Some rain, more rain and some more more rain and the hail one afternoon in Siena. O sole mio, dov’e sei? Otherwise, lots of fun, good food, chianti, lots of art and medieval history 🙂 So besides the sun that I haven’t found, Tuscany is best known for its rolling hills, which are populated by […]
Some large city in a hilly region in North Rhine-Westphalia, Wuppertal is a constellation of smaller towns on the high banks of the Wupper River. In the early days of industrialisation the Wupper Valley was a hotbed of nascent industry in a landscape of textile mills and coal mines. The wealth that these businesses brought […]
What’s the first image that springs to mind when you think of Switzerland? If it’s cheese, chocolate, banking, or mountains, then you have the same impression of the country as most people. To the reality of these stereotypes, I am adding some more. Stereotype number 1: You know how they say that Switzerland is super […]
Regensburg Best visiting is the golden hour visiting – every corner seems enlightened, every rooftop has its moment, every facade shows its magic pulled out from the history of being. And indeed, when strolling through Regensburg, you encounter evidence of the city’s magnificent history every step of the way. Regensburg is a city in eastern Bavaria, […]
A girl who spent most of her life next to the border with Slovenia, it is hard to explain what this country is about. To me, the country of Slovenia was a place to do the shopping, the place where people speak my dialect but not my official language, a country that always complicates the […]
It was the capital of the Duchy of Lorraine. Following its rise to prominence in the Age of Enlightenment, it was nicknamed the “capital of Eastern France” in the late 19th century. The motto of the city is Non inultus premor, latin for ‘”I am not injured unavenged”, a reference to the thistle, which is a symbol of Lorraine. The exiled […]
There is a post on my blog already dedicated to Flemish cities of Belgium . But I have decided that this city deserves one single post for itself. Even more, as I have been to Brugge many times, and as always, there is a place to discover something new. With its cobbled streets, crooked bridges, […]
The two cousins that like to compete. Prague is obviously the capital, and Brno a second biggest city in Czech Republic. It is quite clear that Prague is beautiful, great historical city and a capital which means way more opportunities, foreigners, tourists, businesses.On the other hand, Brno is a very compact city, with great atmosphere, […]
If you are not familiar with Madeira, it is a Portuguese island sitting in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and Morocco. It is an archipelago in region known as Macaronesia (group of volcanic islands: Azores, Madeira, Canary Island and Tenerife and Cabo Verde). History by Greeks claims this might be Atlantida. Plutarch writes the impressions of founding […]
Visiting the Burg Eltz it was inevitable to stroll down the hills of Rhineland-Palatinate and explore. To be honest, the navigation was not up to date as bringing us to the closed local roads or reserved only for the local agricultural vehicles. But there is a beauty in getting lost like that! 🙂 Koblenz is […]
Eltz Castle (German: Burg Eltz) is a medieval castle nestled in the hills above the Moselle between Koblenz and Trier, Germany. It is still owned by a branch of the same family (the Eltz family) that lived there in the 12th century, 33 generations ago. Hidden in the western Germany, in the hills above river Mosel, deep deep in the Rhineland […]
Guess what’s new? – Corona. Guess how long it will last? – China. Never mind. The travel ban is still on for Belgium, so explorations within the country continues. This weekend was reserved for Tournai. A beautiful city on the west of Belgium. Kinda looks like Lille at the first sight. Although, being part of […]
Living in Madrid, I had a chance to sit on a bus and visit Lisabon and some nearby places and wait for new 2013 on the banks of river Tejo. Taking the night bus, I arrived around 5 am to Lisboa bus/train station, realizing it is actually 4 am cause of the CET+1. I took a […]
Living in Madrid, I had a chance to sit on a bus and visit Lisabon and some nearby places and wait for new 2013 on the banks of river Tejo.
Taking the night bus, I arrived around 5 am to Lisboa bus/train station, realizing it is actually 4 am cause of the CET+1. I took a walk around since the station is new building called Sete Rios with a beautiful design.
At Praça do Comércio I noticed that Portugal kinda wears the fenomen of once being world ruler and powerful nation.In the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal established the first global empire, becoming one of the world’s major economic, political and military powers.
At the main entrance from the old port, where it used to stand all those mightfull ships that would sail away or enter bringing all kinds of goods, stands the statue of portugeese King José I and the arch with the descript: Who enters the door of the city to recall that Portugal once ruled the world.
Commerce Square
Around the statue is what used to be the king’s palace with the view on river Tejo and Atlantic ocean.
