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:: Congress 2009 :: 2009 - Proposal :: 2009 - Tourism info :: 2009 - Registration Fee |
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The SPAT |
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2009 - BEST OF LISBON |
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Tourism of Portugal: www.atl-turismolisboa.pt Portugal history Portugal is one of the oldest state nations in Europe. It has been independent for over eight centuries, since 1143, and the Portuguese are a rich mixture of different ethnical peoples, cultures and traditions. The vast archaeological, architectural and artistic heritage of the country testifies the clash of cultures as well as the presence in the territory of ancient civilizations like the Celts, Romans, Swabians, Visigoths and Arabs. Portugal is located in the far west corner of Europe with a long coast line, which has contributed to turn it towards the sea. The recognition of a past replete with maritime history, opened the world to the voyages of discovery, which be seen in its museums, monuments and traditions. Lisbon, the capital, was founded over twenty centuries ago, built on hills along the banks of river Tagus. It became the capital of the country in 1256 and its history and destiny, cannot be separated from the river and from a past full of maritime history. In the 16 th century, the Portuguese went far away travelling thought the Atlantic and the Indic oceans, and reaching also the North Pacific. Portugal was the first country to discover the route from Europe to India, Brazil, China and Japan by sea. In 1498 Vasco da Gama, in his maritime voyage reached Calecute in India, opening new frontiers to the globalization Era. Centuries of architecture are reflected in the often extremely narrow streets up and down the riverfront hills, establishing the borders of historical neighbourhoods with their different traditions and styles ancient houses, windows and tiles: Alfama, Castelo, Mouraria, Bairro Alto, Chiado. Alfama is one of the oldest quarters in Lisbon, which has maintained its Arab structure, with its labyrinth streets, courtyards and lanes. Bairro Alto dates back to the 16th century but it is today one of the city’s most animated quarters, with trendy bars, restaurants and shops. In each street of Mouraria there are to be found at least three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. Also Chiado is one of the city’s most attractive quarters. It has long been a cultural hot spot, with its theatres, literary cafés, antique bookstores and the Chiado Museum. The Manueline, or Portuguese late Gothic is the composite style of architectural ornamentation of the 16 th century, incorporating maritime elements and representations of the discoveries. It was much influenced by the astonishing successes of the voyages of Portuguese navigators and intended to celebrate the newly maritime knowledge. Outstanding examples of the Manueline are the Jerónimos Monastery and the fortress of Belém Tower, both located in Belém neighbourhood. Lisbon was the European Capital of Culture in 1994 and organized Expo 98 - 1998 Lisbon World Exposition - whose theme was The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future, chosen to commemorate 500 years of Portuguese discoveries. Expo 98 closed its doors on September 30, 1998 and reopened as Parque das Nações (Park of the Nations), in February 1999, like a free-access park, keeping the gardens, the Oceanarium, the Vasco da Gama Tower, from which top a unique panoramic view of Lisbon and the Tagus can be enjoyed, the Cable Car, the Virtual Reality pavilion and other buildings. Today, the area is thriving, modern, stylish and safe, with gardens, museums and commercial areas. In 1986, Portugal has joined the European Union and, in the last twenty two years, the Portuguese have been enthusiastic participants in the construction of a new Europe. Lisbon, a city for walking Lisbon is known as the white city, thanks to its unique luminosity. The light, the atmosphere and the climate offer marvellous walks all over the city. It has a beauty that extends beyond the monuments, that can be experienced in the streets, that is embraced with all the senses. Situated mostly in the centre of Lisbon, the historical neighbourhoods are essential destinations for visitors to the Portuguese capital. They call to be explored, for their culture, their history, their architecture, their people or simply for a relaxed stroll. A structural part of the city’s identity, these neighbourhoods offer to those willing to explore them, a true personal map. There are so many possibilities. Don’t let them get away. Congress neighbourhood: Park of Nations The immense area where the World Exposition of 1998 took place was conceived as a space for public enjoyment. The concept underlying the project for the eastern part of Lisbon included a wide and varied set of urban equipment which remained at the disposal of the city in the post-Expo era. The new Park of Nations makes available a series of facilites aimed at leisure, trade and cultural activities. For a better access to the park two new doors were open and the four doors that were used during Expo ’98 were kept as well. The Park of Nations has inherited a remarkable group of facilities which, due to their concentration in one area, make this park unique. For a better understanding of the oceans, there is the Pavillion of the Knowledge of the Seas. lt houses an exhibition about the discoveries and the evolution of the contact between Humanity and the liquid mass that covers three quarters of the Earth’s surface. The exhibition is divided in five theme sectors that go from the evolution in the navigation techniques on the surface to diving in the ocean depths. The Pavillion of the Knowledge of the Seas is open daily, except Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The most remarkable facility in the Park of Nations is the Oceanarium. Its internal organisation includes a gigantic aquarium where the visitor can see the global ocean. Besides this central tank, there are four other areas where an equal number of costal habitats have been created, comprising the Artic, the Pacific, the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans. The Oceanarium houses about 15,000 specimens representing two hundred different species. The sharks are one of the varities of fish present here which have attracted a high degree of curiosity from the visitors. Opening hours: every day of the year from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Vasco da Gama Tower can also he visited. From its top, the visitor can enjoy a unique panoramic view of Lisbon and the Tagus. Finally, the Cable Car provides an air trip over the whole of the Park of Nations, along the river Tagus. The area of the Park of Nations also provides the visitor with bars, restaurants and street cafés as well as a varied range of services. It is an excellent area for walking and for enjoying quiet moments of true culture, leisure and entertainment. |