Lison Travel Information Guide

Fado

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:53:00 +0000

Fado (Portuguese: destiny, fate) is a type of music which is characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor. It can be traced back to the early 18 century, but is probably with much earlier origins.

In reality fado is simply a form of song which can be about anything, but must follow a certain structure. The music is usually linked to the Portuguese word saudade which symbolizes the feeling of loss (a permanent, irreparable loss and its consequent life lasting damage).

Amália Rodrigues, Carlos do Carmo, Mariza, Mafalda Arnauth, and Cristina Branco are amongst the most famous individuals associated with the genre.

Amália Rodrigues - Fado Português

Mariza Fado

Praça da Figueira

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:45:00 +0000

The Praça da Figueira (English: Square of the Fig Tree) is a large square in the centre of Lisbon, in Portugal. It is part of the Baixa Pombalina, the area of the city reurbanised after the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake.

Praça da Figueira did not exist in the 16th century and most of its area was occupied by the Hospital Real de Todos os Santos (All-Saints Royal Hospital), the most important in the city. In 1755, after the great earthquake which destroyed most of Lisbon, the hospital was greatly damaged and was demolished around 1775.

The large area previously occupied by the hospital in the Baixa was turned into an open market square. Around 1885, a large covered market of 8,000 m² was built. This market existed until 1949, when it was demolished. Since then the square has been an open space.

In 1971 a bronze equestrian statue representing King John I (1357-1433), by sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida, was inaugurated in the square. The monument also carries medallions with the effigies of Nuno Álvares Pereira and João das Regras, two key characters in the 1385 Revolution that brought John I to power.

In 1999/2000, during the last renovation of the square, the statue was relocated from the middle to a corner of the square, in order to make it visible from the Praça do Comércio. The original renovation project also called for the buildings to be completely covered with ceramic tiles (azulejos) by Daciano Costa, which has not been done.

Estação Marquês de Pombal

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:32:00 +0000

Marquês de Pombal ("Rotunda" até 1995) é uma estação dupla do Metro de Lisboa, onde se interligam duas linhas: a Linha Azul e a Linha Amarela. Situa-se no concelho de Lisboa, entre as estações Parque e Avenida (Linha Azul), e Picoas e Rato (Linha Amarela). É uma das onze estações pertencentes à rede original do Metro de Lisboa, inaugurada a 29 de Dezembro de 1959, com a particularidade de ser, à data, a única estação de interface da rede.

Esta estação está localizada na Praça do Marquês de Pombal. A estação possibilita o acesso ao Parque Eduardo VII e ao topo da Avenida da Liberdade, e é uma das mais movimentadas da cidade. À semelhança das mais recentes estações do Metro de Lisboa, está equipada para poder servir passageiros com deficiências motoras; vários elevadores facilitam o acesso ao cais.

Sé de Lisboa

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:30:00 +0000

A Sé de Lisboa, inicialmente designada de Igreja de Santa Maria Maior, foi mandada construir em 1150 por D. Afonso Henriques, três anos depois de ter conquistado Lisboa aos Mouros.

A Sé de Lisboa foi construída no local de uma antiga mesquita, para o primeiro bispo de Lisboa, o cruzado inglês Gilbert de Hastings. Os três terramotos que a devastaram no século XV, bem como o de 1755, foram bastante inclementes para com a Matriz de Lisboa, dedicada a Santa Maria Maior, que sofreu danos e foi sendo renovada ao longo dos séculos.

Oceanário de Lisboa

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:27:00 +0000

O Oceanário de Lisboa é um museu de biologia marinha situado no Parque das Nações em Lisboa, Portugal, construído no âmbito da Expo 98.

Este pavilhão, da autoria do arquitecto norte-americano Peter Chermayeff, lembra um porta-aviões e está instalado num cais rodeado de água. É o segundo maior oceanário do Mundo e contém uma impressionante colecção de espécies — aves, mamíferos, peixes e outros habitantes marinhos.

Os habitats escolhidos, pela sua riqueza natural em termos de fauna e flora, foram os seguintes: oceano Antárctico, recife de coral do oceano Índico, costas rochosas do oceano Pacífico e costa dos Açores, no oceano Atlântico.

