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PORTUGAL I |
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The capital of Portugal since its conquest from the Moors in 1147, Lisbon is a legendary city with over 20 centuries of History.
And that was the place we chose to run away from Carnaval/2002. We arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, in the middle of February/2002, for a week vacation.
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The Tower of Belem is, definitely, the symbol of Lisbon.
It is the sentinel over the Tagus river that protects the entrance into Lisbon; a city that has always been the object of much covetousness... Built between 1514 and 1520, the tower was the essential part of the defense complex built to protect the mouth of the Tagus river. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the building is admired by tourists from around the world, whether from the banks of the river, or on the river itself, on one of the boat tours of Lisbon. |
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Tower of Belem - Lisbon/Portugal - February/2002 |
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Another tourist attraction of Lisbon is the "Pavilhao dos Descobrimentos".
It was constructed in 1960, by the esculptor Leopoldo de Almeida (the building looks like a boat), in honor of the 5th centenary of Infante Dom Henrique's death.
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"Pavilhao dos Descobrimentos"
Lisbon/Portugal - February/2002 |
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The pra?a do Comercio is the symbol of the historical power and grandeur of the country of Portugal. The square existed before the terrible earthquake in 1755 that destroyed the lower part of town. At the time, it was called the Terreiro de pa?o (palace square), and was, in fact, the residence of the royal family. As most visitors arrived by boat, the pra?a do Comercio, located on the banks of the Tagus, was considered the entry gate into the city of Lisbon. It was therefore important that it be GRANDIOSE, and that is exactly the word that comes to mind when you see it for the first time. |
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Pra?a do Comercio - Lisbon/Portugal - February/2002 |
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In the center of the square, the statue of Dom Jose I towers over you, then, in front of that, there is a gigantic arch, which symbolizes the gates to the city: the "Arco da Victoria", created by Verissimo da Costa.
The square is surrounded by the colorful ministerial buildings. Underneath, you can walk through a magnificent archway of impressive architectural attributes. The square opens out on to the pedestrian street Augusta, which takes you to the Rossio district. These places are very popular among the people of Lisbon. |
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go to Portugal II |
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