Dreaming of sun, pleasant weather, amazing food and rich history? Lisbon has you all covered! Join our tour to get to know the very heart of the marvellous city of Lisbon!
Much older than Paris, Rome and London, in fact only Athens can compete with Lisbon in this matter. Legend has it that it was Ulysses, the wisest of men, who established the city and from here he sailed into the unknown. The city’s name originates (according to one of the versions) in old Phoenician and can be translated to “pleasant haven”. And this is exactly what it was for centuries – Europe’s westernmost port, safely sitting on the river banks, well established a long time before the Romans made it one of their trading centres. Lisbon became a true melting pot during the times it was ruled by the Muslims. They allowed different ethnic and religious groups to settle and the city flourished as a multicultural centre, where people were allowed to keep their own, unique ways of life. This thriving multiethnic hub came to an end when crusader knights conquered Lisbon and it soon became the capital of christian Portugal. With time Muslims fled, Arabic symbols were erased and the remaining Jewish population was forced to convert or killed. Lisbon of old was gone but shortly later the city rose again and it soon gained a new momentum, becoming the European window to the wide world during the Age of Discoveries. It was exactly from here, from the port of Lisbon that far flung expeditions left European shores and reached Africa, India and the New World. Lisbon was thriving. It became a commercial hub where maritime trade routes would meet, connecting Africa, India, China and Brazil bringing here unimaginable riches – spices, sugar, slaves, textile and gold. It all came to a tragic end – in 1755 the city experienced the biggest disaster in its history – the great earthquake followed by a tsunami and fire. Lisbon, one of the biggest cities in Europe at the time, was destroyed 85% with nearly 40 thousand people killed. And then from the ashes of the past a modern city arose, built according to new rules – with the first earthquake-resistant district in Europe. It was now centred around two magnificent squares – Praça do Rossio and Praca do Comercio and that is precisely where we are going to meet!
During our walk around the downtown of Lisbon we will see the iconic, elegant landmarks of the city, including the harbour facing plaza, Praca do Comercio, with its pompous governmental and commercial buildings. It was exactly through this place that riches flowed into Portugal but it also became the stage of events that changed the country forever and ended centuries long period of monarchy. We will then visit Augusta Street starting with the famous Arch that commemorates the city’s rebuilt from the rumble of the earthquake. We will stop at Praça do Rossio which has been the centre of the city forever and still remains as the favourite meeting place of the locals. We will walk the streets of the centre of Lisbon to see its magnificent churches and monasteries, monuments and memorials and explain Lisbon’s history, its past and present. We will also get you acquainted with local food and drinking culture so you experience Lisbon like a true local! Come and join us to discover all the charms Lisbon has to offer!
During this 2,5 hour tour we will see and discover:
- Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square)
- City Hall of Lisbon
- Augusta Street and its famous Arch
- Santa Justa Elevator
- Rossio Square
- São Domingos Church
- the Jewish memorial
- the Square and Monastery of Carmo
- Camões Square
- and much, much more.
