Lisbon City travel
Lisbon is said to be the third oldest city in the world after Athens in Greece and Rome in Italy. The legendary ancient Greek hero Ulysses founded the city of Lisbon. That story will be another day. The sea, the mountains, the natural environment surrounded by rivers, along with many world heritage and cultural places. The city of Lisbon is a unique combination of modernity with old age. Today we have organized a city tour in this ancient city. I have been in Lisbon for two days. Although some parts are within walking distance, the main attractions of Lisbon are yet to be seen.
We came to Lisbon with a group of 20 people from Bangladesh to attend a conference. Since we do not have a session in the conference today, today has been chosen as the day for the city tour. After a complimentary breakfast, I got into the hotel lobby and got acquainted with our tour guide Patricia. Quite an attractive woman in her mid-thirties. Although she is a mother of two children, her youth is still intact.
Can speak English very well. And the thing that I like the most is that it takes a little bit of time to talk, which makes it very easy for even raw people like us to understand English. I learned from Patricia about our destination today. Today we are going to visit some of the main destinations in the city of Lisbon and its suburbs. Our hotel means the Borges Chiado Hotel itself is a heritage place and the place called Chiado is also one of the tourist destinations. Get out of here and take Santia Banta Elevator to Rocio Square. From there we will go straight to the Belem area; Which is actually a suburb.
Lisbon city small group half-day tour
In Belem we will visit Belem Tower, Discovery Monument, April 26 Bridge and Jeronimos Monastery and also taste the famous pastry of Lisbon. From there see the Lisbon Colosseum, Sporting Lisbon playground and head back to the hotel via Miraduro Parca Eduardo Seven. On the way back, anyone can stop for shopping or the city tour will end in Rossio. Dinner should be eaten at any restaurant.
Patricia was giving us some information about Lisbon at the beginning of the tour. Due to which I saw the enthusiasm of Patriciabler doubled. When there is an enthusiastic audience, who is not. And how can the beautiful guide's melodious words leave me without being tempted. So the chat went well. Lisbon, the capital and largest city in Portugal; It is located on the banks of the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. It is a picturesque town on the banks of the river Tagus, consisting of seven large hills. That is why this city is also known as Seven Hill City to many.
Elevador de Santa Justa: An Antique Elevator in front of us in the city center before boarding the bus from Rocio. I have come and gone through this place several times in the last two days, I have seen the structure but it has not stopped. It is a single lift; Which was designed by the designer of the Eiffel Tower. However, it is said that Gustav Eiffel himself did not build the elevator directly, but his students built the elevator and he supervised it. Its structure is somewhat similar to that of the Eiffel Tower.
The elevator is named after the road that leads to Shantayasta, in the Chiado area of Lisbon, Portugal. Its work began in 1900 and ended in 1902. Initially, the elevator had to be reached on foot, but it was converted in 1908 to an electric line. The height of this lift made of iron is 45 meters. It is a favorite tourist attraction in the city of Lisbon.
From this lift, Lisbon can be seen in full 360 degree view. Another name for it is Carmo Lift. This elevator merges the lower bays with the upper carmo square. This is the only road lift in Lisbon that is open to the public. If you want to go to Carmo from Baisha, you can also take a taxi, but in that case the fare has to be multiplied several times, it will also take a lot of time. And by taking this lift you can easily get to Carmo from Baisha for only 5 Euros, but if you have a day pass you can take this lift for free. Since we have to go a little farther to the destination, we did not take the elevator and proceeded towards Rossio. However, a few days later I had the opportunity to take the elevator, which is also free. Coming later in that story.
The bus left us as we were late to reach Rossio. In fact, Rosio is such a busy place that you can't park your car here for long. And we have such a large team that it is difficult to bring everyone together. Team leader Saiful Bhai contacted the bus driver on his mobile and informed that the bus was turning again.
As the bus approached, Patricia was giving us an idea of the main installations in the vicinity of Rocio Square. This Rossio Square became an important place in Lisbon in the 13th and 14th centuries. It has been one of the most important squares in Lisbon ever since. It was once used as a venue for festivals, bullfights or executions, and is now one of Lisbon's most popular venues.
From here it looked like a castle on top of a hill, what I saw last night from Alpha, St. George's Castle. Now it looks different to see from below in daylight. The mystery seen yesterday seems to have disappeared.
THE 10 BEST Lisbon City Tours (with Photos)
Our team leader once again explained to everyone in the team in a little harsh language that today is the end; If such an incident occurs then the bus will leave leaving the rest with those who will be present. From then on we became very cautious. Even then, the number of Kumbhakarna in the team was not very low, so most of the days, there were many empty seats in the bus.
Being the youngest in the team and having a DSLR in hand, I got a little loose attention from everyone. Due to which the front seat of the bus was used most of the time for the convenience of taking pictures. Next to me is Patricia's seat, which also has a microphone. With that microphone, Patricia was telling us about the history and heritage of Lisbon.
