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European Vacations -
Portugal Vacation Packages &
Travel Information |
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Overview |
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Lisbon (Lisboa in Portuguese) is an
enchanting travel destination. The
city is built on seven hills that
rise from the north bank of the
Tagus (Tejo) River. Its coastal
suburbs overlook the sparkling sea.
Lisbon is a city of contrasts.
Though delightfully informal, it is
the political, economic and cultural
center of Portugal and has a
population in city and suburbs of
over two million.
Lisbon boasts one of the finest
subway, bus and train systems
anywhere, yet the local favorite is
the Electrico. This is a system of
antique trolley cars built in the
style of days gone by. The cars are
beautifully lined with wood panels,
insulating them from the intense
summer heat. One of the most popular
trolley lines is number 28 which
goes across the entire city, a trip
that necessitates rolling around
steep turns and up and down hills in
roller coaster fashion. Though
Electrico operates consistently at a
loss, city residents wouldn't hear
of discontinuing it!
Sightseeing, surfing, sunbathing,
golf, soccer matches, shopping, open
air concerts and fado folk music are
all part of the charm and vitality
of this spirited city. The capital
provides ample opportunity for
seeing popular celebrations, for
shopping, and for enjoying the
nightlife along the river banks. Not
far from the city lies the town of
Sintra.. There, a horse-drawn
carriage ride through streets lined
with majestic trees and lush
vegetation passes by ancient
mansions on the way to the Palácio
da Pena at the top of the hill. Its
fabulous romantic architecture keeps
vivid the atmosphere of a truly
royal residence.
Lisbon has been the capital of
Portugal since 1255. It is located
on the Atlantic coast in the
southwest part of the country. The
Tagus River runs through the valley
below the hills on which Lisbon is
situated. The source of the river
lies in Spain, but most of its
journey to the sea occurs inside
Portugal where it meets the Atlantic
ocean. As it approaches Lisbon, the
river bed widens to create a green
and fertile plain.
The whole green river valley is like
a stage setting upon which the
deeply-rooted cultural traditions of
the people continue to be presented
day by day. There is popular music
and dance, and horsemen in
traditional costume can still be
seen rounding up their cattle in
rural pastures. High on a hill is
the fortress around which the city
originally sprang up, and which is
now circled by neighborhoods whose
architecture is reminiscent of
medieval days. The facades of the
houses are adorned with the ornate
ceramic tiles that are a still a
trademark of area craftsmen.
Dotting the hills can be found the
ancient monasteries and convents of
the religious orders which stand as
witnesses to Portugal's rich
historical and cultural traditions.
These are lands that were won back
from the Moors by the first king of
Portugal, Afonso Henriques, and the
memory of that era lives on in the
ancient castles that loom above
Leiria, Tomar, Óbidos or Santarém.
The Atlantic coast, which stretches
to the north and west of Lisbon, is
of graceful beauty with the
landscape swiftly changing from
high, sweeping cliffs to beaches of
white sand, backed by lagoons. There
is a saying in Portugal "those who
haven't seen Lisbon don't know what
beauty is!"
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Facts |
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Population:
2.1 million in greater Lisbon;
700,000 in the center city.
Area:
300 square miles
Time Zone:
Greenwich Mean Time plus one hour:
Time in Lisbon is 5 hours ahead of
Eastern Standard Time in New York.
(6 hours ahead of central time in
Chicago, etc.)
Area:
1000 sq. km (300 sq. miles)
International Dialing Code:
All numbers for Lisbon and the
outskirts of the city begin with 21
and have 6 or 7 additional digits.
The country code is 351. (use the
country code only when calling
Lisbon from another country). There
are five different types of pay
phones in Lisbon. Four use coins;
one uses cards and one type uses
both. Calling cards can be purchased
at tobacco stores, post offices,
news stands and Telecom outlets. For
local directory inquiries dial 118.
For long distance directory
assistance, dial 098.
Emergency:
police: 346 61 41
fire: 342 22 22
ambulance 112.
Currency:
Portugal's currency is the euro. The
notes are in denominations of 500,
200, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5 euro.
The denominations of coins are 2
euro, 1 euro, 50 euro cent, 20 euro
cent, 10 euro cent, 5 euro cent, 2
euro cent, and 1 euro cent. The
easiest method of securing cash at
the best exchange rate is to make
withdrawals using a US credit card
from the ATM machines found at the
major banks and stores. As in the
U.S., some banks charge a fee and a
transaction tax, so check with the
banks to find the best value.
Customs Regulations:
Telephone Tourist information at 346
33 14 for information. Daily. 9-8.
