If you want to be in the westernmost capital of Western Europe, then you need to choose the main city of Portugal for travel. Walking around Lisbon is an opportunity to see with your own eyes the architectural masterpieces of the metropolis and the endless Atlantic, to combine the noise of city blocks and ocean waves.
Walking through imperial Lisbon
Experts argue that Lisbon has not been very lucky throughout history. Fires, tsunamis, earthquakes destroyed buildings and structures, deprived residents of their homes, and modern tourists - the opportunity to admire the ancient architecture.
It is very difficult to find buildings in the capital earlier than the 17th century, but later periods are presented in all their glory. Lisbon is ready to show its guests many monuments in honor of local kings and marquises, palace complexes in which the powerful of this world (and Spain) lived, majestic and pompous cathedrals.
A journey through urban history
No less interesting will be the routes laid by tourists on their own along the large and small streets of Lisbon. Pedestrian walks are one of the most favorite activities of the city's guests, in the center of their attention: steep streets stretching on the hills; old tiles that adorn the walls of houses; many flower pots, pots and plant compositions that turn the city into a garden.
National and local attractions are everywhere, especially in the historic center of Lisbon. The main attention of tourists is focused on the Castle of St. George - the complex is located on a fairly high hill. At first, the palace served as the residence of the Moorish emir, in the Middle Ages - for the kings of Portugal, today it lovingly welcomes guests-tourists from different countries.
Among the oldest surviving buildings in the Portuguese capital is the Cathedral (Se), which survived several fires and floods. By the way, it was built on the site of a mosque that was destroyed in 1147. But the monastery, erected for the Carmelite order, unfortunately, was destroyed by a terrible earthquake in 1755, the remaining Gothic arches from it cause a storm of emotions among travelers.
Another sight of Lisbon is well known to all cultural inhabitants of the planet - this is the statue of Christ the Savior. In the European capital, there is a smaller copy of the monument erected in Rio de Janeiro. The Portuguese believe that they are under the special protection of the Lord, who did not allow the country's participation in the last world war.
