Advantages: Easy to get around and different quirky places to visit, everyone speaks English Disadvantages: The City seems a bit 'faded glory'- places uncared for and tired
what we would see on the way going across the Serra do Caldeirao and which regions we would pass through and then as it was early she said she would be quiet until nearer Lisbon.
As we approached Lisbon she told us about the toll on the A22 and the various industries approaching Lisbon and the fact that we would go into Lisbon over the April 25th Bridge and see the huge statue of Christo Rei which is a bit like the Corcovado in Rio and overlooks the city of Lisbon from a great height. This bridge was the first to cross the Tejo and was originally called Saladar Bridge until the coup overthrew the Fascist dictator Saladar in 1974 and Portugal became a democratic Republic. The Portuguese are justifiably proud of this bridge and liken it to the Golden Gate bridge of San Francisco which is does resemble to be fair.
We drove over the bridge ...
Advantages: Architecture, History, Culture Disadvantages: Quite Hilly for those that aren't good walkers
of the river stands the monument to Christ the King, a large statue of Jesus which was commissioned as a thankyou to the fact that Portugal wasn't extensively damaged in either of the World Wars. At the end of this review you'll find a selection of my photos, one of which shows the '25 de Abril Bridge' with the monument to Christ the King next to it.
Start Your Exploration
A good point to start your exploration of Lisbon is in the Pombaline Downtown area which is overlooked by the impressive Castelo São Jorge. The castle itself is a Medieval construction which is located above a number of squares, each with their own unique character. Of the squares, the Pedro IV (also known as the Rossio) is my personal favourite, with the grand Maria II Theatre at one end, and a statue of Dom Pedro IV in the centre. The square has an amazing wavy black ...
Advantages: A Vibrant City with a Cosmopolitan Atmosphere Disadvantages: A bit hilly for some
Lisbon or Lisboa is the capital of Portugal and enjoys a marvellous position. To the northeast of the city the River Tagus opens out to form the shining Mar de Palha (sea of straw). The city stands on the northwest bank of this lake just before it narrows and flows out into the Atlantic Ocean. For miles and miles, homes, factories, warehouses and port installations carpet the steep hills and valleys along the estuary. Lisbon is sometimes called the Cidade Branca, the White City but actually its colour is really a matt pastel shade. The best view of the city can be enjoyed from one of the many excellent fish restaurants in Cacilhas on the south bank of the river. Between Alfama (see my review), the labyrinth of narrow alleys on the citadel hill, and the elevated Bairro Alto, lies the flat plain of the city centre, the Cidade Baixa ...