Average Temperatures (in
Fahrenheit):
High Low
January - March 68 52
April - June 76 55
July - September 86 67
October - December 77 55
Lisbon has an Atlantic climate with
some Mediterranean influence. The
result is that sunny days prevail
even during the winter. The weather
is pleasant throughout the year.
Email retrieval:
Internet Web Café 12, Rua do Diário
de Noticias, 1200 Open daily
2pm-2am.
Useful measurements:
1 cm - 0.39 inches
1 meter - 3.28 feet / 1.09 yards
1 km - 0.62 miles
1 liter - 0.26 gallons
1 inch - 2.54 cm
1 foot - 0.39 meters
1 yard - 0.91 meters
1 mile - 1.60 km
1 gallon - 3.78 liters
National Holidays:
Jan. 1 - New Year's Day
Feb. (date varies) - Carnaval
Good Friday (date varies - March or
April)
April 25 - Dia 25 de Abril (commemorationg
1974 revolution)
June 6 - Feast of Corpus Christi
June 10 - Camões Day
August 15 - Feast of the Assumption
October 5 - Republic Day
November 1 - All Saints' Day
December 1 - Dia da Restauracão
(commemorating independence from
Spain, 1640)
December 8 - Feast of the Immaculate
Conception
December 25 - Christmas Day
Public rest rooms:
Restrooms are difficult to find in
most places. Men's rooms are marked
H and women's are marked S.
Electricity:
The electrical current in Portugal
is 220 volts, 50 cycle AC, and
outlets are two round prongs.
American appliances will need a plug
adapter and will require a
transformer if they do not have a
dual voltage capability.
Visitors with disabilities:
Portugal is attempting to
accommodate the needs of travelers
with disabilities, but so far
progress has been slow. Telephone
213-632-044 two days in advance to
reserve disabled parking spaces.
Contact Secretariado Nacional de
Rehibilitacão Avenue Conde de Valbom
63, 1000 Lisbon telephone:
217-936-517 for information in
Portuguese regarding transportation
facilities and Lisbon access.
Children:
Children under 4 travel free on
Portuguese railways and children
4-12 pay half price. Adults over 60
receive a 30% discount.
How to get around:
Lisbon is well equipped in the area
of public transportation which is
run by the state owned company,
Carris. The easiest way to get
around Lisbon is by the
metropolitano (subway) which runs
daily from 6:30am-1:00am.
Transportation maps are available at
subway stations. Tickets can be
purchased for a single ride, in sets
of 10 or as a 7 day pass. Tickets
are available at the stations and
from tobacconists and must be
validated in a machine in the
station before boarding. It is also
necessary to have the ticket
available at the end of the journey.
The best buy is a Lisboa card which
is valid for 1-3 days and can be
used interchangeably on the subway,
bus and rail service to some
destinations as well as for
admission to museums. Tourist passes
for 4-7 days are also available.
Either can be purchased at Carris
kiosks at Praca da Figueira,
Elevador de Santa Justa or Sete
Rios. Buses run daily from
6:30am-midnight. Trolleys
(eléctricos) are a very pleasant way
to travel, but they operate only in
a limited area of the city.
Funiculars and elevator cars are a
popular means of getting from the
river level to the upper parts of
the city. It is more expensive to
travel by bus than by metro (on a
single ticket), but the buses cover
the most territory They have
frequent stops, making them more
accessible to tourist attractions.
Tickets can be purchased in books of
ten at half price.
For information in English:
21 363 20 44
Transportation Links:
Buses
Ferries:
Ferries run by Transtejo link the
city with the south side of the
Tagus and offer magnificent views of
Lisbon. 5am-10pm every 15 minutes.
Ferries also run from Belém to
Trafaria where passengers can catch
buses to the beaches at Caparica.
Daily 7am-9pm.
Taxis:
Taxis can be hailed from the street
or, for an additional cost, called
on the telephone. An illuminated
green light on the roof indicates
that the cab is available. One green
light means that the taxi is
charging normal rates; when two
green lights are lit, a higher
weekend and public holiday rate is
being charged.
Air Travel:
Flights arrive at Portela de Sacavém
International Airport which is only
4 miles northeast of the city.
Express bus #91 shuttles between
downtown and the terminal. 7am-9pm
every 20 minutes. Taxis are also
available around the clock. The trip
takes 15-20 minutes depending on
traffic. There is an extra charge
for luggage.
Note: Traffic drives on the right
side of the road in Portugal.
