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| General information and travel tips |
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Lisbon (Lisboa) offers its visitors an endless selection of things to see and do. Both the lovers of daytime outings and those who prefer nightlife will be spoilt for choice: the city offers a wide variety of museums and monuments, parks and gardens, and international shows, unique moments of leisure and night-time entertainment. Coming to Lisbon means trying its many culinary delights and visiting all the attractions and places that make it so special. Tourists in Lisbon do not feel that they are mere visitors. They themselves form an integral part of the city's life. Co-existing harmoniously with its everyday inhabitants.Legend has it that Lisboa was founded by Ulysses. Legend has it that Lisboa was founded by Ulysses. The name comes from "Olissipo", which has its origins in the Phoenician words "Allis Ubbo", meaning "enchanting port". But Lisbon has, of course, strong Arabic influences; it was, after all, occupied by the Moors for 450 years. In the 12th century the Christians reconquered the city but it was not until the mid-13th century that Lisboa became the country's capital. During the 15th century, with the beginning of the Portuguese Age of Discoveries, Lisbon developed into a spice and jewellery trade centre. The breakthrough for Portuguese expansion came in 1498 when Vasco da Gama discovered the sea route to India. This was indeed the beginning of a golden age, characterised by the Manueline architectural style, named after King Manuel I, with its typical decorative use of maritime motifs. Over the centuries Lisboa naturally grew and changed. When the city centre was almost completely destroyed by the great earthquake of 1755, it was rebuilt by the Marquês de Pombal, who thus created the Baixa Pombalina, a commercial area that still retains much of its original character. But development did not stop there. The city has grown progressively to the north, and areas such as the Avenidas Novas and the site where Expo '98 took place are typical of this development. For more information on Lisbon visit: http://www.atl-turismolisboa.pt/ |
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