Lisbon, Portugal

Nearby areas in Lisbon, Portugal

Alfama

From the 8th to the 11th centuries, the tightly packed alleyways around the castle were the whole of the ruling Moorish city but, by the Middle Ages, wealthy residents fearing earthquakes moved west, and humble workers inherited the town. Ironically, the area survived the devastating earthquake of 1755 that crumbled so much of Lisbon and surrounding region. Though no Moorish houses remain, the quarter retains a charming Casbah-like layout of tiny taverns, compact houses, steep streets and stairways, and laundry hanging out to dry. The imposing Castelo de São Jorge crowns the eastern hill and features a promenade with fantastic views.

Baixa

This "lower town" was created by the Marquês de Pombal after the earthquake of 1755 as part of his reinvention of the city. He linked the stately Praça do Comércio beside the Tagus with the busy central square of Rossio. Neo-classical buildings were built along the streets and named after the shopkeepers and craftsmen who worked there. This is a popular meeting place with cafés, theaters, and restaurants that is crowded by day, but nearly deserted at night.

Bairro Alto and Estrela

This hilltop district is one of the most picturesque in the city. It was first settled by the wealthy citizens moving out of Alfama, but by the 19th century had fallen into bawdy disrepute. Today, it is a traditional neighborhood with small workshops and family-run tascas. To the northwest, Estrela is centered on the huge domed basilica and popular gardens. Chiado is an upscale quarter where the affluent go shopping. The mid-18th-century district of Lapa to the southwest is home to embassies and private mansions.

Belem

As the port from which caravels set sail on their voyages of discovery, this district is inextricably linked with Portugal's Golden Age. When Manuel I came to power in 1495, he reaped enormous profits from those voyages and spent a great deal of it building grand monuments and churches in this district, two of the most famous being the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém. Today it is a spacious, green suburb with many museums, parks, gardens, and cafés along a riverside promenade.

For more information about Lisbon, Portugal

Turismo de Lisboa

Rua Do Arsenal, #15, 1100-038 Lisboa, Portugal, phone 011-351-21-361-0350, fax 011-351-21-361-0359, email atl@atl-turismolisboa.pt.

Portuguese Trade and Tourism Offices:.

New York

590 Fifth Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, 10036-4704, phone 212-354-4403, fax 212-764-6137, email tourism@portgual.org.

San Francisco

88 Kearny Street, Suite 1770, San Francisco, CA 94108, phone 415-391-7080, fax 415-391-7147, email icepsf@portugal.org.

Washington DC

1900 L Street, Suite 310, Washington DC 20036, phone 202-331-8222, fax 202-331-8236.