Driving in the city center is not
advised. There are few parking
places (though large underground car
parks are being added); traffic
signs and warnings (including many
one-way notices) are not clearly
displayed. Local drivers can be
intimidating, and police, while
helpful with directions, etc. are
strict in applying the rules and
will ticket violators. Confusion
will not serve as an excuse to avoid
a fine. Some roads have three lanes,
further adding to the confusion.
There is an excellent system of
public transportation that is
usually preferred over driving by
visitors. |
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Attractions |
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Before starting out to explore the
city, it is interesting to note that
there are:
44 Arches and archways in Lisbon; 56
fountains; 102 Catholic Churches; 67
public gardens; 51 museums; and 92
palaces! This means, of course, that
the visitor will have an almost
endless source of exploration and
discovery. It also points up the
need to be selective and to budget
one's time and energy. Lisbon's
museums and other cultural
attractions are usually open every
day of the week, except for Mondays.
The entrance fees are reasonable,
and there are discounts for
students.
Areas Within City of Lisbon
Alfama
Baixa
Barrio Alto and Estrela
Belém
Lisbon's seven hills:
Castelo
Graça
Monte
Penha de França
S. Pedro de Alcântara
Santa Catarina
Estrela
Hills Tour of Lisbon
21-363-2021
Admission is charged. Children under
4 free.
Covers the seven main hills in a
charming refurbished tram.
Tagus Boat Trip
>From Terreiro do Paco ferry wharf
Fee charged
11am and 3pm daily. Two hour trip.
Alfama
This is the area settled by the
Moors around their fortified castle.
Compact houses line steep streets
and stairways. Restoration has begun
of the houses that survived the
earthquake of 1755 and have been
largely neglected since.
Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian
Avenida de Berna 45A
21-793-51-31
Metro: São Sebastião, Espanha
Bus 16,26,31,41,46
The impressive Fundação Calouste
Gulbenkian complex houses the
astonishing treasure trove collected
by the Lisbon oil magnate, from
Egyptian and Oriental art to Lalique
jewelry and the country's finest
collection of 20th century
Portuguese art. The foundation is
committed to furthering public
interest in music, dance, and song.
Programs of classical music and
dance, art exhibitions and open air
summer jazz concerts are just a few
of the foundation's programs.
Castelo de Sâo Jorge
Rua Costa do Castelo
Bus 37; Tram 2
Daily 9-7
Admission: Free.
The lofty, originally Moorish castle
of Sâo Jorge (St. George's Castle)
is the best place to get a
perspective on Lisbon's history and
its spectacular geography. It stands
on the site of the earliest
settlement. Fortified by the Romans,
Visigoths and Moors, it was besieged
in 1147 by Alfonso Enriques and his
Christian army and fell after 17
weeks. This battle was a turning
point in the struggle to evict the
Moors from Portugal. Extensive
restoration has enhanced the grounds
and gardens, making them a welcome
oasis of beauty in the oldest part
of Lisbon.
Sé Patriarchal
Largo da Sé, 1100
21-886-67-52
Tram 28
Tues.-Sat. 9-5
Admission charged to cloisters and
treasury
The cathedral was built for the
first bishop of Lisbon, Gilbert of
Hastings, three years after Alfonse
Henriques recaptured Lisbon from the
Moors. It was built on the site of
an old mosque and was named for
Sedes Episcopales or the seat (see)
of the bishop. It was badly damaged
by earthquakes over the years, and
was repaired in various
architectural styles. It contains a
beautiful rose window.. It is
Romanesque in its general lines
though with nine Gothic chapels
added in the thirteenth and
fourteenth centuries. Visitors
should see the nave and the King
Dinis cloisters, the Bartholomew
Joanne's Chapel and the Gothic
Ambulatory and Chapels built in the
reign of Afonso IV. The tomb of the
14th century nobleman Lopo Fernandez
Pacheco is on display and is adorned
with unique wood carvings. The
treasury houses silver,
ecclesiastical robes, statues, early
manuscripts and relics associated
with St. Vincent including a casket
containing his remains.
Santo António a` Sé
21-886-04-47
Tram 28 Bus 37
8am-7:30pm daily (Church) Museum:
10-1 and 2-6 Tues.-Sun.
The church is said to stand on the
site where St. Anthony of Padua was
born. It was designed by Mateus
Vicente in the eighteenth century,
and is like a miniature Italian
church in the grand manner. It is
the chief shrine of this popular
Lisbon saint and is served by a
community of Franciscan Friars
Minors The original church was
destroyed in the earthquake of
1775t, except for the crypt, which
remains. In 1995 the church received
a facelift. It is traditional for
newly married couples to visit the
church and leave flowers on their
wedding day. The Museu Antoniano
houses artifacts all related to St.
