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The walls of Saint George's Castle, sitting atop a
hill guarding the Tagus, date from the Moorish occupation in the
10th century, but the site has been a fortress for centuries,
possibly from 500 AD. The castle is regarded as the cradle of
Lisbon, and today it provides a panoramic view of the River Tagus
and the Alfama medieval district, which is spread out below it.
Visitors can walk the esplanades and climb the ramparts. A
multimedia show is available during the day which brings alive the
history of Lisbon. The castle grounds are planted with olive, pine
and cork trees and provide a pleasant spot to relax. see full details
Castelo de Sao Jorge
The walls of Saint George's Castle, sitting atop a
hill guarding the Tagus, date from the Moorish occupation in the
10th century, but the site has been a fortress for centuries,
possibly from 500 AD. The castle is regarded as the cradle of
Lisbon, and today it provides a panoramic view of the River Tagus
and the Alfama medieval district, which is spread out below it.
Visitors can walk the esplanades and climb the ramparts. A
multimedia show is available during the day which brings alive the
history of Lisbon. The castle grounds are planted with olive, pine
and cork trees and provide a pleasant spot to relax. see full details
Top
The oldest part of Lisbon, the Alfama quarter sprawls
down the hillside from below the Castelo de Sao Jorge, retaining
much of the traditional colour and atmosphere from the days when it
was the ancient seat of the Saracens. Along the narrow cobblestone
alleyways are taverns and street markets, interspersed with
close-packed houses still occupied by stevedores, fishmongers and
sailors. At the edge of the Alfama, Lisbon's renowned flea market,
the Feira da Ladra, is held in the Campo de Santa Clara every
Tuesday and Saturday. The Alfama is also full of historic buildings
and churches, which are well worth exploring. Some of the buildings
display fading coats of arms, which bear testimony to the fact that
the Alfama was once home to aristocrats. At night the Alfama takes
on a more mysterious aspect with street lanterns throwing shadows
on the medieval walls, and it is advisable to avoid the area after
dark in favour of the Bairro Alto café and nightclub
district. see full details
Alfama
The oldest part of Lisbon, the Alfama quarter sprawls
down the hillside from below the Castelo de Sao Jorge, retaining
much of the traditional colour and atmosphere from the days when it
was the ancient seat of the Saracens. Along the narrow cobblestone
alleyways are taverns and street markets, interspersed with
close-packed houses still occupied by stevedores, fishmongers and
sailors. At the edge of the Alfama, Lisbon's renowned flea market,
the Feira da Ladra, is held in the Campo de Santa Clara every
Tuesday and Saturday. The Alfama is also full of historic buildings
and churches, which are well worth exploring. Some of the buildings
display fading coats of arms, which bear testimony to the fact that
the Alfama was once home to aristocrats. At night the Alfama takes
on a more mysterious aspect with street lanterns throwing shadows
on the medieval walls, and it is advisable to avoid the area after
dark in favour of the Bairro Alto café and nightclub
district. see full details
Top
Although this cathedral in Largo da Se in the Alfama
district is not outwardly appealing, it was the first church in
Lisbon, built on the site of a Saracen mosque after the city was
captured by the Crusaders in the 12th century. Inside, this ancient
church features some treasures, like the font where St Anthony of
Padua was baptised in 1195, and numerous notable relics, images and
icons. see full details
Sé de Lisboa
Although this cathedral in Largo da Se in the Alfama
district is not outwardly appealing, it was the first church in
Lisbon, built on the site of a Saracen mosque after the city was
captured by the Crusaders in the 12th century. Inside, this ancient
church features some treasures, like the font where St Anthony of
Padua was baptised in 1195, and numerous notable relics, images and
icons. see full details
Top
Gulbenkian was an Armenian oil magnate who died in
1955 having put together one of the world's finest private art
collections. The collection is now housed in a modern centre where
the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation sponsors a host of cultural and
performing arts projects, and has a rotating exhibition of works by
Portuguese and foreign artists. The Gulbenkian collection itself
covers Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, Islamic ceramics and
textiles, Syrian treasures, Chinese ceramics, Japanese prints and
lacquerware and European medieval illuminated manuscripts. The
collection is so vast and varied as to be breathtaking. Among the
