Althougt it was at the castle that everything began,historical sites can be
found throughout the city.Whit a thousand years of histoy,Lisbon is full of
monuments of great importance,that reflect some of the key moments in the Pourtugal’s
history.
Capital of the Empire,the peak ofLisbon’s wealth was during the Age of
discovery,wich guaranteed its heritage of a rare beauty.
Close to the castle,in Graca,is the church and monastery of Sao Vicente de
For a,one of the most imposing and notable religious monuments in the city.It
was built immediately after the city was recaptured from the Moors because of
a vow made by king Afonso Henriques to Sao Vicente during the siege of the city
in 1143.
Close by,on Tuesdays and Saturdays, we will come across one of the most popular
and busy markets in the city,the Feira da Ladra,or flea market.
Everything you can possibly imagine is on sale here and you will find the most
useless an irresistible objects, as well as true antiques. it is a true walk
through culture.
If we walk down to Santa Apolònia and continue though this riverside
neighbourhood, we will find the highly original Casa dos Bicos(16th century).
The “bicos” in its name are the diamond-shaped stones that cover
its façade.
In addition to the aesthetic singularity of the building, with its Italian influences
combined with elements to the Manueline style, it is also of considerable historical
importance, having belonged to Alfonso de Albuquerque, viceroy of India, and
being the site of some interesting Roman archaeological finds.
Continuing along the riverside,you will arrive at the neighbourhood with the
largest number of heritage sites connected with the voyages of discovery Belèm.
It was from the bech in Belèm that Vasco de Gama set sail to discover
the sea route to India and the grandiosity of the former empire can be sensed
throughout the area,including one of the city,the Mosteiro dos Jerònimos,the
costruction of which was begun in 1501 by King Manuel I and was concluded just
a century later.
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