Anthony as well as gold and
silverware that used to decorate the
church.
Museu da Marioneta (Puppet Museum)
Largo do Rodrigo Freitas 19A
1st Floor, Moraria, 1100
21 886-5794
Tram 28 Bus 12
Open 10-1 and 2-7 daily
Admission charged. Children under 12
and adults 65+ are free.
This is a small museum that displays
about 800 puppets and has a charming
40 seat theater which hosts puppet
shows for school groups. Check on
availability of seating for
visitors.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Rua do Limoeiro
Interior is presently closed.
Exterior features a viewing platform
with a spectacular view. Two panels
depict the conquest of Lisbon and
the Royal Palace before the
earthquake of 1755.
Museu das Artes Decorativas
2, largo das Portas do Sol, 1100
21 886 21 83
Tram 17,12,28 Bus 37
Tues..-Sun. 10-5
Admission charged. Under 12 Free.
Exhibits include everyday Portuguese
furniture in exotic woods from the
17th and 18th centuries; collections
of 18th century silver and Chinese
porcelain; and Arrailos carpets.
Workshops are housed in the building
where visitors can watch artisans
engaged in cabinet making, gilding,
book binding, and other traditional
crafts.
Museu Militar
Largo do Museu da Artihania
21 888 21 31
Tram 28 Bus 12,46,107
10-5 Tues.-Sun.
Admission charged.
This is the former Army Arsenal, now
the Military or Artillery Museum
packed with ancient weapons, armour,
late medieval small arms, old bronze
cannon: the whole range of firearms
from sixteenth century to our own
day. There is one room with the
weapons of the first World War and
another with those of the Spanish
Civil War. Another area presents the
development of weapons from
primitive flints to spears and
rifles.
Feira da Ladra
Campo de Santa Clara
Tram 28
Tues.,Sat 6-2 (winter) Tues.,Sat.
6-4 (summer)
This so called "Thieves' Market" has
existed in this same location for
over a century. Bargains are hard to
find, but it is interesting to walk
through and look at the many items
offered for sale. Be very careful to
inspect the goods well before
purchasing to be sure of
authenticity and that the item is in
working order.
Baixa
Baixa is the busiest area of Lisbon,
especially around the squares of
Rossio and Praça de Figueria.
Decimated by the earthquake of 1755,
the restoration of this part of the
city has been a model throughout
Europe in town planning. In the
Middle Ages the streets in Baixa
were named for the crafts practiced
there. Thus: Rua da Prata (silver)
Rua da Ouro (gold) Rua August (main)
Jardim Botanico
58, Rua da Escola Politécnica 1500
21-396-15-21
Bus 15,58,100
Metro: Avenida.
Museu de História Natural (Museum of
Natural History) open for
exhibitions only. Museu da Ciéncia
(Museum of Science)
The 10 acres of gardens contain some
examples of exotic vegetation that
are seldom seen anywhere. The two
levels of the ponds and gardens are
connected by an avenue of
magnificent palm trees. The complex
is owned by the University. The
history museum is used for temporary
exhibits that are well advertised
locally. The Science museum is a
favorite with school children.
Avenida da Liberdade
Metro: Restauradores, Avenida
This was the first area to be
restored following the earthquake of
1755. At that time, the Marqués de
Pombal created the Passeio Público
(public promenade) in the lower part
of the present avenue. Contrary to
its name, this street was only open
to the highest echelon of Lisbon
society. Walls and gates kept others
out. In 1821 the barriers were
pulled down and the Avenida and
square became open to all. It is now
a seven lane thoroughfare extending
over a mile in the style of the
Champs-Elysées in Paris. It links
the Praça dos Restauradores and
Praça Marqués de Pombal.
Praça dos Restauradores
Metro: Restauradores, Rossio
Bus 2,9,36,46
The obelisk that stands in the
middle of the square commemorates
the rebellion of 1640 which freed
Portugal from 60 years of Spanish
rule and brought the Duke of
Bragança to power. To the southwest
of the square stands the Rossio
Station (Estação do Rossi). Trains
to Sintra leave from this station.
The Lisbon Tourist office is housed
in the former palace residence of
the Marqués de Castelo Melhor.
Praça Dom Pedro IV
Rossio Square
Metro: Rossio
This square is lined with souvenir,
craft and jewelry shops and cafés.
It has an ancient history and was
the site of Inquisition burnings in
the 16th century. It has also been
the scene of bullfights, festivals
and military parades. Rossio and the
waterfront form the borders of
Baixa. The Teatro Nacional (National
Theater) is also located there. In
the center stands the statue of Dom
Pedro IV the first emperor of
independent Brazil. In the mid 19th
century the square was paved with
waved pattern mosaics. A small
section of the gray and white hand
cut inlaid stones survives.
