and a beautiful setting that make it a paradise for walkers and photographers.
Photo: portuguese eyes

Thursday 13 March 2008

Lisbon is the city for fado , funiculars, feasting and frolicking


Lisbon's position on seven low hills beside a river once lured traders and settlers, and it's still a stunning site. Add to that its cultural diversity, laid-back feel and architectural time warp, and you have one of the most enjoyable cities in Europe - and also one of the most economical.
At Lisbon's heart are wide, tree-lined avenues graced by Art Nouveau buildings, mosaic pavements and street cafes. Seen from the river - one of the city's many great viewpoints - Lisbon is an impressionist picture of low-rise ochre and pastel, punctuated by church towers and domes.
Lonely Planet
Photo: portuguese eyes

Tuesday 11 March 2008

The color of Lisbon


Lisbon is known as the white city, thanks to its unique luminosity. The light, the atmosphere and the climate offer marvellous walks all over the city. It has a beauty that extends beyond the monuments, that can be experienced in the streets, that is embraced with all the senses.
Photo: Fr Antunes