The first settlements were established here 3600 BC. So this city has many ancient monuments. So every year about 16 million people travel to Portugal and a significant number of them come to enjoy the ancient beauty of this city. There are many historical and scenic places here. Moreover, Lisbon is one of the capital cities of the world with Sea Beach. Only 20 km from Lisbon city center. Location of the beach away; Which can be reached by bus, train or car in just 15-20 minutes.
The bus is running along the banks of the river Tagus. Such a beautiful pleasant environment! Anyone can walk around Geronimos and explore the whole area. Belem Tower was seen from the bus. It is also a 16th century structure, included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 along with the Geronimos Monastery. You have to buy a ticket to get inside.
Belem Tower
The most famous destination in Belem is Tori the Belly or Belem Tower. In winter it is open from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm and in summer it is open from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. However, the entrance was closed half an hour before the end of the exhibition. It is also called the Tower of St. Vincent. This castle-shaped watch tower on a small river island looks like a small ship floating in the water.
It was inaugurated by King Manuel I in 1519. In the old days, the minaret was used to protect the city. The main tower of the tower is 30 meters high. We get off the bus and see the huge line to get inside. Seeing such a big line, my mind became depressed. It will take about an hour to cross this line and check the security. However, Patricia assured us that our tickets are pre-booked, so we do not have to stand in line, we can enter directly.
Let's be a little reassured. A ticket package for both Belem Tower and Geronimos Monastery can be purchased for € 12, but tickets to the monastery alone cost 5 euros and no ticket to enter the church. Before climbing the tower you have to cross a draw bridge, a very deep ditch below. It is understood that at one time this measure was taken to keep the tower safe. I have seen several medieval castles before this type of draw-bridge. Although the tower was once used for security purposes, over time it lost its usefulness and was used as a custom house, prison, telegraph house and even as a lighthouse.
And today it is merely a tourist attraction. However, there are still some war tools used during that period. Be aware that access to the top and middle floors of the tower, with very narrow, steep spiral staircases, is to be climbed to the top. The same stairs are used for ascent and descent and there is a red light to avoid possible collisions; Which constantly gives signals. Entry fee for tower only € 5.
Belém Tower (wikipedia Link )
The Belem Tower is a fortress built in the 18th century to protect the entrance to the Tagus River and to be the official gateway to Lisbon. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant contributions during the Portuguese Age of Discovery. It is now located on the banks of the Tagus River though; However, it is said that during the construction it was built on a small island in the middle of the river Tagus.
Later, in the earthquake of 1855, the direction of the river Tagus changed and it became located on the banks of the river. We climbed the stairs to the upper terrace. The view of the river Tagus from here is very beautiful. The bridge named April 24 could be seen from here too. There is an army barracks on one side. Not far away is the Combatant Museum. A museum of weapons has been built in a fort of the 18th century. From here we descended the stairs again to the dungeon or underground prison of King Manuel I, which was used for the detention and torture of traitors.
Although the view from the top of the tower is very heartwarming, the mind was poisoned as soon as I entered this dungeon, I don't know how much blood of innocent people is mixed in this wall, how many innocent witnesses are silent witnesses of this cruel wall.
The mind did not stay here for long. No major conservation or reconstruction of the tower was carried out in that sense until the middle of the nineteenth century. The Belem Tower is what it looks like today, after a year of long-term reconstruction work in early 1986. The tower was declared one of the "Seven Wonders of Portugal" in 2006.
'Pante 25 De Abril'
Leaving Belem Tower, I sat for a while on the paved pavement of the riverbank, enjoying the beauty of the Tagus River. There is a two seater plane next to the tower. Patricia said the two sailors made their maiden voyage across the Atlantic on board the plane, which was named in their honor. From here you can see the 'Pante 25 de Abril' bridge, whose name is associated with the Portuguese
Revolution of 25 April 1974. The bridge looks a lot like the 'Golden Gate' bridge in San Francisco, USA. The Golden Gate Bridge was built under the supervision of the same engineering house under the supervision of the same engineering house. That is why there is so much similarity between the two bridges. Interestingly, the statue of 'Christ the King' on the other side of the river is also modeled on the 'Christ the Redeemer' in Brazil. At one point, Lisbon, Rio de Janeiro and San Francisco were all tasted.
Discovery Monument
I got up from here and walked a little to a place like a harbor. Yachts and boats of various shapes around. It has everything from fishing boats to pleasure boats, jet skis. The huge pillar-like monument that stands in front is called the Padrao des ' or Discovery Monument - a monument commemorating the Portuguese discoveries of the 15th and 16th centuries. Sailors lined up on the ship's mast.
