Lisbon |
| Sunday, 06 January 2008 16:58 |
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Welcome to Lisbon, the city of the navigators! Lisbon was built on seven hills and is the capital and main harbor of Portugal. Also known as “the white city” due to its house whitened by the sun, Lisbon is located on the west coast of the Iberia peninsula and the Tagus estuary. The narrow streets furrowed along its hills. In the summer, a breeze from the ocean refreshes the city and its inhabitants, preventing it from dozing during the hottest months’ torpor.With your rental car, you will be drive through the narrow alleys and reach the gazebos. Through walks, you will discover locations where the view over the ocean and Lisbon’s orange roofs is breathless. If the rise happens to be too laborious to you, just take the cable-car or the “Electrico”, the famous Lisbon street car. Lisbon displays lots of monuments and attractions to the ones who have and take the time to discover it. One of Portugal most beautiful churches is the „Igreja de Ao Roque“ in Lisbon. Moreover, do not miss the majestic palm tree edged „Avenida da Liberdade“. The Belem district is rich of one of the most impressive monasteries of the world: the “Mosteiro dos Jerónimos“. Besides the park located in front of the monastery there is the cultural centre of Belem, with its „Museu do Design“, featuring furniture of the twentieth century. The monument „Padrao dos Descobrimentos“, symbol of the city, is located in the district. If you wish to have a break, the „Antiga Confeitaria de Belém“ is the ideal place. There, indulge yourself with the famous „Pasteis de Nata“, a delicious lemon and cinnamon cream pastry. After this little break, the fans of technique could visit the Belem museums such as the „Museu Nacional dos Coches“ or the „Museu de Electricidade“. The ones who prefer the historical and artistic heritage could visit the „Palacio Nacional da Ajuda“ and admire art pieces of the permanent and temporary collections. You will have the possibility to do some shopping in downtown Lisbon especially in the following streets: Avenida de Roma, Praca de Londres, Avenida Guerra Junquiero et Amoreiras. With your rental car and away from the public transportations, you will easily reach one of the most animated districts of Lisbon named Baixa, situated less than 4 miles from the city. The Baixa district was rebuilt after an earthquake in the XVIII century. From the Santa Luzia place, you will benefit from one of the most extraordinary view over Alfama, the oldest district of Lisbon. Besides Santa Luzia, there are the medieval districts Castello and Mouraria. St Georg de Mouraria Castle is based on one of the seven hills of the city. These three districts are very animated in June during the local celebration of the Saints. Finally, do not leave Lisbon without listening to the fado, this melancholic and typical melody of Portugal. La "Casa do Fado e da Guitarra Portuguesa" in Alfama is a dedicated place to this tradition. You will discover the history of the fado from the beginning of the 19th century to nowadays. Enjoy your stay in Lisbon!
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