paintings are two Rembrandts, a Rubens and a Renoir. see full details
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Gulbenkian was an Armenian oil magnate who died in
1955 having put together one of the world's finest private art
collections. The collection is now housed in a modern centre where
the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation sponsors a host of cultural and
performing arts projects, and has a rotating exhibition of works by
Portuguese and foreign artists. The Gulbenkian collection itself
covers Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, Islamic ceramics and
textiles, Syrian treasures, Chinese ceramics, Japanese prints and
lacquerware and European medieval illuminated manuscripts. The
collection is so vast and varied as to be breathtaking. Among the
paintings are two Rembrandts, a Rubens and a Renoir. see full details
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The Bairro Alto district (literally the Upper City)
is, like the Alfama, an historic enclave dating from 1513, which is
reached in a novel way via the Santa Justa Elevator (a structure
reminiscent of the Eiffel tower in Paris) from the lower city. The
colourful district resounds to the calls of vendors and
fishmongers, and the windows and balconies are festooned with
laundry and bird cages. At night the area comes alive with some of
the finest fado cafes in the city, along streets lit by Victorian
lanterns. Fado is the famous brand of music and dance brought to
Portugal by African slaves in the 19th century, characterised by
songs of sadness and despair, and there is no better place in
Portugal to experience this musical genre than in the Bairro Alto
of Lisbon. see full details
Bairro Alto
The Bairro Alto district (literally the Upper City)
is, like the Alfama, an historic enclave dating from 1513, which is
reached in a novel way via the Santa Justa Elevator (a structure
reminiscent of the Eiffel tower in Paris) from the lower city. The
colourful district resounds to the calls of vendors and
fishmongers, and the windows and balconies are festooned with
laundry and bird cages. At night the area comes alive with some of
the finest fado cafes in the city, along streets lit by Victorian
lanterns. Fado is the famous brand of music and dance brought to
Portugal by African slaves in the 19th century, characterised by
songs of sadness and despair, and there is no better place in
Portugal to experience this musical genre than in the Bairro Alto
of Lisbon. see full details
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One of the most famous sights in Lisbon is the
imposing Padrão dos Descobrimentos, situated on the riverbank in
the Avenida de Brasilia in the district of Belem and designed to
commemorate the Portuguese Age of Discovery. Belem, where the Tagus
meets the sea, is the point from which the maritime explorers of
yore set forth in their sailing ships to discover the world. The
monument was unveiled in 1960 on the 500th anniversary of the death
of Prince Henry the Navigator in 1460, the monarch who was largely
responsible for Portugal's role in world exploration during the
15th and 16th centuries. The massive monument takes the form of a
caravel with Prince Henry at the prow, backed by images of renowned
mariners, royal patrons and others who participated in the golden
age of discovery. see full details
Monument to the Discoveries
One of the most famous sights in Lisbon is the
imposing Padrão dos Descobrimentos, situated on the riverbank in
the Avenida de Brasilia in the district of Belem and designed to
commemorate the Portuguese Age of Discovery. Belem, where the Tagus
meets the sea, is the point from which the maritime explorers of
yore set forth in their sailing ships to discover the world. The
monument was unveiled in 1960 on the 500th anniversary of the death
of Prince Henry the Navigator in 1460, the monarch who was largely
responsible for Portugal's role in world exploration during the
15th and 16th centuries. The massive monument takes the form of a
caravel with Prince Henry at the prow, backed by images of renowned
mariners, royal patrons and others who participated in the golden
age of discovery. see full details
Top
The famous Tower of Belem is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, and is one of Lisbon's most photographed landmarks because of
the decoration on its exterior. The outer walls are adorned with a
stone-carved rope and beautiful openwork balconies, along with
Moorish watchtowers and battlements shaped like shields. The tower
was built in the 16th century to serve as a fortress in the middle
of the River Tagus. see full details
Tower of Belem
The famous Tower of Belem is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, and is one of Lisbon's most photographed landmarks because of
