The most beautiful cities in the world - Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital and the largest city of
Portugal. It is continental
Europe's westernmost capital city and the only one along the
Atlantic coast. Lisbon lies in the western
Iberian Peninsula on the
Atlantic Ocean and the
River Tagus. The westernmost areas of its metro area is the westernmost
point of
Continental Europe.
Lisbon is recognised as a global city because of its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education and tourism. It is one of the major economic centres on the continent, with a growing financial sector and one of the largest container ports on Europe's Atlantic coast.
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.
Julius Caesar made it a municipium called
Felicitas Julia, adding to the name
Olissipo.
Ruled by a series of
Germanic tribes from the
5th century, it was captured by the
Moors in the
8th century. In 1147, the
Crusaders under
Afonso Henriques reconquered the city and since then it has been a major political, economic and cultural centre of Portugal. Unlike most capital cities, Lisbon's status as the capital of Portugal has never been granted or confirmed officially – by statute or in written form. Its position as the capital has formed through constitutional convention, making its position as de facto capital a part of the
Constitution of Portugal.
Lisbon is an illuminated city. The almost constant presence of sunshine and the
River Tagus transforms the
Portuguese capital into a mirror of a thousand colours - highlighting the city’s unique architecture and beauty.
Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the
Rio Tejo, Lisbon has captivated visitors for centuries.
Windswept vistas reveal the city in all its beauty:
Roman and
Moorish ruins, white-domed cathedrals, grand plazas lined with sun-drenched cafes. The real delight of discovery though, is delving into the narrow cobblestone lanes.
As yellow trams clatter through tree-lined streets, lisboêtas stroll through lamplit old quarters, much as they’ve done for centuries.
Gossip is exchanged over fresh bread and wine at tiny patio restaurants as fado singers perform in the background. In other parts of town, Lisbon reveals her youthful alter ego at bohemian bars and riverside clubs, late-night street parties and eye-catching boutiques selling all things classic and cutting-edge.
Just outside Lisbon, there’s more – enchanting woodlands, gorgeous beaches and seaside villages – all ripe for discovery.
Subsribe on
Happy Traveler - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB7ViK_fZPd3-3XzIgQKWYg?sub_confirmation=1