A principal atracção no Oceanário de Lisboa, para a maior parte dos visitantes, é o grande tanque central, onde coexistem várias espécies de peixes como tubarões, barracudas, raias, atuns e pequenos peixes tropicais. Embora pretenda ser uma representação do oceano aberto, tem sido criticado por vários cientistas pelo facto de juntar espécies pouco relacionadas no mesmo espaço.

Torre Vasco da Gama

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:26:00 +0000

A torre Vasco da Gama é uma torre em estrutura mista de 142 m de altura no topo[1], construída junto ao rio Tejo, no Parque das Nações, em Lisboa, para a EXPO 98, a exposição mundial de 1998. Foi projectada pela Profabril e SOM (Arquitectura Leonor Janeiro, Estruturas Nuno Costa) A construção no alto da torre durante a exposição era um restaurante de luxo com vista panorâmica sobre o rio Tejo e a cidade de Lisboa. O restaurante permaneceu aberto durante cerca de três anos após a exposição. A torre permanece encerrada ao público desde então.

É uma das mais altas construções de Portugal.

Em Agosto de 2008, iniciou-se junto da torre a construção de um hotel de cinco estrelas da cadeia Sana, prevendo-se que esteja pronto no fim de 2013.

Parque das Nações

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:25:00 +0000

O Parque das Nações é a designação actual da antiga Zona de Intervenção da Expo, que inclui o local onde foi realizada a Exposição Mundial de 1998 e ainda todas as áreas sob administração da ParqueExpo, S.A. Esta área tornou-se, entretanto, um centro de actividades culturais e um novo bairro da cidade, com perto de 15.000 habitantes (prevendo-se que o total de população seja de 25.000, daqui a poucos anos), com várias instituições culturais e desportivas próprias. O Parque das Nações é actualmente considerado como um dos bairros mais seguros da cidade de Lisboa.

A sua arquitectura contemporânea, os espaços de convívio e todo o projecto de urbanização e requalificação urbana trouxeram nova dinâmica à zona oriental da cidade de Lisboa que, em 1990, ainda era uma zona industrial.

Destacam-se, como exemplos da arquitectura presente no Parque das Nações, as abóbadas das plataformas da Gare do Oriente, de Santiago Calatrava, impondo a sua linha arquitectónica; o Pavilhão de Portugal, do arquitecto português Álvaro Siza Vieira, que tem por entrada uma imponente pala de betão pré-esforçado, que se baseia na ideia de uma folha de papel pousada em dois tijolos, abrindo o espaço à cidade para albergar os diversos eventos que um espaço desta escala acolhe.

Praça do Comércio

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:22:00 +0000

A Praça do Comércio, também conhecida por Terreiro do Paço, é uma praça da Baixa de Lisboa situada junto ao rio Tejo, na zona que foi o local do palácio dos reis de Portugal durante cerca de dois séculos. É uma das maiores praças da Europa, com cerca de 36 000 m² (180m x 200m).

Em 1511, o rei D. Manuel I transferiu a sua residência do Castelo de São Jorge para este sítio junto ao rio. O Paço da Ribeira, bem como a sua biblioteca de 70 000 volumes, foram destruídos pelo terramoto de 1755. Na reconstrução, a praça tornou-se no elemento fundamental do plano do Marquês de Pombal. Os edifícios, com arcadas que circundam a praça, albergam alguns departamentos de vários Ministérios do Governo Português e ainda o famoso café Martinho da Arcada, o mais antigo de Lisboa, e um dos preferidos de Fernando Pessoa.

Bird watching in Lisbon

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 09:43:00 +0000

Lisbon is the only European capital located near such a rich Bird & Nature hotspot – the Tagus estuary for a bird watching tour in Lisbon.
About 20 minutes from the city, this huge Nature Reserve, with its extensive area of protected wetland, offers excellent conditions for the observing birds in rich natural surroundings and experience a wonderful bird watching tour in Lisbon.
The Tagus estuary is the most important wetland in Portugal and one of the most important in Europe. Fascinating at all times of the year, this estuary, in winter holds over 120.000 waders, waterfowl and other aquatic birds; during migratory periods, the bird diversity is at its maximum, and one can expect to observe more than 100 species in a single day; during the summer, the estuary is alive with breeding species more usually associated with the Mediterranean.
Bird watching in Lisbon.