On the other side, through the arch, there is a shopping street and entrance to the city itself. The triumphal arch is called Rua Augusta and it is historical building and visitor attraction. It was built to commemorate the city’s reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake with coat of arms of Portugal.
Closeby is the Carmelite Convent dating back to 14 century and once Lisbon’s largest convent, but it was severely damaged in the again 1755 earthquake.
During this time, Portuguese explorers pioneered maritime exploration in the Age of Discovery, notably under royal patronage of Prince Henry the Navigator and King João II, with such notable discoveries as Vasco da Gama‘s sea route to India (1497–98), the discovery of Brazil (1500), and the reaching of the Cape of Good Hope. To this events it is dedicated Mosterio dos Jeronimos (a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome and and today Maritime Museum and the National Archaeology Museum).
Jeronimo Monastery
Manueline ornamentation in the cloisters
The monastery is one of the most prominent examples of the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style of architecture in Lisbon and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Portuguese discoveries are the numerous territories and maritime routes discovered as a result of portugeese intensive maritime exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries in what became known as the Age of Discovery. Methodical expeditions started in 1419 along West Africa’s coast under the sponsorship of prince Henry the Navigator, with Bartolomeu Dias reaching the Cape of Good Hope and entering the Indian Ocean. In 1498, Vasco da Gama led the first fleet around Africa to India, then proceeded to southeast Asia, where they reached Japan. In 1500, the Portuguese discovered Brazil.
Great discoverers: Magellan, Vasco da Gama & Bartolomeu Diaz
Neomanueline tomb of navigator Vasco da Gama
An inscription plaque of naval explorer Diogo Cao arrived in the south of Africa, 1483
Portugal monopolized the spice trade during this time, and the Portuguese Empire expanded with military campaigns led in Asia.
It is intolerable to miss just in front the museums, the Torre de Belem – a fortified tower which played significant role in the Portuguese maritime Age of Discoveries. The tower was commissioned by King John II to be part of a defence system at the mouth of the Tagus/ Tejo river.
Torre de Belem
Monument to Maritime Explorers
Vasco da Gama as first in the line in the fraction of Monument to Maritime Discovers
But the destruction of Lisbon in a 1755 earthquake, the country’s occupation during the Napoleonic Wars, the independence of Brazil (1822), and the Liberal Wars (1828–34), all left Portugal crippled from war and diminished in its world power.
From the 17 century time is Panteao Nacional. A beautiful and unique church that acts as the national pantheon of Portugal and the final burial location for many important Portuguese. The church is situated in theAlfama district and the massive white dome is a prominent feature of the skyline of eastern Lisbon.
The Alfama district is the oldest district of the city. Its name comes from the Arabic Al-hamma, meaning “hot fountains.” In centuries before it was inhabited by the fishermen and the poor, and its condition as the neighbourhood of the poor continues to this day.
Tram 28 through Alfama
Since the great 1755 Lisbon earthquake did not destroy the Alfama, which has remained a picturesque labyrinth of narrow streets and small squares, lately the neighbourhood has been invigorated with the renovation of the old houses and new restaurants where Fado—Portuguese typical melancholy music—can be enjoyed.
It is also important to mention the famous pastries like manteigara.Rows of flaky, palm-sized pastries fill window displays in stacked pans and it is absolutely amaizing. 🙂
Anyhow, back to educational part! After the 1910 revolution deposed the monarchy, the democratic but unstable Portuguese First Republic was established, later being superseded by the Estado Novo right-wing authoritarian regime.
Remembrance Wall of the Victims of authoritarian regime
Democracy was restored after the Portuguese Colonial War and the Carnation Revolution in 1974. On the memory of this military coup, the famous bridge carries the name od the date of the revolution.
Carnation Revolution in 1974
Bridge 25 April
Shortly after, independence was granted to almost all its overseas territories, marking the end of the longest-lived colonial empire. Portugal has left a profound cultural and architectural influence across the globe and a legacy of over 250 million Portuguese speakers today.
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, and the oldest in Western Europe, predating other modern European capitals such as London, Paris and Rome by centuries.
I was impressed as well by the Oceanario de Lisboa – opened after Lisbon hosted Expo ’98. It is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe showing the flora and fauna of all the oceans of the planet.
Oh yeah, and here is one photo from the Silvester night! 🙂 Waiting for new 2013 in 16 degrees in Lisbon is such a great memory… ❤
Such a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing so many details! I love the photo of the snacks, made me hungry 🙂 Lisbon looks amazing, I hope I can make it there soon as its not that far from London as well. And the station Sete Rios… I think its the most wonderful bus station I have ever seen 🙂
I loved Lisbon when I was there. I enjoyed the Manueline architecture at the Mosterio dos Jeronimos. I also loved the Belem Tower. But I did not get a chance to see the Aquarium like you did! I hope I will be able to do that when I am next in Lisbon.
