Lisbon, the great

LISBON, THE GREAT

 

Shall we take a walk down Memory Avenue? It’s impossible to separate the city’s centuries-old history from the grandeur of its monuments. In them, you’ll still find traces of times past, from the Age of Discoveries to the last king of Portugal. Start your journey in Sintra and let its former glory carry you through to Mafra, Óbidos, Tomar, and Fátima. Accept this invitation to travel through time.
D. Fernando II was king of Portugal by right of his wife, D. Maria II. He was also regent and his children’s tutor. Man of arts and literature, he was responsible for great advances in the Portuguese society. Pena Palace on the top of a beautiful hill is a mark of his reign. It looks like something out of a fairy tale and remains a symbol of Portuguese Romanticism.
It is a must-see for those visiting Sintra, a beautiful village less than an hour away from Lisbon, with a 19 Century-esque historic centre with Vila Palace as the main attraction, a place where many architectural styles merge together, namely: Medieval, Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance and Romantic where kings and princes have lived.
The many beautiful sights show why Sintra is such a unique place, like Moors Castle or Monserrate Palace. Make sure to include a walk through the overwhelmingly beautiful and romantic gardens and national parks in your travel plan.

Sintra is also home to Queluz Palace, ordered by D. Pedro III and considered by many the "Portuguese Versailles". Built in the 18th Century according to the Rococo and Neo Classical style it’s one of the most beautiful Portuguese palaces open to the public. Foreign Heads of State visiting Portugal have stayed in one of the palace’s wings.
Lisbon’s central location and efficient transportation network make Portugal’s capital a perfect starting point for a number of tours, no more than 1 or 2 hours away. These trips feel like real time travels to many different centuries that only a country like Portugal, with its historical tradition, could offer.

 

Lisbon from North to South
Once you cross Tejo river, through 25th of April bridge, places like Serra da Arrábida await, with the forest 500 metres above the sea and a small bay called Portinho. Not many places in the world can offer this curious liaison between the mountains.

The day never seems to end on the other side of Tejo as there is still plenty to be seen. Meco and Costa da Caparica beaches are a must, as well as the village of Sesimbra, where the ever so fresh fish and seafood are the biggest proof of the Portuguese’s intertwinement to the sea. The Crab cream and an ice cold beer are nearly obligatory treats.
There are also amazing unique locations to the North of Lisbon, like the sumptuous Palace-Convent of Mafra, built in the first half of the 18th century with wealth brought from Brazil. This building was ordered by the king D. João V to tuition a promise.
Even further North Óbidos can be found. Behind its walls lies the true magic from the Medieval times. Óbidos is female village. It was a Queen’s land, many had it in their dowry and in their possessions. Leonor de Portugal, wife to João II, has spent several seasons there. Josefa de Óbidos, a paintress born in Seville who moved to Portugal at the age of 15, was the “créme de la créme” of the feminine Barroque, along with Artemisia Gentileschi. She was an example of feminine excellence in a man’s World. Óbidos most famous alcoholic beverage is Ginja (sour cherry licquour) served in a chocolate glass. Every year village’s chocolate festival soaks up the city walls and sinks into your palate.

There’s also Tomar, with its castle and the Convent of Christ a city founded by the literature’s well known Templars. This religious Order of knights would exert its power all over the country, having contributed immensely towards Portugal’s formation.
Also nearby Fátima Sanctuary is one of the biggest places of appraisal to the Virgin Mary worldwide. Built from 1917, it was inspired by the belief on the apparition of the Virgin Mary to three little shepherds. Visiting Fátima goes beyond religion, it’s a proof of the true power of human faith.

 

Simply unforgettable
If there’s one thing about Lisbon, it’s that no matter how many times you visit it, this capital full of history will always be an easy place to get to, a place you can actually feel. You’ll find yourself immersed in prose and verse, being a part of romances and adventures, travels and epopees, going up Almeida Garrett street and sitting next to poet Fernando Pessoa’s statue, glancing at Tejo river next to the Adamastor giant created by the poet Camões, sitting in the mythical bar and listening to Natália Correia’s poetry echoing the walls or in Graça viewpoint, feeling what Sophia de Mello Breyner felt.
From the top of its 7 hills, Lisbon seems smaller, more “our own”. From Santa Catarina viewpoint to Portas do Sol, from Torel garden to 9th of Abril viewpoint, the majestic Tejo river colours the landscape.

Stay longer…
To experience Lisbon at a leisurely pace, take advantage of the long-stay offer (more than 3 nights) at the Junior Suite of the PortoBay Marquês hotel – perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the city with the time it truly deserves. And for total comfort when getting around, Prestige program members can enjoy an exclusive partnership with Europcar, making it easier to explore Lisbon as well as take trips to Sintra, Óbidos, or Mafra. Book your stay now and enjoy an unforgettable journey!