Lisbon is a city that parties all night, is steeped in culture, is a bit rough around the edges and was the starting point of many great voyages of discovery. It’s southern European location allows it good weather through most of the year, making it a perfect place to escape the chill in London.
It’s a bit further afield than most destinations you’d routinely think of in Europe for a weekend away, but Lisbon’s trump card (and the rest of Portugal for that matter) lies in the fact that it’s in the same time zone as London. This allows for a longer than usual flight, without the significant hit to time once your arrive in a city you won’t soon forget.
Things to See and Do
Lisbon is a city that doesn’t immediately burst out at you with its sights. It’s a city you need to wander in, soaking up the atmosphere, the architecture and the heartbeat of the local lifestyle. The fact that Lisbon is built on seven hills (much like Edinburgh), makes getting around on foot a challenge at times. It does prove rewarding when you find yourself at a crossroads of four streets, each ascending or descending in a different direction and you think “how could anyone have built here, and how can anyone negotiate this place?”.
Castelo de Sao Jorge
Built in the Middle Ages, the Castle of Sao Jorge is the main fortification in Lisbon that has withstood hundreds of years of invasions and earthquakes in the city.
Situated high above the city, it provides amazing views of the Tagus River and the skyline. There isn’t much to read about or see here, but it’s a worthwhile visit to appreciate what castles were like in this part of the world.
Belem Tower
Built in the late 16th century, Belém Tower is significant because of the role it played during Portugal’s lead in the Age of Discoveries. It was used as part of a defence network of the Tagus River on which it is built, along with various other fortresses along the coastline.
The tower was dedicated to the patron saint of Lisbon, St Vincent and commemorated the key expedition of Vasco de Gama to find a trade route to the Indies.
It is a stunning example of architecture from this time (it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and has 4 levels for different purposes including an armoury and a dungeon.
Jeronimos Monastery
A striking building both inside and out, it is located not far from Belem Tower and signifies the Portuguese Age of Discovery. Built between 1517 and 1550 and plagued with political and religious problems affecting construction, it is a fantastic example of Manueline architecture.
This is also a significant site for the entire European Union, as it is where the Treaty of Lisbon was signed on December 13, 2007. The Treaty of Lisbon brought together two other treaties to provide the constitutional basis for the European Union.