the decoration on its exterior. The outer walls are adorned with a
stone-carved rope and beautiful openwork balconies, along with
Moorish watchtowers and battlements shaped like shields. The tower
was built in the 16th century to serve as a fortress in the middle
of the River Tagus. see full details
Top
Lisbon's exhibition park was upgraded and renamed for
the Expo '98 world exposition, which revitalised the city and
brought international tourists and interest flooding in. The site
is now worthy of a full day's sightseeing, featuring several
attractions, not least of which is the Lisbon Oceanarium with its
15,000 living examples of marine life. The main tank holds enough
water to fill four Olympic-sized swimming pools, and is viewed from
two floors through curved glass panels that provide a 180-degree
view. Another popular diversion is the Virtual Reality Pavilion,
which showcases the Portuguese age of discovery. Other attractions
include a science centre, cable car, the Vasco da Gama Tower and
numerous bars and restaurants offering Portuguese
cuisine. see full details
Parque das Nacoes
Lisbon's exhibition park was upgraded and renamed for
the Expo '98 world exposition, which revitalised the city and
brought international tourists and interest flooding in. The site
is now worthy of a full day's sightseeing, featuring several
attractions, not least of which is the Lisbon Oceanarium with its
15,000 living examples of marine life. The main tank holds enough
water to fill four Olympic-sized swimming pools, and is viewed from
two floors through curved glass panels that provide a 180-degree
view. Another popular diversion is the Virtual Reality Pavilion,
which showcases the Portuguese age of discovery. Other attractions
include a science centre, cable car, the Vasco da Gama Tower and
numerous bars and restaurants offering Portuguese
cuisine. see full details
Top
In 1917 the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared above an
oak tree and spoke to three peasant children in the valley of Cova
da Iria, 88 miles (142km) north of Lisbon. The children claimed to
have seen the apparition on five different occasions, and the spot
has now become one of the great pilgrimage shrines of the world,
known as Fatima. Between May and October the 13th day of every
month is pilgrimage day, when hundreds of the faithful gather in a
square twice the size of St Peter's in Rome before the Chapel of
the Apparitions. The original oak tree is gone, but has been
replaced by a simple white column inside a basilica, which is
flanked by statues of the saints. see full details
Fatima
In 1917 the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared above an
oak tree and spoke to three peasant children in the valley of Cova
da Iria, 88 miles (142km) north of Lisbon. The children claimed to
have seen the apparition on five different occasions, and the spot
has now become one of the great pilgrimage shrines of the world,
known as Fatima. Between May and October the 13th day of every
month is pilgrimage day, when hundreds of the faithful gather in a
square twice the size of St Peter's in Rome before the Chapel of
the Apparitions. The original oak tree is gone, but has been
replaced by a simple white column inside a basilica, which is
flanked by statues of the saints. see full details
Top
This extensive art museum opened in 1840, and is today
dedicated to Soares dos Reis, the famous sculptor born and bred in
Porto. The gallery also houses a foreign art collection which
includes works by the Dutch, Flemish, Italian and French masters.
There is a large collection of Portuguese 19th century works,
including those from the Porto school, and exhibits of ceramics,
glassware, gold and silverwork and furniture. see full details
Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis
This extensive art museum opened in 1840, and is today
dedicated to Soares dos Reis, the famous sculptor born and bred in
Porto. The gallery also houses a foreign art collection which
includes works by the Dutch, Flemish, Italian and French masters.
There is a large collection of Portuguese 19th century works,
including those from the Porto school, and exhibits of ceramics,
glassware, gold and silverwork and furniture. see full details
Top
On the Oporto waterfront stands the church of St.
Frances, dating from 1383, which, while not very imposing from the
outside, has a lavishly Baroque decorated interior that was created
in the 17th and 18th centuries. Pillars and columns within the
vault are festooned with gold-gilded cherubs and flower garlands,
entwined animals and fruit cornucopia. This feast for the eyes is
set off by wide Gothic arches made of marble, which soar into the
roof. see full details
Igreja de Sao Francisco
On the Oporto waterfront stands the church of St.