Museu da Sociedade de Geographia
Rua das Portas de Santo Antão
21-342-54-01
Metro: Restauradores
Bus 9,80,90
11 and 3 Mon.,Wed.,Fri.
Located in the Geographical Society
Building, this museum houses a
collection brought back from
Portugal's former colonies. Items
such as snake spears and musical
instruments are included.
Elevator de Santa Justa
Metro: Restauradores, Rossio
Rua de Santa Justa and Largo do Camo
21 363 20 21
7am-11pm Mon.-Sat. 9am-11pm Sunday &
holidays
This neo Gothic lift was built at
the turn of the century by an
apprentice of the architect who
designed the Eiffel Tower.
Originally powered by steam, it has
been electrified since its
construction in 1898. When the tower
and elevator opened in 1902 they
were the talk of the town, much of
it derogatory. It soon became a
favorite attraction, however. It is
made of iron and decorated with
filigree and is still a working
elevator. It is the most convenient
way to reach the upper part of the
town, and regular service is
provided from Baixa to Barrio Alto
105 feet above.
Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha
Church
Rua da Alfàndega
21 887 02 02
Bus 9,46,90 Tram 18
Daily 8-1 and 3:30-7
The elaborate south doorway is the
only part of the church that
survived the earthquake of 1755. It
is decorated with angels, flowers,
beasts, as well as the cross of the
Order of Christ. The Virgin Mary
spreads her mantle protectively over
leading figures of the day.
Praça do Comércio
Bus 2,14,40,46 Tram 15,18
Overlooking the sparkling Tagus
river, the Praça do Comércio is the
centerpiece of Lisbon's redesign
following the 1755 earthquake.
Commonly known as Terreiro do Paço
(Palace Square) this huge open space
was the site of the royal palace for
over 400 years after King Manuel I
transferred it from Castelo de São
Jorge in 1511. When the city was
rebuilt after the earthquake this
square became the centerpiece of
Pombal's design of the Baixa section
of the city. The new palace was
located in arcaded buildings that
extended around three sides of the
square. After the 1910 Revolution,
these were converted to government
buildings. In the center of the
square is a statue of King José I on
a horse trampling serpents. The
triumphal arch on the north side of
the square leads to Rua Augusta. The
arch is decorated with historical
figures including that Vasco da
Gama. On February 1, 1908, King
Carlos and his young son Luís Felipe
were assassinated as they were
walking through the square. The
square is currently filled with open
air cafés and market stalls.
Bairro Alto
The Bairro Alto (high area) is a
fascinating area of cobbled streets,
old houses and tiny shops. Once
considered a bohemian area, it is
now residential and well regarded.
The Chiado section contains elegant
shops and fashionable night spots.
Major renovation work has taken
place since a major fire in 1988. At
night it is one of the city's
liveliest areas. Fado houses offer
Lisbon's answer to the American
Blues.
Museu and Igreja (Church) de São
Roque
Largo Trinidade Coehlo
323 50 60
Bus 58,100 Tram 28
Metro: Restauradores, Chiado
9-5 daily. 9-1 on holidays
Museu de Arte Sacra
Tues.-Sun. 10-5
Admission charged. Students and
under 18's Free
Reservation required.
This church was founded toward the
end of the 16th century by the
Jesuits and was built by the
craftsman who also built the
monastery of São Vincente de Fora.
The outside is plain, but the
interior decoration is magnificent.
An Italianate painting by Francisco
Venegas covers the wooden ceiling of
the nave. It depicts the victory of
the Holy Cross. Each of the chapels
is a masterpiece of baroque art. The
late baroque São Baptista chapel
contains lapis lazuli columns,
marble statues, and bronze statues
that rise from a floor set with
richly colored mosaic tiles. Even
more amazing is the mode of
construction! The entire church was
constructed in Rome at the request
of João V. It was then dismantled
and transported by boat to Lisbon
where it was rebuilt in 1747. A
small museum on premises houses
treasures of the church and some
works of art by 16th century
Portuguese painters.
Igreja do Carmo
Largo do Carmo, 1200
21-346-04-73
Tram 28 and Santa Justa lift Metro:
Restauradores, then the Santa Justa
lift. 10-6 Tues.-Sun. (summer) 10-1
and 2-5 Tues.-Sun. (winter) The
Gothic ruins of this Carmelite
church are graphic reminders of the
devastation caused by the 1755
earthquake. This was once the
largest church in Lisbon. At present
there is no roof, but the nave still
stands. The roof, arches and pillars
caved in on the worshippers
attending Mass on the day of the
catastrophe. The chancel is now an
archeological museum. There are
finds from Mexico and South America
as well as from Portugal. A large
fountain decorated with four
dolphins stands outside the remains
of the church.
