| Lisbon is the capital, largest city and the main port of Portugal.
The international airport Portela is located on the north side of the city.
Location and climate:
Lisbon is the most western capital of continental Europe. The city enjoys a prime location on the south-western coast of the Iberian Peninsula in the broad outlet of the River Tagus and just 15 km from the Atlantic Ocean. The city spreads along the Lisbon coast stretching from river outlets to the beaches of Alentejo. Modern high-rise buildings, closer to metropolitan suburbs, are replaced by picturesque fishing huts, combined into small settlements. In winter, the average temperature is +9 degrees and 24 degrees in the summer period. The Lisbon neighborhood is rich in vegetation, among which are: cluster pine, eucalyptus, and evergreen shrubs (maquis).
Population, language, religion:
Lisbon is Portugal's largest city. Over 564,477 (according to 2001 census) citizens and in agglomeration of Greater Lisbon - around 2.6 million, which makes up almost one quarter of the state's population. The capital of Portugal is single-native city comprising 97% of the Portuguese population. Virtually the entire population of the capital is Catholic and most citizens regularly go to church. In addition, Lisbon has a Jewish community, with a little over one thousand parishioners.
The history of city development:
Lisbon - is a city with a history spanning more than 20 centuries.
Results of archaeological excavations confirm the presence of Phoenicians in 1200 BC in the area. It is believed that the Phoenician trading port could be present in the center of the modern city, on the southern slope of Castle Hill, from where the Phoenician ships could replenish food stocks while on their way to the north. This place, presumably, could be called "Alis Ubbo" (blessed bay) due to convenient port shelter, which was formed right by the branch of the River Tagus. According to other assumptions, the name of the city could have derived from the pre-Roman name of the river Tagus - Lisso or Lucio.
In ancient sources, the city was first mentioned in the II century BC as a large settlement of the Iberian tribe Lusitani. The advantageous location, with respect to economic planning, contributed to the rapid growth of the city. At the end of the II century BC, the city was captured by the Roman Empire. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Suevi and Visigoths tribes moved to this place.
In 714, the city came under the rule of the Islamic caliphate. The Arab rule lasted for more than three centuries, after which, French knights conquered the city in the war against the Muslims. The city was conquered by Moors on October 25, 1147 but it became the capital of Portugal only in 1256. In 1384, the city had experienced a four-month siege by Castilian troops.
Lisbon existed relatively peacefully until November 1, 1755, when an earthquake razed it to ground. The city was restored only at the end of the XVIII century. Reconstruction of city became the main objective of Napoleon Bonaparte and his force took over the reins of city in 1807 but the city was recaptured in 1811. In subsequent years, Lisbon became the arena of collision by various political interests and peace was restored only after the end of Second World War.
Cultural significance:
Often, Lisbon is referred to as the pearl of Portuguese cities. The city comprises of very well blended architectural heritage of different styles. You can find acastle, built in IX - XIV centuries, a XII century Romanesque cathedral (rebuilt in XVIII century), a Gothic Carmelite Monastery (1389-1423, presently it is an archaeological museum), palaces (Belém Palace, Palace of Mafra & Queluz Palace - Baroque Palace, Palace of Ajuda and Palace of São Bento - classicism), and the church, built in the style of Baroque Manueline (La Estrela Basilica, Church of St. Vicente de Fora, Conceicao Velha, St Roque, Museum of Church art). One popular amusement of Lisbon citizens is bullfighting, the aim of which is to tame the animal by a special fighter - a furkadush, riding a horse.
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