Frances, dating from 1383, which, while not very imposing from the
outside, has a lavishly Baroque decorated interior that was created
in the 17th and 18th centuries. Pillars and columns within the
vault are festooned with gold-gilded cherubs and flower garlands,
entwined animals and fruit cornucopia. This feast for the eyes is
set off by wide Gothic arches made of marble, which soar into the
roof. see full details
Top
Visitors come to Oporto for the port wine. The place
to head for samples of every port produced in the region (and also
the rest of Portugal) is the Solar Vinho do Porto in the Quinta de
Macieirinha. Inside the rose-bedecked villa is a relaxed, upmarket
tasting room, staffed by knowledgeable hosts who offer glasses or
bottles of port, along with some complimentary snacks and
information on the port-making process. Also in the villa is a
small museum containing a collection of 18th century furniture and
some paintings. see full details
Solar Vinho do Porto
Visitors come to Oporto for the port wine. The place
to head for samples of every port produced in the region (and also
the rest of Portugal) is the Solar Vinho do Porto in the Quinta de
Macieirinha. Inside the rose-bedecked villa is a relaxed, upmarket
tasting room, staffed by knowledgeable hosts who offer glasses or
bottles of port, along with some complimentary snacks and
information on the port-making process. Also in the villa is a
small museum containing a collection of 18th century furniture and
some paintings. see full details
Top
This suburb of Oporto lies on the south bank of the
River Douro, on the site of an ancient fortified village. Today it
is home to more than 50 wine companies who operate their 'lodges'
in the winding narrow streets flanked by red-roofed buildings. Most
of the lodges welcome visitors for tours and tastings. Among the
best known are Sandemans, housed in a former 16th century convent,
and Taylors. The suburb also features a 16th century monastery that
has interesting circular cloisters and a terrace where the Duke of
Wellington planned his attack on the French in 1809. see full details
Vila Nova de Gaia
This suburb of Oporto lies on the south bank of the
River Douro, on the site of an ancient fortified village. Today it
is home to more than 50 wine companies who operate their 'lodges'
in the winding narrow streets flanked by red-roofed buildings. Most
of the lodges welcome visitors for tours and tastings. Among the
best known are Sandemans, housed in a former 16th century convent,
and Taylors. The suburb also features a 16th century monastery that
has interesting circular cloisters and a terrace where the Duke of
Wellington planned his attack on the French in 1809. see full details
Top
Named for the Madeiran lawyer who amassed the
fascinating collections on display as a hobby, the Frederico de
Freitas Museum in Funchal houses a vast array of decorative
Turkish, Moorish and North African tiles, as well as about 2,000
mugs, trophies and vases. Besides these highlights the de Freitas
collection also includes Madeiran artefacts, porcelain pieces,
religious sculptures, ancient sacred paintings and Chinese and
North African metal and woodwork. The museum is a treasure trove
for antique lovers. see full details
Frederico de Freitas Museum
Named for the Madeiran lawyer who amassed the
fascinating collections on display as a hobby, the Frederico de
Freitas Museum in Funchal houses a vast array of decorative
Turkish, Moorish and North African tiles, as well as about 2,000
mugs, trophies and vases. Besides these highlights the de Freitas
collection also includes Madeiran artefacts, porcelain pieces,
religious sculptures, ancient sacred paintings and Chinese and
North African metal and woodwork. The museum is a treasure trove
for antique lovers. see full details
Top
Beside the river at Pe de Passo are the Sao Vicente
Caves, a series of lava tubes left after an eruption that occurred
about 400,000 years ago. These volcanic tunnels extend for about
3,281ft (1,000m) and can be explored on a 30-minute tour. The caves
feature formations like lava cakes, volcanic stalactites and
erratic blocks and give a sense of walking through the bowels of
the earth. see full details
Sao Vicente Caves
Beside the river at Pe de Passo are the Sao Vicente
Caves, a series of lava tubes left after an eruption that occurred
about 400,000 years ago. These volcanic tunnels extend for about
3,281ft (1,000m) and can be explored on a 30-minute tour. The caves
feature formations like lava cakes, volcanic stalactites and
erratic blocks and give a sense of walking through the bowels of
the earth. see full details
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One of the favourite diversions in Madeira's capital,
Funchal, is to ride the cable car from the Parque Almirante Reis in
the old part of the town up to the scenically beautiful village of
Monte in the mountains above the city. The journey takes about 15
minutes and ends at the cableway station near the Monte Palace
Tropical Garden. see full details
Madeira Cable Car
One of the favourite diversions in Madeira's capital,
