Since Lisbon is built on seven steep hills, views from the hilltops take in the whole city. This makes Lisbon a visually fascinating city. However, the drawback is that the hilly landscape makes the trip from the Baixa, or lower town, to the Bairro Alto, or upper town, quite demanding. Of course, this is only a problem for those who want to make the journey on foot!
In Lisbon one finds many outstanding buildings and museums. One of the best known is the Tower of Belem that stands as a solitary fortress at the start of the Tagus River. The tower was the last view a ship had of Portugal as it left to explore the world. Built in 1515, it is a significant landmark to the role the Portuguese played as early European explorers.
Another important monument near the Tower of Belem is the Jeronimos Monastery. Construction of the building was begun in 1501, and was largely financed by the riches brought to Portugal by the spice trade. Amongst the most noticeable of all the buildings is the church of Santa Engracia. It took from 1682 until 1966 before the construction of the church was completed. This lead to the popular Portuguese saying, ‘that a Santa Engracia job was never done’. Today it has become the National Pantheon and houses the tombs of famous Portuguese heroes such as Vasco da Gama and Luis Vas de Camoes.
Lisbon is stacked with great bars and clubs. After 11 at night the beautiful old Biarro Alto (upper town) comes to life. Amongst the delightful old buildings you will find hundreds of little bars and eating-places. This is usually a good place to start your evening before heading off to the river or down to the dock area.
The Baixa (lower town) has a wide range of unusual clothes shops. The central Rua Augusta in this part of Lisbon is reserved for pedestrians. You will find that many here go paddling and eat ice creams at the waterfront. The square at this location serves as a parking lot.
The Baixa is the main part of the public transport network. Chances are that regardless from where you get a lift you will end up here sooner or later!
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