Lisbon – Portugal
Lisbon is an easy going city filled with friendly people that take the time to stop for a chat, but over time the city has fallen victim to decay and renovating it had become a main priority.
Over the last couple of years Lisbon has been cleaning up the city and the European Football Championships that were held there in 2004 gave those renovations a large and much needed boost. The event brought back the former glory of Lisbon and now the city has begun a new age.
In the past Lisbon was known as the calling port to Europe but years of decay and construction sites left the city and its residents anxiously awaiting better days when it could reclaim its past glory.
Central Lisbon was like going back in time with cobbled streets and alleys that gave the impression of being warped into the eighteenth century far away from modern Europe.
These days Lisbon has been fully restored to its former glory and is eager to promote itself as such in order to attract tourism and bring about a brand new era.
In 1755 the whole town had to be restructured due to a large earthquake. Reconstructions were necessary just to keep the capital city of Portugal running. The infrastructure that was put in place at that time still is the basis of today’s infrastructure in modern Lisbon.
By a waterfront is a gorgeous square that is called The Praca do Comercio. Looking out to a beautiful archway on one side, the waterfront on the other, it is a square that attracts pigeons while around it stores are keeping shoppers busy with plenty of bargains to be had.
This square functions as the central point of focus for a large part of the local population where they gather to engage in conversation while their children play. It all adds to the unique atmosphere giving an excellent impression of the city. Restaurants in the area provide an enticing smell of cooking, and the native food they serve will certainly appeal to your appetite.
Another must see in Lisbon is the Elevador de Santa Justa, which is an outdoor lift providing those without the fear of heights with spectacular views of the streets below. The sight of tiny figures moving through what looks like mere alleys is truly a remarkable sight. The Elevador de Santa Justa dates from 1901.
To the east many influences of ancient Moorish culture still remain and remnants of Christian influences, after their victories during the wars. The cathedral that still exists there was built on top of a mosque back in 1147.
M.A.H.