Estrela Basilica

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:17:00 +0000

Estrela Basilica in Lisbon

The Estrela Basilica (Portuguese: Basílica da Estrela) is a basilica in Lisbon, Portugal, built by order of Queen Mary I of Portugal, as a fulfilled promise for giving birth to a son (José, Prince of Brazil). Construction started in 1779 and the basilica was finished in 1790, after the death of José caused by smallpox in 1788.

Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Mary Major

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:14:00 +0000

Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Mary Major in Lisbon

The Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Mary Major (Portuguese: Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa or Sé de Lisboa) is a Roman Catholic parish church located in Lisbon, Portugal. The oldest church in the city is the see of the Archdiocese of Lisbon. Since the beginning of the construction of the cathedral, in the year 1147, the building has been modified several times and survived many earthquakes. It is nowadays a mix of different architectural styles.

Website: www.patriarcado-lisboa.pt/site/

Travel to Cascais

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:31:00 +0000

A postcard-perfect cosmopolitan little beach town

A short train ride along the shore from Lisbon's Cais do Sodré station leads to Cascais, a formerly quaint fishing village that became (along with neighboring Estoril) a popular resort favored by European nobility and kings in the early 20th century. Today it is a colorful cosmopolitan town with elegant pedestrian streets, luxuriant villas, fashionable shops, restaurants and bars.

Elements of its fishing village roots can still be felt at the lively fish auction that takes place every afternoon by the main beach and its brightly painted fishing boats, and the story of old Cascais is told by old photographs, paintings, and other items at the small "Museu do Mar" (Museum of the Sea).

To appreciate the domestic ambience of the aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries, visit the Castro Guimarães Museum, housed in a mansion that once belonged to the Counts of Castro Guimarães. It overlooks the sea and is surrounded by a vast garden. Inside, many of its rooms have been preserved just as the last residents left them, showcasing a collection of decorative art made up of a wealth of artifacts in gold and silver, ceramics, sculpture, and fine furniture. There is also a library with over 25,000 volumes, which can be consulted by researchers and students.

In the pretty pedestrian streets paved with blocks recreating wave patterns in the center of town are good restaurants, bars, and shops, and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, decorated with paintings by the 17th-century artist Josefa de Obidos.

A 20-minute walk along the coastal road leads to an outstanding sight, Boca do Inferno ("Mouth of Hell"). High waves crash into gigantic caves carved out of the rock by the sea, causing an awe-inspiring noise that may explain the name given to the site and why Aleister Crowley chose it to fake his own death in 1930.

The best beach nearby (reached by bus from outside the train station every one or two hours) is the magnificent sandy beach of Guincho. Backed by dunes and with some of the best rollers in Europe, it is a true paradise for surfers. The water is clean and the Atlantic waves pound onto the sand even on the calmest of days, which is why World Surfing Championships have taken place here. Terrace-restaurants overlook the beach and surrounding coastline.

Back in the old town center, a waterfront boardwalk connects Cascais to Estoril (a stroll between the two towns is recommended), just the right place to end your day before heading back to the capital.

If you wish to stay by the beach in Cascais and take day trips to Lisbon instead, take a look at list of hotels in town.

Travel to Central Algarve

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:26:00 +0000

Faro, Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura, Albufeira, & Silves - Luxury beach resorts and lively coastal villages

