The City - Lisbon
TO KNOW LISBOA IS TO ENTER A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES - YOURS!
Video credits: Turismo de Lisboa Visitors & Convention Bureau
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”.
Most likely it was founded by the Phoenicians and styled by
the Moors which shows in the strong Arabic influences. It
was, after all, ruled by the Moors for 450 years. In the
12th century the Christians re conquered the city but it was
not until the mid 13th century that Lisboa became the
country’s capital.
With the beginning of the Portuguese Age of Discoveries,
Lisboa enriched as 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 earthquake of
1755, it was rebuilt by Marquês de Pombal, who thus created
the Baixa Pombalina, a commercial area that still retains
much of its original lay out.
OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS THE CITY HAS PREPARED ITSELF FOR THE FUTURE
Lisboa held an enormously successful international EXPO
in 1998 and European Football Championship in 2004. As a
result, a city that was already vibrant and diverse rapidly
acquired a more modern and avant-garde dimension. As The
Observer said, “Lisbon itself change, phoenix-like, into a
more modern and colorful city”.
Lisboa is a historic capital, a potpourri of unusual
character and charm, where 800 years of cultural influences
mingle with modern trends and life styles creating
spectacular contrasts.
For more information please go to: www.visitlisboa.com
