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I came to Lisbon on the night train from Granada, Spain. The idea is that you save on hotel costs, get a good nights sleep on the train, and arrive ready to explore the new destination. It has never worked out like that for me. I usually arrive very tired ready to crash my head on any bed I can find. This trip was no exception. Fortunately I could got into my hostel early and spent most my first day in Lisbon sleeping. |
Arising from my slumber I spent the latter afternoon exploring some of Lisbon's streets which are an attraction themselves and will feature thoughout this posting.
Exploring Lisbon's streets was something I tended to do in the latter part of the day after "official" site seeing.
During my first full day of exploration, I headed out towards the foreshore. First object of interest I came across was an impressive looking column.
The column in the square is topped by a bronze statue of Afonso de Albuquerque, the second Governor of Portuguese India.
Continuing on, towards the Belem Tower, I came to a monument that looks like a boat. Built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, it is named the Monument of the Discoveries. Representing a three-sailed ship ready to depart, it is flanked by statues of historical figures.
Belem Tower was originally built in the 16th-century as a fortification. Material used was beige-white limestone, called Lioz, local to the Lisbon area. It was built in two parts, a bastion and a four-story tower.
Later used as a lighthouse and then a customs center, it has, since 1983 been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Belem Tower does have an internal part which is accessable to the public. However looking at the length of the line and the slowness of its movement I decided to give it a miss.
Leaving Belem Tower and circling back to my hostel, I came to the day's highlight, Jeronimos Monastery
Jeronimos Monastery became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Built to commemorate the return of Vasco de Gama from India, construction began on the 6th January, 1501 and was not complete until the 17th century.
The architectural style of the cloisters and Church of St Maria, is called Manueline. It is a highly lavish style, indigeous to Portugal, using motifs which have a nautical theme. In the decorations will be seen, corals, crosses, seashells, ropes, anchors and other objects which suggest seafaring exploration.
Vasco de Gama was a Portuguese navigator who established the sea link between Portugal and India (1497-1498). The new trade route gave Portugal supremacy in the India Ocean for the next century.
It is believed the Vasco De Gama and his crew spend their last night in Portugal at this locality before setting off on their voyage of discovery.
A day at the beach, swimming and enjoying the sun was the plan. Well, the enjoying the sun part worked out OK, but the water was cold. Even the female members of our party said the water was cold. Now that IS cold. I do not know which beach it was. Perhaps I should have asked.
Because of the chilly water we left early and made an unscheduled stop at the Sanctuary of Christ the King. With its outstretched arms it, from a distance, looks like a crucifix.
Castelo de S. Jorge was built in the 11th century, during the Moorish period, to house military troops. Though never meant to be a residence, the elite were housed during times of siege.
Today its grounds are used for recreational activities. The only remaining green spece area in Lisbon where native species of Portuguese forest predominate and also offerring a magnificant view over areas of Lisbon as such Praça do Comércio.
This square dates from 1755, being built on the site of an earlier palace which was destroyed by an earthquake/Tsunami. The plaza is surrounded on three sides by distinctive yellow buildings, the southern side facing out over the Tejo Estuary. This plaza was the gateway to latter 18th century Portugual.
Located in the Pombaline Downtown of Lisbon, Rossio Square has been one of Lisbon's main squares since the middle ages.
In the center is a monument, 27 meters high. The base is of marble allegories representing Justice, Wisdom, Strenth and Moderation. On top is a statue of Dom Pedro IV who is said to have processed these qualities. On either side of the square are baroque fountains.
In the 19th century the ground of the square was paved with cobblestones upon which a wave pattern has been painted. Entering the square from the direction of either fountain, the ground looks as if it is a series of troughs and rises. But once on the ground, or viewed at 90 degrees, you realise that it is flat, the rises and troughs being an optical illusion.
When I took these photographs not many people were present. Other times I visited, the square was a hive of human activity.
In the future I would like Lisbon to be the start/end point of a grand Lisbon-Istanbul tour of Europe.