The sunniest European capital

Associated with many adventurers like Vasco da Gama and Prince Henry the Navigator,
and often called the city of explorers, Lisbon is a perfect destination for
dreamers and those romantic-at-heart, writes Tanushree Podder


The Belem Tower is listed as a Unesco World Heritage monument. Poised
on the riverfront, it is a 16th century fortress built to defend the city’s
harbour. This was the place from where many voyages had begun
Thinkstockphotos/ Getty Images

LISTED as one of the top 10 cities to visit by the Lonely Planet, it is the warmest and sunniest capital in Europe — sunny, because of its location, and warm because of the sunny-natured Lisboêtas that inhabit the place. The Portuguese capital of Lisbon is a scenic city that stretches over a chain of seven hills running along the bank of Tagus River (Rio Tejo) before it melts into the Atlantic Ocean — a perfect setting for dreamers and those romantic-at-heart.

Once an opulent city because of the riches brought in from the Portuguese colonies, which also included some parts of India, Lisbon was devastated by a strong earthquake in 1755, as the locals had gathered in the churches to celebrate the All Saints’ Day. More than 85,000 persons were killed. But Lisbon rose up from the ashes to claim its place as one of the most beautiful cities in the region.

Restructured on a grid pattern, the streets were laid out once again, the gardens rebuilt and structures reconstructed. Lisbon regained its spirit and personality.

Most visitors normally begin the tour around the lovely city from Alfama, the medieval part of the city, which survived the earthquake and the tsunami. Surrounded by ancient white-washed houses with their wrought-iron balconies, narrow and crooked alleys that date back to the Moorish times, quaint squares, and an intangible ambience that breathes history, one travels back in time when it was occupied by a largely Jewish population. The Moors gave it the labyrinthine streets designed as a defensive measure and also the name Alhama after the hot springs found in the vicinity. The Moorish influence is still visible in the architecture, cuisine, music and decor. This part of the city also houses many Fado Houses, known for a spot of local cuisine and culture.

Many of the restaurants, houses and shops are ornamented with stunning cobalt and white decorative tiles known as azulejos.

From Alfama to Belem is like travelling to a different world. With its monuments, monastery, tower and castle, Belem is the cultural hotspot of Lisbon. The Belem Tower, listed as a Unesco World Heritage monument and poised on the riverfront, is an enchanting 16th century fortress built to defend the city’s harbour. This was the place from where many voyages had begun.

The ship-shaped Discoveries Monument was built to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. Looming up in the distance, the 25 de Abril Bridge is almost a replica of the Golden Gate. Lisbon has an amazing number of replicas though. There is also the Monument to Christ that looks like a country cousin of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.

Stretching across the road, invitingly stands the Jeronimos Monastery built on the spot where Vasco da Gama and his sailors had spent the night before they set out on a voyage to India. The discoverer’s tomb lies in the monastery, which is now a World Heritage monument. With its intricate filigree stone work and fine sculptural minutiae, it is an amazing structure.

Ambling along wide boulevards, beautiful squares, past stunning structures and statues, visitors can then reach Baixa. The word literally means low and it is the heart of Lisbon. Stretching from riverfront to the lovely avenue, called the Avenida da Liberdade, the Baixa is the hub of banking and shopping. Interestingly, much like New Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, the streets are named after the craftsmen who have traded in the area from the very inception of the city. There is the Rua da Prata for the silversmiths, Rua do Oro for the goldsmiths, Rua Augusta is for boutiques and Rua dos Sapateiros for shoemakers. Interspersed among big brand names like Mango, Zara etc, are traditional glove makers, jewellers and haberdasheries – a perfect melding of the past with the present.

Looming right ahead is the Elevador De Santa Justa, built by Raoul de Mesnier du Ponsard, who was an associate of Gustave Eiffel. It connects the Baixa, the lowest part of the city with Bairro Alto, the highest points of the city.

Lisbon still has ancient trams that trundle up at steep angle, to the upper parts of the city. Exhausted after the uphill climbs visitors can take a tram ride up to the Bairro Alto for a magnificent view of the city.

A hurried tour will not do justice to the beauty of Lisbon. Visitors should spare at least a week to do justice to Lisbon.

A view of the Lisbon skyline and Tagus river

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