Funchal, is to ride the cable car from the Parque Almirante Reis in
the old part of the town up to the scenically beautiful village of
Monte in the mountains above the city. The journey takes about 15
minutes and ends at the cableway station near the Monte Palace
Tropical Garden. see full details
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In the heart of the historic part of Funchal stands
the cathedral (Sé do Funchal) which is the most impressive of
Madeira's religious edifices. From outside the simple rough white
stucco and brownish basalt is not all that impressive, but after
entering through the Gothic portal there is plenty to admire. The
ceiling, for instance, is Moorish carved cedar inlaid with ivory,
and behind the Baroque altar are paintings by Flemish and
Portuguese artists. see full details
Funchal Cathedral
In the heart of the historic part of Funchal stands
the cathedral (Sé do Funchal) which is the most impressive of
Madeira's religious edifices. From outside the simple rough white
stucco and brownish basalt is not all that impressive, but after
entering through the Gothic portal there is plenty to admire. The
ceiling, for instance, is Moorish carved cedar inlaid with ivory,
and behind the Baroque altar are paintings by Flemish and
Portuguese artists. see full details
Top
On the East coast of the island of Madeira, in the
little fishing village of Canical, the Whale Museum chronicles the
rise and fall of the whaling industry that was a vital part of the
island's economy for many decades, right up until 1982. The
exhibits include photographs, hunting implements, a life-size whale
model, a fishing boat, and objects carved by local fishermen from
the bones and teeth of whales. see full details
Whale Museum
On the East coast of the island of Madeira, in the
little fishing village of Canical, the Whale Museum chronicles the
rise and fall of the whaling industry that was a vital part of the
island's economy for many decades, right up until 1982. The
exhibits include photographs, hunting implements, a life-size whale
model, a fishing boat, and objects carved by local fishermen from
the bones and teeth of whales. see full details
Top
Madeira's sister island, Porto Santo, lies 24 miles
(39km) northeast of its larger sibling and was actually discovered
before Madeira itself. In 1418 Portuguese mariners Joao Goncalves
Zarco and Tristao Vaz Teixeira stumbled across it while running
from a storm. Unlike Madeira, Porto Santo is rather bleak and
barren, but its southern coast is bordered by a lovely five-mile
(eight km) stretch of beach fringed with soft golden sand, which,
together with its temperate climate, has turned it into a popular
holiday resort. The main town on the island is Vila Baleira, which
was visited by Christopher Columbus. There is a scenic park in the
town, some cafes and pretty cobblestone streets lined with stucco
houses. see full details
Porto Santo
Madeira's sister island, Porto Santo, lies 24 miles
(39km) northeast of its larger sibling and was actually discovered
before Madeira itself. In 1418 Portuguese mariners Joao Goncalves
Zarco and Tristao Vaz Teixeira stumbled across it while running
from a storm. Unlike Madeira, Porto Santo is rather bleak and
barren, but its southern coast is bordered by a lovely five-mile
(eight km) stretch of beach fringed with soft golden sand, which,
together with its temperate climate, has turned it into a popular
holiday resort. The main town on the island is Vila Baleira, which
was visited by Christopher Columbus. There is a scenic park in the
town, some cafes and pretty cobblestone streets lined with stucco
houses. see full details
Top
A popular touring destination 25 miles (40km) south of
Lisbon is Setúbal, one of Portugal's oldest cities, renowned for
producing the most delicious muscadel wine in the world. The city
is also the centre of Portugal's sardine industry and has been a
fish-salting centre since the 1st century. White mounds of sea salt
drying in the sun are a familiar part of the local landscape. There
are some outstanding beaches near the city and some pretty
countryside dotted with orange groves, orchards and
vineyards. see full details
Setúbal
A popular touring destination 25 miles (40km) south of
Lisbon is Setúbal, one of Portugal's oldest cities, renowned for
producing the most delicious muscadel wine in the world. The city
is also the centre of Portugal's sardine industry and has been a
fish-salting centre since the 1st century. White mounds of sea salt
drying in the sun are a familiar part of the local landscape. There
are some outstanding beaches near the city and some pretty
countryside dotted with orange groves, orchards and
vineyards. see full details
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The central Beiras region of Portugal is dominated by
its provincial capital, Coimbra, situated about 73 miles (118km)
south of Oporto. Coimbra is one of Europe's oldest university
towns, and its students swarm the streets in traditional black
capes, with coloured ribbons affixed to indicate which faculty they
belong to. The majestic university building, founded in the 12th
century, overlooks the city, which is a medieval wonderland of