Chiado
Located in the area of the main
shopping street of the area. Rua
Garrett, Chiado is known for its
clothes shops, cafés and bookshops.
A disastrous fire in 1988 destroyed
many of the buildings. There was a
controversy following the fire as to
how restoration should proceed. Some
wanted a more contemporary style of
architecture. A compromise was
reached whereby the Pombaline style
was restored with the addition of
compatible features of a more
contemporary nature.
Museu do Chiado
6 Rua Serpa Pinto, 1200
343 21 48
Fax 343 21 51
Metro: Chiado
Bus 24,28 Tram 58
2-6 Wed. 10-6 Wed.-Sun.
Portuguese works of art from the
19th and 20th centuries. The museum
building was a former biscuit
factory which was remodeled by the
French architect, Jean-Michel
Wilmotte.
Teatro Nacional de São Carlos
Rua Serpa Pinto 9
21-348-84-08
Tram 28
Bus 58
Open for performances only.
The building of the theater was
begun in 1792 and finished in 1795.
It was designed by José da Costa e
Silva along the lines of La Scala in
Milan and the San Carlo in Naples.
It has a beautiful rococo interior.
The opera season lasts from
September to June. Concerts and
ballets are also presented here.
Museu de Arte Antiga
Rua das Janelas Verdes
21-396-41-51
Bus 27,40,49,70
10-6 Wed.-Sun.. 2-6 Tues.
Portugal's national art collection
is housed in this 17th century
palace built for the counts of
Alvor. It was acquired in 1770 by
the Marques de Pombal and remained
in his family for over 100 years.
The museum was established in 1884.
An annex was added in 1940. The
ground floor displays 14th-19th
century European paintings as well
as some furniture and Oriental and
African art. Chinese and Portuguese
ceramics and silver and gold jewelry
are displayed on the first floor.
Portuguese art and sculpture are on
the top floor. The chapel of St.
Albert is what remains of the
Carmelite monastery that was located
on the site prior to the earthquake
of 1755. The chapel has a Baroque
interior dating from the 16th
century. It is decorated exquisitely
in blue and white tiles. The beauty
and depth of the collections require
that at least a day spent only in
this museum.
Jardim da Estrela
Praça da Estrela
Bus 4,20,22,38
Tram 25,28
Laid out When Vasco da Gama had
opened up the sea routes to India,
he returned to Belém, and the grand
Jerónimos monastery was built to
thank the Virgin for his safety.
Local families come here on weekends
to feed the ducks and the large carp
on the lake. There is a waterside
café and paths to explore among the
flower beds, plants and trees. A
wrought iron bandstand is the
centerpiece of the park. There are
summer open air concerts. Henry
Fielding is buried in the English
cemetery to the north of the
gardens. The English novelist and
playwright died in his beloved
Portugal at the age of 47. His last
work was entitled The Journal of a
Voyage to Lisbon.
Basílica da Estrela
Praça da Estrela
21-396-09-15
Bus 9,20,22,38
Tram 25,28
7:30am-1pm and 3-8 daily.
Maria I, daughter of José I promised
God that she would build a church if
she bore a son and heir to the
throne. The male heir was born
but,tragically, died of smallpox two
years before the church was finished
in 1790. The huge domed basilica is
one of Lisbon's chief landmarks. It
was built by architects from the
Mafra School in late Baroque and Neo
classical style. Twin bell towers
stand in front. The interior is
finished in pink, gray and yellow
marble. Queen Maria's tomb lies in
the right transept.
Belém
This area of Lisbon is closely
associated with the Portuguese
golden age of discovery. It is
located at the mouth of the Tagus
River and it was from there that the
ships set sail for voyages to the
"new world." In later years the
river mouth filled with silt and the
water receded giving it a very
different look. Today, the region is
known for its parks and gardens.
Palácio de Belém
Praça Afonso dew Albuquerque
21 361 46 00
Bus 14,28,43,49
Tram 15
Metro: Belém
This was once the glorious summer
palace of the Conde de Averias. When
it was built in the mid 1500's the
Tagus River had not yet receded and
the palace gardens bordered the
river banks. Today, the elegant pink
building is the residence of the
President of Portugal.
