Lisbon

There are few capital cities that embody the essence of the lifestyle and history of an entire nation. Lisbon in Portugal does just this, and the soul of the country’s people, their relationship with the sea and the first colonial conquests of overseas countries is immediately tangible in the monuments and atmosphere of the city.

 

 

Lisbon stands at the mouth of the Tagus, (or Tejo), a river whose banks are connected by two bridges, the ‘25 de Abril Bridge’ and the ‘Vasco de Gama Bridge’. The latter was inaugurated in 1998, in time for the Universal Exposition, to commemorate the 500^th anniversary of the explorer’s discovery of the sea route to India.

 

 

During the era of the conquests, Lisbon and Portugal experienced a time of great economic prosperity and many foreign artists were drawn to the country for work, giving rise to a universal meeting of cultures. This is evident in the Manueline style of architecture, which developed under the reign of Manuel I (Emmanuel I), the first king of Portugal (from 1495 to 1521). The Monastery dos Jeronimos, in the Belem district, is an important example of this style. Built on the site of a small chapel, it was used by sailors who would come and pray here before and after a voyage.

 

 

It was King Manuel I himself who wanted to transform the modest chapel into a majestic monument in honour of the Virgin Mary of Belem, Protectress of sailors, after the success of the voyages of Vasco de Gama. The architectural style of the building features various motifs inspired by nautical themes, such as ropes, anchors, chains and shells, as well as the armillary sphere, a navigational instrument and symbol of King Manuel I, which is still depicted on the Portuguese crest. Built on the banks of the River Tagus, near the Monastery, defending and watching over the city, the Belem Tower is one of the architectural gems of the reign of Manuel I. Constructed in white stone, it stands at the point where ships once departed on their voyages of discovery.

 

 

Giving the city a unique burst of colour, azulejos (painted tiles) are a legacy of the Arabs, who lived here for almost four centuries. The word is derived from the Arab al-zuleique, meaning a ‘small, smooth polished stone’ used by the Muslims in the Middle Ages. The Portuguese kings admired the way azulejos were used to decorate floors and walls, so the tiles began to be produced in Portugal in the late fifteenth century.During the eighteenth century, this art form flourished, becoming one of the main decorative elements of the country, and was used in churches, palaces, houses, gardens, fountains and stairways.

 

Portugal is the country which more than any other has loved and used azulejos, and their history is illustrated in the Museu Nacional do Azulejos.

 

 

 

 

Another place to visit is the Church of Santo Antonio, which was built on the site of the house where the saint was born. The saint is celebrated here every 13^th June with the spectacular Feast of St. Anthony.

 

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