Discover 10 little-known facts about Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, and is considered the “heart” of the country, as it is home to its most important institutions, namely the Parliament, the residence of the President and the Government. Furthermore, Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and is home to one of the most important ports in Europe, the Port of Lisbon, which is made up of 18 port terminals dedicated to all types of cargo and cruise passengers.
Lisbon's culture is marked by its people's close relationship with water, and it has been called “the city of seven hills” because of its seven hills that are centered around its historic heart on the Tagus River estuary.
1. History of the City
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, and as such has a rich history dating back to Roman times, as the city was founded by the Romans in 138 BC, and was an important port during the Age of Discovery. Today, Lisbon is a vibrant and welcoming city that has preserved much of its history and culture, however, the city has been ruled by many different empires throughout its history, including the Spanish, French and Portuguese.
The Romans were eventually driven out by Germanic tribes, who later became known as the Visigoths, who ruled until 711 AD, when Lisbon was conquered by Muslim forces from North Africa. The Muslims ruled until 1249 AD, when King Afonso III of Portugal reconquered Lisbon and declared himself king.
2 Culture
Lisbon has a unique blend of cultures and influences, with a history that dates back to pre-Roman times. This mix of cultures has greatly shaped what Lisbon is today, a vibrant, welcoming and open-minded city, full of life, culture and colour. Furthermore, the city has always been known as a place where traditions are kept alive because it was an important trading post during medieval times.
The city has a long history of being a center for the arts, literature, and science, and the Portuguese people are very proud of their culture and are also very open to other cultures, which makes Lisbon a perfect place to visit if you want to experience new things in life. Lisbon has been lauded as a haven for artists since its time as an international center for writers and painters in the early 20th century, and has twice been named the European Capital of Culture: once in 1998, when it hosted Expo '98; and again in 2017 when it hosted “This Side of the River”.
3. Tourism and Attractions
Lisbon is one of the most visited cities in Europe, attracting over 5 million visitors each year, as its natural beauty is sure to leave anyone in awe. In addition, the city has an impressive number of museums, galleries and historical buildings that will leave memories that will last a lifetime, as this means that the city offers a wide range of attractions that will certainly not disappoint.
The Portuguese capital has more than 300 tourist attractions, including museums, 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 3 beaches and 13 districts. The beauty of the city enchants anyone who comes to spend a few days or weeks.
4. Cooking
Lisbon is known as the gastronomic capital of Portugal, as the city is known for its cuisine that includes seafood dishes such as fish stew, grilled sardines, octopus salad and fried fish with potatoes.
Portuguese cuisine is one of the oldest in Europe and has influenced the entire world with its unique and authentic flavors. The Portuguese people are very proud of their culinary customs, and they often use many spices, herbs and condiments in their cooking that are not as common in other European cuisines.
5. Architecture
Lisbon is a city with many architectural attractions, home to some of the most beautiful architecture in the world, and one fact you should know about the city's architecture is that the buildings are built to withstand earthquakes. The second interesting fact about Lisbon's architecture is that it has two different styles, namely Baroque and Neoclassical. And another interesting fact about Lisbon's architecture is the amount of detail there is in the buildings, which stand out much more than in other European cities or capitals.
The first attraction that will catch your eye upon arriving in Lisbon is probably the famous Belém Tower, which was built in 1515 by King Manuel I and was a defensive tower that also served as a customs house. The tower was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has become one of Portugal's top attractions. Another interesting building is the Queluz National Palace, an 1910th-century palace that served as a summer residence for the Portuguese monarchs until it was abandoned in XNUMX due to fire damage.
6. World Heritage
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, and its historic center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. In addition, Lisbon was also named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for being considered “a masterpiece of human creative genius”, due to its architectural heritage, which includes monuments such as the Jerónimos Monastery, the Ajuda Palace and much more.
This is due to its historical importance as a commercial port, and its cultural significance as it was one of the most important cities in Europe during the Age of Discovery.
7. Population
The city has a population of over 500.000 people, but its urban area extends beyond the city limits, so the number rises to over 2 million inhabitants. This population is distributed across several smaller districts, with Lisbon being the most populous.
In the late 18th century, Lisbon was hit by an earthquake and subsequently plunged into poverty, which led to mass emigration abroad and left Lisbon with only half its population. The city has since recovered with the help of returning emigrants, who have contributed to Lisbon's cultural renaissance. The city has a very diverse population with inhabitants from all over the world, including immigrants, who are among 200 different nationalities.
8 Weather
Lisbon is a city with a unique climate, and is generally temperate, with mild winters and hot summers. The city has four seasons, and can be very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. Its average temperature is around 20°C during the summer, while the average temperature in the winter is around 7°C, as its climate varies greatly from one location to another, depending on the altitude and exposure to the sea or other large bodies of water.
Lisbon's climate is one of its most attractive features for tourists, as it can be enjoyed all year round, making the city an ideal destination for those who like to travel between seasons, or for those who enjoy both winter sports and sunbathing, and summer at the beach.
9. Location
The city's culture is greatly influenced by its unique geographical position, as the city is located at the mouth of the River Tagus, where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. And the westernmost point of continental Europe is located in the municipality of Lisbon, Cabo da Roca, next to the Belém Tower.
Lisbon is located on the Atlantic coast, and has an area of around 50 km², and as the city has been a crossroads for centuries, this means that many cultures have left their mark on its culture, architecture, gastronomy, customs and also its language.
10. Language
The Portuguese language originated here when it became part of the Portuguese Empire under King John II, and has remained the official language to this day, although English speakers are also common in Lisbon. However, the Portuguese language has been influenced by many other languages such as Arabic, Berber, Celtic languages and Germanic languages. It is believed that the Portuguese language originated in the 11th century from a gradual evolution of Latin and local vernaculars.
Like many other languages, the language of Lisbon is an evolving language, and its dialects are changing, as are the words and expressions used by locals. This means that foreigners need to be a little more careful with their pronunciation, and should always ask locals for clarification if they are unsure about something.