Statues on both sides of the white monument - a total of 33 seafarers. In front of everyone is a statue of Father Henry the Navigator in the world of Portuguese navigation. Vasco da Gama was not left out either. How many merchants came to the Indian subcontinent attracted by the aroma of cardamom, cinnamon and various spices. Following in his footsteps, in 1498, King Manuel I of Portugal sent Vasco da Gama in search of a new waterway.
Monument to the Discoveries
Departing from Lisbon, it reached the coast of Calicut, India on May 20, 1496, via Cape of Hope in South Africa, Mozambique and Mombasa Malindi in Kenya. The door to trade in Asia was opened by sea from Europe. The 161-foot-tall sculpture is reminiscent of the adventures of Portuguese sailors.
Just below it is a world map with some other devices, including sextant instruments, in the navigation to remind us of Portugal's golden past. The Winders were presented to Portugal by the South African Union to commemorate the 500th death anniversary of Henry the Navigator.
Henry the Navigator discovered the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Ships would sail from the Tagus River in the 15th-16th centuries to explore trade routes to India and the East, known in history as the Portuguese Age of Discovery. The Monument of Discovery was created in memory of the Portuguese Age of Discovery.
Interestingly, it was built twice, once temporarily in 1940. Which was demolished in 1943, then rebuilt permanently in 1960, as we have seen. The top of this monument can be climbed for an entrance fee. From there it is nice to see the map of the world engraved on the river, Belem area, the courtyard adjacent to the monument.
In this same precinct, profit is written in huge letters and thousands of locks are hanging on its net. I have seen this joke in different cities before. This joke of locking up profit does not enter my head.
Jeronimos Monastery
After seeing the Belem Tower and the Discovery Monument, I got on the bus again and went to the other side of the road. A little bit of road, could be reached on foot. As soon as he got off the bus, the team leader informed that the total time here is 1 hour. After exactly 1 hour, the bus will stop at the designated place for 5 minutes, if anyone misses, take a taxi to the hotel. From the bus I saw a beautiful white installation.
But it was a mistake to get off the bus and go a little further, which I actually thought was the Jeronimos Monastery, a cutout of the same size printed on a PVC of that monastery. In fact, the Geronimos Monastery is undergoing renovations at the moment, so this is a fancy arrangement. I went forward.
Huge 18th century white stone installation. In the distance is the river Tagus. The construction style is as beautiful as it is durable. The Great Earthquake of 185 did not cause as much damage to Geronimos as most of the buildings in Lisbon collapsed.
Jerónimos Monastery (wikipedia like)
It was first started as a quarantine center after returning from a voyage. When the sailors returned from the voyage, they could only enter the main city after spending a few days here. The reason for this arrangement was that the disease germs carried from outside could not enter the city.
Even today this system is not very useful. The usefulness of this system is being felt in the bones during today's Kovid epidemic. Geronimus Monastery, a christened church of white manual architecture named after Saint Jerome. In 1495, King Manuel I founded it. But this church also has other historical significance.
It also has to do with the history of Vasco da Gama. It is said that Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese sailor, spent the night before his voyage to India in 1498 AD. The monument was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1983.
The construction of Jeronimos Monastery was completed in 1502. The monastery houses the Portuguese National Archaeological and Ethnological Museum, which can be said to be a collection of prehistoric and Roman archives. Elite garden in front of the ashram. The sea expedition is almost synonymous with the Portuguese. This monastery is a witness of Portugal's campaign period. This place carries even greater significance in history, as it contains the Vasco-da-Gama burial site.
JERONIMOS MONASTERY
Gamma is a Portuguese explorer, as well as a tourist; The first person to come to Asia by water from Europe. The incident took place in 1498. Not only did he connect Asia and Europe, he started his journey from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean. The expedition paved the way for the establishment of long Portuguese colonies in Asia. Experts believe that this campaign has introduced many cultural concepts of globalization.
Part of the church is now a museum. You have to buy a ticket and enter. I looked ahead and saw a huge line. Today is the closing day. Now standing in line will definitely take two hours. So I did not step on it. However, tourists can go freely to the main part of the church. On the left is the tomb of Vasco da Gama.
His remains brought from India are kept here. And the tomb on the right is that of the Portuguese poet and historian Louis Camoves. The interior of the church is illuminated by the entry of sunlight through the stained glass. The altar of prayer on the high pillars and arches is also colorful and the stone carvings are also impeccable.
The Portuguese delicacy ‘Pastel de Natar’ originated in this monastery. The sweet national dish of egg flour is really delicious. It is readily available from street side shops to well-known restaurants. And the history is also interesting. The food originated in the hands of monks in monasteries sometime before the 18th century. Catholic monkeys used egg whites to starch clothing. The food originates from the yolk of the remaining eggs. The confectionery is also very popular in Brazil and other former Portuguese colonies.
