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Lisbon
Lisbon or Lisboa, the way Portuguese people call it, is located at the point where the river Tejo (Tagus) flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
With a splendid view over the Atlantic coast, Lisbon is known as the white city because of the unique light which is felt on the streets. And Lisbon is more beautiful if seen from one of the highest spots (Monsanto Fort, Alto da Serafina, Montes Claros, Campolide, Rua da Artilharia 1, Estrela Church, Ajuda Palace, Instituto Superior Técnico, S. Vicente de Fora Church, S. Jorge Castle, Graça Church or S. Roque Church).
One of the most enjoyable cities of Europe, Lisbon is a place of cultural diversity, a place where old and new come together to create the spirit of the city. Lisbon’s historic center sets on seven hills (Castelo, Graça, Monte, Penha de França, S. Pedro de Alcântara, Santa Catarina and Estrela), this making some of the city's streets too steep for motor vehicles. Around the historical center of Lisbon there are several administratively defined cities like Loures, Amadora or Oeiras that represent a part of the metropolitan perimeter of Lisbon.
A big attraction of Lisbon is represented by the historical districts, a mandatory destination for those who want to see the Portuguese capital. Those are a part of Lisbon's identity, either because of their culture or because of their history and architecture.
The western side of Lisbon offers a splendid view because it is the location of Monsanto Natural Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe, with an area close to 10 square kilometers (almost 4 square miles).
Full of surprises and contrasts, Lisbon is a welcoming place. And the good news is that Lisbon is not a very expensive capital. |
