|
Lisbon is situated
about seven miles inland, on the shore of the broad
estuary of the Tagus river. Above the Rossio, the old
square at the heart of the business area, the Convento
do Carmo stands in ruins, giving testimony to that
dreadful day.
A majestic royal palace built in the XVIII century and
furnished in the rococo style, attracts many visitors to
the commuter town of Queluz.
___________________________________________________________
BELEM
Belem Tower is Lisbon's best known monument and
symbolizes Portugal and the history of the Portuguese
discoveries. The tower stands on the beach where five
centuries ago Vasco da Gama's fllet set off to join
Europe and India by sea for the first time.
_________________________________________________________
BAIXA
Baixa covers the level area in between the hills of
Alfama and Bairro Alto.
ALFAMA
Alfama, the oldest part of Lisbon, is an admirable place
with its narrow, twisting streets of a medieval city and
coloured windowsills with flowers. Excellent examples of
the renowned Portuguese art of azulejos, ornamental
tilework, can be found on the walls of some of the most
remarkable monuments.
BAIRRO ALTO
This is where visitors are most likely to chance upon
impromptu fado, the soulful songs of lost loves and past
glories.
___________________________________________________________
TAGUS RIVER
A century ago the Tagus estuary was filled with hundreds
of boats connecting the banks, transporting people,
consumer goods, food and machinery. Hundreds of
fishermen spread their nets to catch shad, eel, dory,
twaite shad, seabream, etc. Today the sturgeon is gone.
From the southern banks, the fields of Benavente or
Alcochete, and from Alentejo, came wheat, cereals and
melons. And from the salt quarries at Moita or Samouco
(Alcochete), which still exists, salt was brought to
Lisbon.
The Tagus laps the southern side of one of the city's
main squares, the Terreiro do Paco. From this square,
the broad Avenidada da Liberdade - bordered with cafes -
leads northeast to the well-tended greenery of Park
Eduardo VII behind Marques do Pombal square.
|
