| In the16. century. Lisbon experienced its
blossom and became one of the most important commercial centres and most
magnificent metropolises in Europe. Under the reign of Manuel I. annually
2000 ships drove up the Tejo delta, loaded with black slaves, jewels, spices
and silk from Africa, India and South America!
 Of
all the splendour hardly a stone remained. On All Saint's Day in
1755 the city was almost completely destroyed by the heaviest earthquake,
which ever shook a big European city. 40,000 humans died! Napoleon's invasions
caused further destruction ....
 Today
Lisbon is however again one of the most charming metropolises of Europe
and the hilliest port of the world; a city, which one should explore best
on foot or by means of public transportation. Historic trams squeaking
meandering through the narrow, mountainous streets, cable railways and
a historical elevator in the midst of the city (Elevator de Santa Justa)
make it easy for you, to explore all parts of the city. The oldest district
of Lisbon is the Alfama. Built on rock,
it largely survived the quake. Here was the centre of the old Moorish city.
Although it must be urgently redeveloped, - like also Venice - the
place between romantic and poverty has its own very special charm!
|
The
city of Lisbon extends over steep hills and deep valleys along the banks
of the Tejo river - a city with many faces! Already at times of the Phoenicians
the large natural harbour Alis Ubbo (lovely bay) was a base of the
merchant shipping of Carthage. Afterwards Greeks and Romans (200 BC to
400 AD) ruled over the city. Julius Caesar called it Felicitas Julia.
In 714 the Moors arrived from Morocco, replacing a succession of northern
tribes. They fortified the city and held out against Christian attack for
over 400 years, until the city was conquered 1147 by the Portuguese king
Alfons I.. Lixboa (Lisboa). In the 13th century Lisbon became a
residence and the capital of Portugal.
