A place of contrasts and surprises

Situated on the north bank of the river tagus, with the atlantic ocean stretching aaway, Lisbon spreads over its valleys and hills, its buildings and natural beauty blending into an attractive panorama.
Anumber of reminders of Lisbons history can be found thru out; its monuments, archaeological sites, the neighbbourhoods and the atmosphere itself.
For example in the historical center we can find monuments dating from almost every century.
Starting with (we believe would be the first) Phoenicians coming to trade in this distant port and called it Alis Ubbo "gentle harbour".
Then the Celts, Romans, Visiboths and Arabs became inhabitants and all left their mark on the city.
In 1147 it was taken from the Moors and turned into Portuguese territory and becoming the capital of the kingdom in 1252.
In the 15th, 16th, 17th centuries, Lisbon was the point of departure for the Portuguese Discoveries, which transformed the city into the first european trading port for merchandise imported from newly discovered lands: Atlantic islands, shores of Africa, the americas and Asia.
Lisbon didnt adopt its modern physiognomy until its destruction in 1755 due to an earthquake.
New wider streets with rectilinear lines sprang up alongside older quarters.
In the 19th and 20th centuries the Avenidas Novas (new avenues) were added, spreading out to the north and moulding the city into what it is today.