FARO is the capital of Algarve and home to its international airport. It is often overlooked as visitors just pass it on their way to the resorts, but those who choose to linger a while find a town of considerable charm.
The main point of interest is the peaceful old town, reached via theArco da Vila, an 18th century arch with stork nests at the top, built on the site of a medieval castle gate. At its heart is Largo da Sé, a cobbled square surrounded by elegant buildings, including the Bishops' Palace. Two hundred of its valuable books, now in the Bodleian Library in Oxford, were stolen during the period of Spanish rule in 1596 when English troops burned the city.
In the center of the square is the Renaissance-style cathedral, which was all but destroyed in the English attack. The base of the bell tower, its medieval doorway, and two chapels survived, but everything else was rebuilt in the following century. The interior is richly gilded and decorated with 17th and 18th-century tiles, while behind it is a 16th-century convent converted into anArcheological Museum that includes remains from the nearby Roman ruins of Estoi. Particularly interesting is the mosaic devoted to Neptune and the four winds. The museum is located in Largo Dom Afonso III, a square dominated by the statue of King Afonso III, who conquered the city from the Moors in 1249.
Nearby is also the Church of São Francisco with a plain façade but with rich gilt-covered woodwork and blue and white tiles in the interior.
Back in the modern center of town is Faro's most bizarre sight, the Chapel of Bones in the baroque Carmo Church. The chapel's walls are entirely covered with bones and skulls from the church cemetery (put on display as a grim reminder of mortality), while the rest of the interior is Baroque, mostly decorated with precious Brazilian gold leaf. The Church of São Pedro is also attractive, with a fine altar whose central image is a gilded Last Supperin relief.
Many of the neighboring streets are pedestrianised, filled with inviting cafes and restaurants. A famous café is Café Aliança, a charming old-style coffeehouse with images of a bygone Faro.
By the harbor are two small museums, the Regional Ethnographic Museum (providing a glimpse of traditional Algarve way of life), and the Maritime Museum (with model ships illustrating the region's and the country's naval history).
The closest beach is a stretch of white sand on Ilha de Faro, reached by frequent ferry or bus services.

Just west of Faro is RIA FORMOSA NATURAL PARK, an important bird nestling area and an unique ecological environment formed by lagoons.

Travel to Algarve

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:18:00 +0000

ALGARVE
A holiday paradise: Sun, sand, exotic architectural details, and historical sites
With some of Europe's most beautiful beaches, some of the continent's top golf courses, magnificent cliff scenery, fantastic grottoes, and warm year-round climate, it was inevitable that Algarve, Portugal's southernmost province, would become the country's most popular travel destination. Almost completely destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, it has less cultural attractions than other parts of the country, but its scenic beauty more than makes up for it.
Most visitors to Portugal go to Algarve, and many of them don't leave their resorts to explore more of the country. The reasons are the beaches and views of extraordinary beauty, the year-round sunshine, and its sports and leisure activities. However, there are also historic towns like Faro, Sagres (known as "the end of the world" before the Age of Discovery), and Lagos, all well worth exploring.
The beaches are among the best and cleanest in Europe, with no fewer than thirty of the country's 100-plus European Union "Blue Flag" beaches.
Explore the beautiful Algarve scenery as you play Algarve Golf - rated one of the best places to play golf in Europe!
Central Algarve or the coastline between Faro and Lagos can get quite crowded in the summer, but even there, among the villas, hotels, and sports complexes, it is still possible to find vestiges of traditional Portugal in the narrow whitewashed streets and relative peace and quiet in the cove beaches.
Shut off by hills in the north, Algarve developed on its own and has a climate (more typically Mediterranean) and scenery very different from the rest of Portugal. That, together with it having been the last territory to be conquered from the Moors, gives it a unique identity. It has always been seen as a separate land from the rest of the country, reflected in the official title of Portugal's kings, "King of Portugal and the Algarve," from the 13th century to the end of monarchy in 1910.
The Phoenicians and the Greeks were the first to establish colonies in the area, followed by the Carthaginians and the Romans. They were then followed by the Visigoths who controlled the region for the next 300 years, and the Moors who dominated for the next five centuries. Egyptians settled mostly around Faro, elsewhere included Persians, Syrians, and Berbers from Morocco.
Some of the most special features of Algarve are reminders of their presence, from the latticed chimneys, to the white domed buildings, to the almond trees, to place names beginning with "Al" -- Algarve derives from Al Gharb, meaning "the West".
Christian forces reconquered the land in the 13th century, and two centuries later it played an important role in the Age of Discovery, when Prince Henry the Navigator established a pioneering navigation school in the town of Sagres. The goal was to extend the field of knowledge in cartography and navigation, with ships built in Lagos, from where several expeditions were launched.
Today these shores are not a point of departure, but a place where thousands arrive every year drawn to the sandy beaches and their abundance of extraordinary rock formations, intriguing Moorish heritage, and exotic scenery.
The entire region is a delight to visit all year round, and even near popular resorts it is still possible to escape crowds. It is easy to get around, with towns and villages connected along the entire coast by good main roads and a train line.
In the sections below is information on all that Algarve has to offer, starting at the Spanish border and ending on the west coast, with some side trips north for the most attractive inland towns.