cobbled alleys, archways and stairways. Coimbra was the birthplace
of six of Portugal's kings and the country's first king, Afonso
Henriques, lies in a carved Gothic sarcophagus in the Monastery of
Santa Cruz. Other sights in and around Coimbra include several
beautiful medieval churches, the Machado de Castro museum (one of
Portugal's finest), and Conimbriga, southwest of the city, which is
a fascinating Roman archaeological site. see full details
Coimbra
The central Beiras region of Portugal is dominated by
its provincial capital, Coimbra, situated about 73 miles (118km)
south of Oporto. Coimbra is one of Europe's oldest university
towns, and its students swarm the streets in traditional black
capes, with coloured ribbons affixed to indicate which faculty they
belong to. The majestic university building, founded in the 12th
century, overlooks the city, which is a medieval wonderland of
cobbled alleys, archways and stairways. Coimbra was the birthplace
of six of Portugal's kings and the country's first king, Afonso
Henriques, lies in a carved Gothic sarcophagus in the Monastery of
Santa Cruz. Other sights in and around Coimbra include several
beautiful medieval churches, the Machado de Castro museum (one of
Portugal's finest), and Conimbriga, southwest of the city, which is
a fascinating Roman archaeological site. see full details
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This historic town is regarded as the birthplace of
Portugal, because it was here in 1128 that Afonso Henriques became
the first king of the country, which was still largely under
Moorish control. The town has many medieval buildings and
fortifications, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the main attractions is the tiny Romanesque church where
Afonso was allegedly baptised, and the imposing Palace of the first
Duke of Braganza, built in the style of a French chateau. There are
numerous other Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque delights to discover
in walking around the town. There are also two excellent museums:
The Museu Alberto Sampaio, south of the castle, contains religious
art and relics and is housed in a monastery, while the Museu
Arquelogico Martins Sarmento displays the finds from a nearby
Celtic hill settlement. see full details
Guimaraes
This historic town is regarded as the birthplace of
Portugal, because it was here in 1128 that Afonso Henriques became
the first king of the country, which was still largely under
Moorish control. The town has many medieval buildings and
fortifications, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the main attractions is the tiny Romanesque church where
Afonso was allegedly baptised, and the imposing Palace of the first
Duke of Braganza, built in the style of a French chateau. There are
numerous other Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque delights to discover
in walking around the town. There are also two excellent museums:
The Museu Alberto Sampaio, south of the castle, contains religious
art and relics and is housed in a monastery, while the Museu
Arquelogico Martins Sarmento displays the finds from a nearby
Celtic hill settlement. see full details
Top
In the remote northeast Portuguese province of
Tras-os-Montes lies traditional farming country where rural
communities provide a getaway destination for those who enjoy
exploring off the beaten track. The small provincial capital,
Braganca, lies close to the Spanish border and is slowly being
discovered by tourists, mostly because of its fine local museum and
the small medieval village and castle on a hillock overlooking the
town. The interesting feature of the castle is the pillar beside it
that rises from the back of a carved granite pig ('Porca'), which
is believed to be a fertility idol from prehistoric times. Between
the medieval citadel and the cathedral is the garden of the Museum
do Abade de Bacal, containing not only tombstones but also numerous
representations of the 'porca' idol. The museum itself houses a
collection of sacred art and watercolours painted by Alberto Souza.
In the medieval citadel is the Domus Municipalis, a pentagonal 12th
century civic building which is unique in Europe. see full details
Braganca
In the remote northeast Portuguese province of
Tras-os-Montes lies traditional farming country where rural
communities provide a getaway destination for those who enjoy
exploring off the beaten track. The small provincial capital,
Braganca, lies close to the Spanish border and is slowly being
discovered by tourists, mostly because of its fine local museum and
the small medieval village and castle on a hillock overlooking the
town. The interesting feature of the castle is the pillar beside it
that rises from the back of a carved granite pig ('Porca'), which
is believed to be a fertility idol from prehistoric times. Between
the medieval citadel and the cathedral is the garden of the Museum
do Abade de Bacal, containing not only tombstones but also numerous
representations of the 'porca' idol. The museum itself houses a
collection of sacred art and watercolours painted by Alberto Souza.
