Sunday, March 13, 2011

Visit Lisbon


Lisbon is an ancient and enchanting city which is the Portuguese capital. Lisbon dates back thousands of years, and was occupied by the Romans at one point. The history of this city is endless, even though the earthquake of 1755 shook Lisbon to its core. Almost half of the historic building and churches were reduced to rubble, and many people were swept away by the out of control tides. Lisbon thought it's time was over, but with determination, the people of the area began rebuilding the city into what it is today.
There isn't a best time to visit Lisbon- it has a mild temperate all year round, thanks to its location near the sea which produces cool breezes throughout the year. When visiting Lisbon make sure that you visit a few of its many museums. A good place to start is the Fado and Portuguese Guitar house. This place is ideal if you want to explore intimate Portuguese culture, and what better way to do it than getting to grips with the heart of the country's music. Another great museum to visit is the National Museum of Ancient Art. It was constructed in 1884 to house some sculptures and artwork from local churches and monasteries. Since, it has become home to countless pieces of artwork dating back to medieval times, and also has some modern artwork and artifacts too.
One thing you will find in Lisbon is its array of gastronomic delights. With Portugal having so big of a coastline, the fresh seafood that is available is a real treat. During the summer months, you won't go far without smelling fresh, grilled sardines and huge varieties of shellfish. A dish called Bacalhau is the national dish of Portugal; as we eat turkey at Christmas, the Portuguese eat Bacalhau (salted cod fish). Make sure you try this authentic dish, to really get a taste of Lisbon.
When visiting, there is a fantastic range of apartments in Lisbon available to rent, most of which are of extremely good value. Apartments in Alfama are particularly popular, and you will be sure to find something that matches your needs and your pocket.

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