We entered the city via the Vasco da Gama bridge,is a cable stayed bridge and is the longest bridge in Europe with a total length including viaducts of 17.2 km and opened in 1998.
Lisbon is a handsome city, strung out over a series of hills facing the broad estuary of the Tejo River. Alot of the city was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and was rebuilt later, especially the Baixa district which was redesigned in grid pattern starting with the Arco da Rue Augusta by the water and stretching up to Rossio square. Alot of the city is pedestrianised but otherwise there are cars, trams, buses and even strange microcars to get around in. To the east of this district is the Alfama, the old Jewish quarter with narrow steep winding streets which end up at excellent viewing points.
Casa do Alentjo
This a restaurant in Rua das Portas de Santo Antoa, just north of the Rossio, which doubles as a cultural centre for the people of Alentjo. It is unremarkable outside but spectacular on the inside with evidence of strong Moorish influence and lots of marble from Estramoz, one of Atlentjos main towns. The central courtyard was lovely but the upstairs rooms were truely splendid.
This a restaurant in Rua das Portas de Santo Antoa, just north of the Rossio, which doubles as a cultural centre for the people of Alentjo. It is unremarkable outside but spectacular on the inside with evidence of strong Moorish influence and lots of marble from Estramoz, one of Atlentjos main towns. The central courtyard was lovely but the upstairs rooms were truely splendid.
Elevador da Santa Justa
This elaborate metal decorative street elevator was built in 1902 by a disciple of Gustav Eifel and takes you up to a platform and then you climb a narrow spiral staircase to another metal platform high above the city centre and the Rossio.
This elaborate metal decorative street elevator was built in 1902 by a disciple of Gustav Eifel and takes you up to a platform and then you climb a narrow spiral staircase to another metal platform high above the city centre and the Rossio.
Ajuda
A suburb just north of Belem with the massive 19th century National Palace of Ajuda, initially ordered by the monarchs in 1802 but delayed by war with Napoleon until they were able to move in in 1807. Modifications continued until 1821. We found it a more intimate palace than most, despite its large size. The monarchy was deposed in 1910 after Dom Carlos and his son were assassinated in 1908. We saw many pictures and sculptures of him as a young child so all very sad.
A suburb just north of Belem with the massive 19th century National Palace of Ajuda, initially ordered by the monarchs in 1802 but delayed by war with Napoleon until they were able to move in in 1807. Modifications continued until 1821. We found it a more intimate palace than most, despite its large size. The monarchy was deposed in 1910 after Dom Carlos and his son were assassinated in 1908. We saw many pictures and sculptures of him as a young child so all very sad.
Belem
This suburb is in the western part of Lisbon on the river. It was from Belem that Vasco da Gama set off for India in 1497 and the vast Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and its church were built here in the early 1500s to honour his safe return. Vasco da Gamas tomb is inside the church in prime position. The Church's interior displays typical Manueline architecture -very ornate and elaborate. The monastery is equally impressive with vaulted cloisters around a central courtyard and lots of gargoyles.
This suburb is in the western part of Lisbon on the river. It was from Belem that Vasco da Gama set off for India in 1497 and the vast Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and its church were built here in the early 1500s to honour his safe return. Vasco da Gamas tomb is inside the church in prime position. The Church's interior displays typical Manueline architecture -very ornate and elaborate. The monastery is equally impressive with vaulted cloisters around a central courtyard and lots of gargoyles.