Museu Nacional dos Coches (National
Museum of Coaches)
Praça Alfonso de Albuquerque
21-361-08-50
Bus 14,28,43,49
Tram 15 Metro: Belém
10-5:30 Tues.-Sun.
Admission charged.
The museum contains the finest
collection of coaches in Europe.
From the gallery of the museum, the
royal family used to watch their
Lusitanian horses perform in an
arena. The riding school became a
museum in 1905. The coaches
represent three centuries of design
and craftsmanship. The upper gallery
has a collection of harnesses, court
costumes and portraits of members of
the royal family. This is one of the
most visited museums in Belém.
Jardim Agrícola Tropical
Calçada do Galvão
21-362-02-10
Bus 27,28,43,51
Tram 15
Call to check on hours
A peaceful park with ponds,
waterfowl and peacocks. Designed
originally as a research center for
the Institute for Tropical Sciences,
the park is more of an arboretum
than garden. Rare tropical and sub
tropical trees and plants abound.
Many of the plantings are endangered
species. The research buildings are
housed in the Palacio dos Condes de
Calheta. This is an 18th century
mansion whose interior walls are
covered with tiles covering three
centuries of work.
Museu Nacional de Arqueologia
Praça do Império
21-362-00-00
Bus 28,43,49,51
Tram 15
10-6 Wed.-Sun. 2-6 Tues.
This museum has been located in a
wing of the Monastery dos Jerónimos
since 1893. It houses Portugal's
main archeological research center.
Roman ornaments and Moorish
artifacts are displayed along with a
collection of coins and jewelry
dating from 1800-500 BC.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Monastery of
St. Jerome)
Praça do Imperio
21-362-00-34
Bus 28,43,49,51
Tram 15
10-5 Tues.-Sun.
Admission charged.
When Vasco da Gama had opened up the
sea routes to India, he returned to
Belém, and the grand Jerónimos
monastery was built to thank the
Virgin for his safety. Begun in
1502, it took 50 years to complete.
The church and adjoining cloisters
are a delightful blend of Gothic,
Renaissance and Manueline (named for
Manuel I who started the
construction) styles. The Manueline
style can be recognized by the use
of stone ornamentation incorporating
floral and marine motifs inspired by
some of the distant civilizations to
which the Portuguese were traveling
in their voyages of discovery. The
soaring interior contains the simple
tomb of Vasco da Gama. The two story
cloisters are elaborately carved in
a combination of strength and
delicacy.
Museu da Marinha (Maritime Museum)
Praça do Império, 1400
21-362-00-19
Fax 21-363-19-87
Tues.-Sat. 10-6 (summer) 10-5
(winter)
This museum is one of the best of
its kind as befits a seafaring
nation. It has a huge collection on
display of full size boats and royal
barges as well as paintings,
uniforms, and navigational
instruments.
Aqueduto das Aguas Livres
Contact the Museum da Agua
21-813-55-22
The aquaduct was constructed between
1729 and 1749 during Portugal's
second golden Age to supply the city
with water. It has 35 arches, the
highest of which measures over 200
feet. It is almost 40 miles long and
carries water as far as Lisbon's
main reservoir.
Centro Cultural de Belém
Praço do Império
21-361-24-00
Fax 21-361-25-00
Bus 27,28,29,43,49,51
Tram 15
Performances Matinee 5pm, Evening
9pm
Ticket office open daily 1-7:30
The program of events is more
popular here than at any of the
other local cultural foundations.
there are a variety of cultural
events and exhibitions as well as
concerts. Telephone for schedule of
events.
Torre de Belém
Avenida de Brasilia
21-362-00-34
Tram 43
Tues.-Sun. 10-5
Admission charged.
Students and adults over 65 have a
discount.
Built in the middle of the Tagus
River from 1515 - 1520 to defend the
mouth of the river from enemy
attacks, the honey colored stone
tower was joined to the mainland by
a sandbank caused by the tidal wave
that followed the earthquake of
1755. It is an unusual example of
military architecture. The work of
Francisco de Arruda, the tower has
five floors and a terrace on top
with spectacular views over the
Tagus. it exemplifies the Manueline
architecture of the time with its
Venetian galleries and Moorish
domes. It was later used as a
prison.
Jardim Botanico da Ajuda
Palácio Nacional da Ajuda
58, Rua da Escola Politécnica, 1500
21-396-15-21
Fax 21-397-08-82
Bus 58,100
Open daily 9-6 Summer: 9-8
Admission charged.
This complex contains one of the
largest collections of subtropical
vegetation in Europe. The pathways
extend around man made lakes, up
specially constructed staircases and
over bridges and past sculptures.