In the medieval citadel is the Domus Municipalis, a pentagonal 12th
century civic building which is unique in Europe. see full details
Top
Marketed as the second best aquarium in the world, the
world-class Lisbon Oceanarium is the most impressive achievement of
EXPO '98, which used to be an abandoned waterfront. The centrepiece
of the stone and glass building is the 1.3-million gallon
(5-million litre) holding tank and the Oceanarium consists of four
distinct ecosystems that replicate the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian,
and Antarctic oceans, each featuring the aboveground birds,
amphibians, and reptiles associated with those waters. Otters
splash and dive in the warmer Pacific waters, while penguins
shuffle around in their tuxedos in the Antarctic section. This
attraction is one that the Portuguese nation is proud of and is an
absolute must-see for the whole family. see full details
Oceanario de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium)
Marketed as the second best aquarium in the world, the
world-class Lisbon Oceanarium is the most impressive achievement of
EXPO '98, which used to be an abandoned waterfront. The centrepiece
of the stone and glass building is the 1.3-million gallon
(5-million litre) holding tank and the Oceanarium consists of four
distinct ecosystems that replicate the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian,
and Antarctic oceans, each featuring the aboveground birds,
amphibians, and reptiles associated with those waters. Otters
splash and dive in the warmer Pacific waters, while penguins
shuffle around in their tuxedos in the Antarctic section. This
attraction is one that the Portuguese nation is proud of and is an
absolute must-see for the whole family. see full details
Top
With such maritime icons as Vasco de Gama and
Bartolomeu Dias, its no wonder that Portugal's Maritime Museum is
one of the best in Europe, evoking a sense of what it was like when
the victorious Portuguese dominated the high seas. Visitors can
marvel at the hundreds of models of 15th- to 19th-century sailing
ships, merchant marine vessels, fishing boats and pleasure boats as
well as a full range of Portuguese naval uniforms, including one
worn at a Mozambique military outpost in 1896. see full details
Museu de Marinha (Maritime Museum)
With such maritime icons as Vasco de Gama and
Bartolomeu Dias, its no wonder that Portugal's Maritime Museum is
one of the best in Europe, evoking a sense of what it was like when
the victorious Portuguese dominated the high seas. Visitors can
marvel at the hundreds of models of 15th- to 19th-century sailing
ships, merchant marine vessels, fishing boats and pleasure boats as
well as a full range of Portuguese naval uniforms, including one
worn at a Mozambique military outpost in 1896. see full details
Top
Kids will love the indoor amusement park at the
Colombo Shopping Centre, happily entertained by taking rides on the
roller coaster, playing video games, going bowling and racing
go-carts. The centre also boasts a vast selection of cinemas,
restaurants and shops for families to enjoy together. see full details
Colombo Amusement Park
Kids will love the indoor amusement park at the
Colombo Shopping Centre, happily entertained by taking rides on the
roller coaster, playing video games, going bowling and racing
go-carts. The centre also boasts a vast selection of cinemas,
restaurants and shops for families to enjoy together. see full details
Top
The Vasco da Gama Aquarium is a great attraction for
children in Lisbon. This aquarium is home to cute little seals with
ears (otariids), which all kids will love to see. As well as its
wonderful collection of live fish and sea life, there are also
preserved water birds, fish and mammals from King Carlos'
oceanographic expeditions on display. see full details
Vasco da Gama Aquarium
The Vasco da Gama Aquarium is a great attraction for
children in Lisbon. This aquarium is home to cute little seals with
ears (otariids), which all kids will love to see. As well as its
wonderful collection of live fish and sea life, there are also
preserved water birds, fish and mammals from King Carlos'
oceanographic expeditions on display. see full details
Top
Older kids are enthralled by a visit to the Calouste
Gulbenkian Planetarium. Here they are invited to explore the
universe and its bounty of astronomical wonders. The planetarium
hosts astronomical shows daily, offering an entertaining and
educational experience for young minds. see full details
Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium
Older kids are enthralled by a visit to the Calouste
Gulbenkian Planetarium. Here they are invited to explore the
universe and its bounty of astronomical wonders. The planetarium
hosts astronomical shows daily, offering an entertaining and
educational experience for young minds. see full details
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