Great post!! It just makes me go to Lisbon as soon as possible! The city looks great, I have friends living in there and I might go later on this year. It will be an interesting experience to visit the country that colonized mine (I’m from Brazil).
🙂
Everyone has to witness FADO when in LISBOA. It’s such a great city and I didn’t know it was older than London and Paris. Does it really predate Rome though? Love their pastries too, sinfully delicious
Wow it definitely sounds like you made the most of your 4am arrival! I learned so much from this post. It’s quite educational. (I also want to eat ALL the pastries!!)
I’ve heard so many great things about Lisbon. It’s one of the top places I want to visit. The architecture looks beautiful. I love all the history you provide!
We just visited Lisbon in November last year and absolutely loved it! It’s such a cute town with its colourful houses and narrow streets. There are some many beautiful and impressive buildings and a bunch of great viewpoints looking out over the city. My favourite thing about Lisbon? Their pastei de nata. These pastries are heavenly! Did you see a Fado performance as well? That was a pretty unique experience. 😉
Normally I don’t read post on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to try and do it! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thank you, quite great article.
After looking over a handful of the blog posts on your website, I honestly like your technique of writing a blog. I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back in the near future. Take a look at my website too and tell me how you feel.
Having read this I thought it was really enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
I blog quite often and I truly appreciate your content. This article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information about once per week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.
Such a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing so many details! I love the photo of the snacks, made me hungry 🙂 Lisbon looks amazing, I hope I can make it there soon as its not that far from London as well. And the station Sete Rios… I think its the most wonderful bus station I have ever seen 🙂
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Lisbon is on my list of places I want to visit. Are those egg custard tarts? They look so good! Thanks for sharing your trip.
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I loved Lisbon when I was there. I enjoyed the Manueline architecture at the Mosterio dos Jeronimos. I also loved the Belem Tower. But I did not get a chance to see the Aquarium like you did! I hope I will be able to do that when I am next in Lisbon.
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Great post!! It just makes me go to Lisbon as soon as possible! The city looks great, I have friends living in there and I might go later on this year. It will be an interesting experience to visit the country that colonized mine (I’m from Brazil).
🙂
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Everyone has to witness FADO when in LISBOA. It’s such a great city and I didn’t know it was older than London and Paris. Does it really predate Rome though? Love their pastries too, sinfully delicious
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Wow it definitely sounds like you made the most of your 4am arrival! I learned so much from this post. It’s quite educational. (I also want to eat ALL the pastries!!)
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I’ve heard so many great things about Lisbon. It’s one of the top places I want to visit. The architecture looks beautiful. I love all the history you provide!
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I’m getting hungry looking at the deliciously pastries! Yum 🙂
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We just visited Lisbon in November last year and absolutely loved it! It’s such a cute town with its colourful houses and narrow streets. There are some many beautiful and impressive buildings and a bunch of great viewpoints looking out over the city. My favourite thing about Lisbon? Their pastei de nata. These pastries are heavenly! Did you see a Fado performance as well? That was a pretty unique experience. 😉
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Thank you for this great introduction to Lisbon (and Portuguese) history. Now I’ll have a head start when I go visit.
Happy continued travels!
C
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After falling in love with Porto and Northern Portugal, I’m hoping to visit Lisbon soon. This post is great, makes me want to go even more!
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Beautiful post, great place to visit. Thanks for sharing your experience
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Thank you for sharing it in so much detail…. Makes me want to go here.
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Beautiful. Thank you for allowing me to live vicariously through you.
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Thanks for the history lesson! I know very little about Portugal but it is somewhere I’d love to visit
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My kind of post. Working in the travel industry this is how people should write – based on their own experience. Thanks!
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I would love to go to Portugal, It looks so fun and the scenes and photos look really culturally rich!
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Thanks for sharing your experience… This is really inspiring, the city looks great!
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witty, keep up the good work!
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Great information and beautiful photos! Lissabon is one of my favourite cities in Europe! 🙂
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Normally I don’t read post on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to try and do it! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thank you, quite great article.
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After looking over a handful of the blog posts on your website, I honestly like your technique of writing a blog. I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back in the near future. Take a look at my website too and tell me how you feel.
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Having read this I thought it was really enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
LikeLike
I blog quite often and I truly appreciate your content. This article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information about once per week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.
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