Visiting the main city of Portugal, any tourist can boast that he has visited the westernmost capital of Western Europe. At the same time, what exactly to visit in Lisbon, guests usually decide in advance, based on their own interests, hobbies and available cash.
The capital of this European state is not so rich in ancient monuments, because it was almost completely destroyed as a result of the 1755 earthquake. But many structures have survived, erected after this terrible natural disaster. As in any former imperial city, in Lisbon one can find luxurious palace complexes, imposing temples, and monuments to representatives of the royal family.
What to visit in Lisbon from the architectural monuments
The city stands on the hills, so the most interesting thing will be to wander through its old streets, then climb the peculiar stairs, then, on the contrary, run down, freezing with delight. Hundreds of vivid photos will remain in memory of Lisbon, in addition to emotions and impressions, from narrow passages and original courtyards, beautiful tiles on the walls and a huge number of flower compositions decorating streets and squares, houses and lanterns.
Among the most memorable architectural structures, tourists who have visited the Portuguese capital name the following:
- Castle of St. George;
- Se Cathedral;
- Jeronimush Monastery Complex;
- Palace of Ajuda.
It is impossible to establish in what year the fortress appeared on the high hill, now known as the castle of St. George. But it is known that until 1147 it carried out an important mission - the residence of the Mauritanian emir was located here. After that, until the 16th century, the kings of Portugal were located here, and the area is considered the oldest in the capital. The castle acquired its current name in honor of the patron saint of England in the XIV century, then an agreement was concluded between Portugal and foggy Albion to form a union of the two states.
Se Cathedral is one of the few architectural monuments that was almost not damaged during the terrible earthquake that occurred in 1755. It was built in the middle of the XII century, and earlier on this place there was a religious building of Muslims. A monastery of the Carmelite Order soon appeared near the Cathedral, but it could not stand the test of time. Only walls and Gothic arches appear before tourists, as if directed into the sky. This place can be visited in Lisbon on your own.
When you get acquainted with the architecture of Lisbon, it becomes clear that buildings and structures destroyed as a result of a natural cataclysm were rebuilt again. Or new ones appeared in their place, as happened, for example, with the palace of Ajuda, which appeared on the very spot where the royal palace complex stood.
At the beginning of the 16th century, on the outskirts of the capital, in the Belém region, Jeronimos, a monastery of the Jeronimites, appeared. The complex is built in the Manueline style, which combines Gothic, Arabic script and adds decorative elements in a nautical style. Their appearance is deeply symbolic, since the monastery was built in honor of the famous Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama, who returned safely from the legendary campaign to India.
City observation decks
Since Lisbon is located on the hills, there are many points in the city from where stunning views of the urban landscape and natural beauty open up. Observation platforms are located in different parts of the city, you can reach them on foot, by lifts or funiculars.
One of the most important observation platforms is located at the statue of Christ, which is an important attraction in itself. Its appearance is also symbolic - the statue was built with donations from the Portuguese. In this way, the inhabitants praised heaven and God for the fact that the Second World War bypassed Portugal.
The statue of Christ, installed on a high pedestal, resembles the famous Brazilian statue, it is a miniature copy of it. In the same place, you can see another structure, similar to a masterpiece of architecture, erected in San Francisco - the bridge, named "April 25", is very reminiscent of the American "Golden Gate".
Lisbon harbor view
The capital's port is considered one of the oldest in Europe; it plays an important role in the economy of the capital and the entire country. For tourists, this is one of the most interesting objects, because every traveler is interested to see where Vasco da Gama started his famous sea trips, and his equally famous colleagues.
For centuries, the port received and dispatched cargo, saw caravels of discoverers of new lands and warships, today you can watch the arrival of cargo ships and cruise ships.