The UK's Guardian magazine named it the 15th most delicious food in the world. Probably no tourist leaves Portugal without tasting Pastel de Nata. How can we miss that opportunity? As soon as I took a bite of the food bought for 2.5 Euros, I felt like I had put my face in sweet butter. Really wonderful taste. When I returned to the country, I brought two dozen relatives with me. But I could not find the taste I had in the Jeronimus Monastery. I tried Nata in Prague the following year and in Spain the following year, but never got that taste.
Even after trying Nata, I see a lot of time in hand. I saw many of our team lined up for the 15th Century Heritage Carriage. For only 5 euros this carriage will take you around the whole monastery complex. I don't have much enthusiasm, but I was more attracted to a pair of horses attached to it than a carriage. Honestly, I have never seen such an advanced horse before.
Without wasting any more time there, I walked a little further and entered a museum. It is the National Archaeological Museum of Portugal. I had to stop and read. History seems to have been boxed up. From various thousands of years old fossils in various glass boxes to various documents and the history of navigation in Portugal and the evolution of different types of boats. Having a good time looking around, but the rules left. Fellow phone, bus is gone. Necessarily, I set out on my way back with half the history in my head.
It's too late, everyone is more or less hungry. As soon as Patricia informed him, we turned the bus around and headed for another suburb of Lisbon. We had to leave the bus on Main Road in a very old neighborhood and walk a little to reach a Portuguese restaurant.
Although the road is long, the graffiti of different designs on the houses on both sides of the road and their bright colors easily fascinated everyone. After lunch, I sat in the restaurant for a while and chatted. This time I chased Patricia again. Our destination this time is Miraduro Parca Eduardo Seven, a name of pride
Miraduro Parca Eduardo Seven
After a 20-minute bus ride, Patricia got off the bus with us at the foot of a hill. Now you have to go up the stairs. Not too difficult, of course. Many people sat on the bus after hearing about Hill. But those who did not come later regretted seeing the picture. Honestly, this is a wonderful place. Miraduro Parca Eduardo Seven is a great place to spend an afternoon in particular.
This is actually a view point. Miraduro in Portuguese means view point. This viewpoint was created in 1945 in memory of Eduardo VII. If the sky is clear, you can see Marcus de Pamble Street and Avendida de Libardade if you look south from here; And if you have a good fortune, you can cross the river Tagus to the Hills of Arrabida.
In fact, looking back, my eyes widened, and I thanked Patricia again for bringing this wonderful beauty to this place. Here is another monument built in honor of April 25th. After spending some time here, we headed for Lisbon Arena.
EDUARDO VII PARK & GREEN CORRIDOR
Once used as a bullfight arena, it is now used as a shopping mall. However, there are still opportunities to enjoy Bull Fight in exchange for a visit on certain days of the week. Hope to hear more about Bull Fight and its history in my travelogue to Spain. I did not spend much time here. Because we have plans to go to another big shopping mall. The work that was supposed to happen, again Patricia showed us the way forward.
Sporting Lisbon Home Ground
In contrast to the shopping mall we now stand in, is the home ground of Jose Albalade, the famous club Sporting Lisbon. 50,000 spectators can watch the game sitting together in this stadium. The stadium was established in 1956. Excited, we crossed the road a few feet closer to the stadium.
Now there is no game so the stadium is closed. And if you want to enter this stadium, you have to pre-book in advance. Our guide told us he could arrange a visit to the stadium if we wanted. However, most of them did not see any encouragement, I also gave up. Sporting Lisbon is a professional football club playing in Portugal's top league. The world famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo's professional career started at this club. Fans of Ronaldo's former club call the club Leo.
In Bengali it means lion. Founded in 1906, it is one of the three largest clubs in Portugal. They have never in their history been relegated from Portugal's first division football to the second division. Sporting Lisbon, which has won a total of 52 titles so far, ranks third in Portuguese football history in terms of title wins; One of which was the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup title in the 1983-84 season. Of their 52 trophies, 19 are Premier League trophies. They have also won the Portuguese Cup trophy four times, the Champion of Portugal four times, the Taka The Liga title three times, and the Portuguese Super Cup eight times. Sporting Lisbon ranks 32nd in the ranking of European clubs.
Since it was not possible to enter the stadium, it was decided to spend time in the shopping mall. Again the team leader fixed the time, exactly two hours. At exactly 6 o'clock everyone must be present in the parking lot otherwise miss dinner. Everyone was present in the parking lot on time except for two female members of the party, whether it was for dinner or for fear of paying the taxi fare. Leaving them, we had dinner at a Bengali hotel and went straight to the hotel.
Tomorrow's plan is to cross the Vasco da Gama Bridge and visit a factory outlet called Port Alto on the other side of the Tagus River. There are all the famous and expensive brands in the world at a nominal price. Hearing this, I said that the interest of the women members of the party had reached a certain point; But for a poor tourist like me, these factory outlets are still like a dream.