The Oceanarium

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:13:00 +0000

The Oceanarium - The underwater world

Lisbon's Oceanarium is one of the world's largest aquariums. Designed by American architect Peter Chermeyeff, it rises from the river and is reached by a footbridge.

It is a deep-sea diving experience without any of the risks, with about 25,000 fish, seabirds, and mammals in an enormous central tank that is the size of four Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Visitors can look into it from different levels for close-ups of the various creatures, including different species of sharks.

But it's the design rather than the size that makes it outstanding.

It is the first aquarium ever to incorporate world ocean habitats within a single environment, with impressive recreations of various ocean ecosystems -- the Antarctic tank containing penguins, and the Pacific tank with otters playing in rock pools.

They are all separated from the main tank by invisible acrylic walls, giving the impression that all the creatures are swimming in the same space.

There are also high-tech multilingual interactive displays explaining the development of ocean life.

Ride Lisbon's metro, buses, and trams for FREE with the Lisboa Card.

Meco

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:38:00 +0000

Pure refreshment

This is one of the cleanest and most refreshing beaches south of Lisbon. With the exception of flocks of seagulls, you're likely to be all by yourself in many areas. With this sense of isolation, it is not surprising that the final stretch of sand is popular with nudists.

Be sure to stop at the very pleasant beachfront bar, and for a more elaborate meal, go down the main road to the excellent "Mar do Peixe Restaurant."

Although one of the best in the Lisbon coast, this beach is a little challenging to reach by public transportation. You must take the bus to Sesimbra from Lisbon's Praça de Espanha bus terminal, and get off at Santana. From there, around 8 buses daily run to Meco village. Be sure to ask for a timetable for your return trip.

Lagoa de Albufeira

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:37:00 +0000

Swimming with the smell of pines

Lagoa de Albufeira is a fine beach with calm waters.

Nearby is Praia das Picisnas, a peaceful beach sheltered by pine forests and ideal for long walks by the sea.

Public transport is virtually nonexistent, so you'll need your own car to reach it.

Guincho

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:37:00 +0000

Sunbathing and windsurfing

Cliffs outside Cascais give way to a great bank of sand ringed by hills.

It is one of the most beautiful beaches around Lisbon (also with one of the best sunsets), but can be windy and the waves are powerful, which doesn't make it the best beach for swimming.

But many see it as the best place for windsurfing in Europe (it has hosted world championships), and when the wind dies down in the early or late hours, it is also good for surfing.

Sit at the Bar do Guincho for a shake or a light meal and gaze at it all.

It can be reached by bus from Cascais.

Ericeira

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:36:00 +0000

Surfing and fishing

There are several good beaches around the pretty village of Ericeira.

One of the best is Ribeira das Ilhas, considered one of Europe's best surfing spots, having hosted the World Surfing Championships since 1985.

In 2008, the APS World Tour arrives for the 6-star Buondi Billabong Pro championship, which takes place from August 28 to 31, and features a $135,000 first prize!

Visitors will also be able to enjoy the beach's many bars and the parties and concerts that will be held in conjunction with the surfing event.

Ericeira can be reached by bus, departing from Lisbon's Campo Grande terminal, with the journey taking around one hour and 30 minutes.

Costa da Caparica

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:36:00 +0000

Lisbon's summer mecca

You won't find much seclusion on this coast, but if you want easy access to restaurants, cafes, and public transportation, join the crowds at the vast beaches of Caparica. They are popular and lively in the summer, even at night when most bars stay open until late with music and dancing.

Buses depart from Lisbon's Praça de Espanha bus terminal to Caparica town, a 5-minute walk from the beach.