The Palace houses the Ministry of
Culture and contains a display of
the dinner service used by the kings
of Portugal which was crafted by the
French goldsmith Germain-Thomas. It
is one of the few royal services to
remain completely intact.
Parque das Naçoes
Metro: Oriente
Bus 28,81
Daily 10-6
Admission charged.
The Park of the nations was built
for Expo 98 and is now used for
trade fairs and exhibitions. Its
impressive buildings, landscaped
gardens and street cafés border the
Tagus. The Ocean Pavilion rises from
the river. In it is a state of the
art aquarium with a large central
tank and four others surrounding it
which represent the main oceans of
the world. Marine mammals and
seabirds thrive there as well as
underwater creatures and vegetation.
The main Pavilion of the 1998 Expo
was transformed into a huge mall,
which features many movie theaters,
fashion shops and restaurants. The
pavilion is covered with a double
glass ceiling. Water falls between
the glass panels, giving the
illusion of being inside a
waterfall.
Suburban Attractions Worth
Investigating!
Alcobaça
Monastery of Santa Maria de
Alcobaça, Alcobaça.
Cistercian Abbey of Santa Maria,
founded in 1152. The church contains
the beautiful Gothic tombs of King
Pedro I and Inês de Castro. It is
also possible to tour the cloisters;
the chapter house and the enormous
kitchen. Other churches in the area
are: Misericórdia (Renaissance
portal and 17th-century tiles) and
Conceição (17th century).
Batalha
This summer resort is located in the
area of the Castro Guimarães Museum
and Sea Museum, the 18th century
churches of Nossa Senhora da
Assunção and Nossa Senhora dos
Navegantes; the chapels of Nossa
Senhora da Guia (15th century) and
São Sebastião (16th 17th-centuries)
and a 17th century fortress.
Cascais
Stylish summer resort. Just a few
minutes away lies Guincho beach
which is a great place for those who
enjoy surfing and windsurfing.
Estoril
Renowned worldwide as a resort, it
offers a casino, golf courses and a
race track. It is also the site of
the beautiful old Santo António
Church This cosmopolitan resort also
boasts an exciting nightlife. Its
sandy beach connects it to Cascais.
Fátima
One of the most important Marian
centers of pilgrimage in the
Catholic world. Basilica and
Capelinha das Aparições, stand in
the place where it is said that Our
Lady appeared to the three
shepherds.
Leiria
A striking medieval royal castle is
located above the graceful town of
Leiria. Other important monuments:
the Cathedral (16th-17th centuries,
with an archeology museum on its
premises), São Pedro Church
(Romanesque), Nossa Senhora da Pena
Church (Gothic), Nossa Senhora da
Encarnação Sanctuary (16th century).
Mafra
Palace-Convent, built in the 18th
century, is the largest Portuguese
religious monument. It consists of
royal apartments, magnificent
library, carillon and basilica.
Óbido
Completely enclosed by lofty
medieval walls, this is a small town
with whitewashed houses brightened
by colorful bougainvilleas.
Churches: Nossa Senhora do Carmo
(Romanesque-Gothic), Santa Maria
(Renaissance, housing an art
collection by the Portuguese painter
Josefa d'Óbidos), Misericórdia
(15th-18th centuries) and São Pedro
(18th century). Nearby, Senhor da
Pedra Sanctuary.
Palmela
Dominated by a magnificent castle,
which houses the ancient Santiago
Convent.
Queluz
Summer palace of the kings of
Portugal in the 18th century is
surrounded by a series of rambling
and beautiful gardens with lakes and
sculptures, and houses a collection
of furniture, paintings, tiles, and
decorative arts.
Santarém
Castle of Roman origin overlooking
Portas do Sol (Sun Gates) and
opening onto a panoramic view of the
Tagus river. Monuments: the
Roman-Gothic Church of São João de
Alporão (with an archeology museum);
the Gothic Convent of São Francisco
and the Gothic churches of Graça and
Santa Clara; the Renaissance Chapel
of Nossa Senhora do Monte; and from
later periods, the churches of
Santíssimo Milagre and Seminário
Patriarcal.
Sesimbra
Picturesque small fishing town, with
a medieval castle atop a hill. While
visiting, don't miss the Sanctuary
of Nossa Senhora do Cabo, at Cabo
Espichel, and Lagoa de Albufeira, a
favorite spot for windsurfers.
Setúbal
Opposite the Tróia peninsula (18 km
of beaches and golf courses) lies
this city on the Sado river. Places
of interest: museum, churches of
Jesus and São João (Manueline), São
Domingos, Boa Hora, Santa Maria da
Graça and São Julião. A castle
overlooks Setúbal. |
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