In season, a little open-air train passes through most beaches along this coast -- ring the bell to stop at the beach of your choice (stops are numbered). The best ones areMorena and Sereia, surrounded by dunes and with good bars.

Increasingly popular is Praia da Cabana do Pescador due to its beach bar that offers live music, sofas, massages, and refreshing drinks. Although popular, it never becomes too crowded, as there is plenty of sand and the calmer waves here attract many to the water.

Adraga

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:35:00 +0000

One of Europe's best?

This near-perfect beach was considered one of Europe's best by The Sunday Times, and ranked number two in The Independent's list of top 10 Portugal beaches.

Close to Sintra, and just 15km (9miles) north of Guincho, it is wedged between tall cliffs and has clean blue waters.

It is no longer a secret and gets its number of sunbathers, but beyond the cliffs there is plenty of space and seclusion.

This unspoiled beauty and seclusion has its price -- it is very hard to reach by public transportation.

Casino Lisboa

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:12:00 +0000

Casino Lisboa - Lisbon's casino

The younger sibling of Europe's largest casino in nearby Estoril opened its doors in 2006 with a slightly different concept -- an entertainment venue with gaming on the side as opposed to the other way around.

Estoril Casino maintains a classic and slightly more glamorous atmosphere, while Lisbon's casino bets on the younger generation with a minimalist architecture and a more contemporary ambience.

There are first-class shows every day (often major international productions such as crowd-pleaser "Stomp" that was among those presented in the first year) at the over-600-seat Oceans Auditorium

as well as a variety of performances at the rotating central bar, Arena Lounge.

In total there are four stylishly-designed bars, three restaurants (including the high-end Suite), close to 1000 slot machines, and 22 gaming tables (from the classic American Roulette to Blackjack, Baccarat, and Poker), all distributed across three floors.

Doors are open every day from 3PM to 3AM, and from 4PM to 4AM on Fridays, Saturdays, and on the eve of a national holiday.

Ride Lisbon's metro, buses, and trams for FREE with the Lisboa Card.

CCB - Centro Cultural de Belém

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:11:00 +0000

CCB - Centro Cultural de Belém - Lisbon's cultural and arts center

Originally controversial for its striking modern architecture next to the historical Jeronimos Monastery, the Belem Cultural Center (simply referred to as CCB) was built to host Portugal's presidency of the European Union in 1992.

It has since become the host of numerous international exhibitions (from photography to mixed-media installations), cultural events and congresses, and is also an arts complex with the city's largest auditorium.

For years it was also home to the Design Museum, but that space is now occupied by the Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

The terrace café on the first floor with a garden overlooking the river and the Discoveries Monument is a great place to relax.

Ride Lisbon's metro, buses, and trams for FREE with the Lisboa Card.

Atlantic Pavilion

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:10:00 +0000

Atlantic Pavilion - A UFO-like arena

Shaped like an upturned ship (others say it resembles a UFO landed in the middle of the city), the Atlantic Pavilion is officially Portugal's largest indoor arena, with a capacity for over 15,000 spectators.

It is the venue for major visiting bands and artists, and has hosted international events such as the Tennis Masters championships, the World Indoor Athletics Championship, and the MTV Europe Music Awards.

A short walk from there is the Garcia da Orta Garden, named after a 16th century Portuguese doctor who studied and classified Asian plants. Its vegetation came from the regions of the world explored by the Portuguese during the Age of Discovery.

Get to Pavilhão Atlântico using Lisbon's metro or buses for free with the Lisboa Card.

Portugal Pavilion

noreply@blogger.com (Danny) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:09:00 +0000

Portugal Pavilion
A gravity-defying structure

The Portugal Pavilion is a striking building designed by Portugal's Pritzker Award-winning architect Alvaro Siza Vieira.

Its remarkable sagging concrete roof weighing 1,400 tonnes and measuring 50 by 67 meters (167 by 223 ft) is an instant attention-grabber, undulating like a sailcloth, keeping the maritime theme of most of the district's architecture. The building is currently empty but there have been plans to turn it into an architecture museum.

Ride Lisbon's metro, buses, and trams for FREE with the Lisboa Card.