Lisbon is a city of hills and valleys wide open above the Tagus River and near the Atlantic coast line. Legend has it that the city was founded by Ulysses which named it “Olissipo” meaning “enchanting port”. In 60 BC Julius Caesar makes Olissipo the western capital of the Roman Empire.

Re-conquered by the Christians from the Moorish who occupied the territory for 450 years, Lisbon became Portugal’s capital city on the 13th century.

During the Portuguese Discoveries Era, when Vasco da Gama discovered the sea route to India on the 15th century, the city became the Europe’s merchant centre.

Other turn point in Lisbon History was the 1755 earthquake, which completely destroyed the city centre. The Marquis de Pombal didn’t take long to rebuild it, building several grand squares and streets creating the Baixa Pombalina (Downtown), very similar to what it is nowadays.

Over the centuries, Lisbon has grown and changed.

The historical neighbourhoods aren’t just History and tradition but are also cosmopolitan and trendy.

The Bairro Alto district is one of the famous and unique neighbourhoods which boast boutiques and bars in an eclectic and multicultural atmosphere. It also houses traditional restaurants; bookshops and tea rooms along the narrow streets.

The Chiado District is other icon of the city. Here it’s possible to find the most exquisite shops; art schools; theatres and iconic cafés as “A Brasileira”. Also the Avenida da Liberdade is synonymous of elegance, it is the avenue which connects the Marquis de Pombal Square to the Downtown and where the traditional is side by side with international fashion shops.

The Belem district is closely associated to the Discoveries area since it was from here that many of the great Portuguese explorers embarked on their voyages of discovery. The Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower are examples of the Manueline Architecture which celebrates the conquest of the Seas.

The Nations Park (Parque das Nações) was specially created to house Lisbon World Exhibition - Expo ’98. This was a "specialized exposition", with a specific theme, "The Oceans: A Heritage for the Future" which attracted millions of visitors from all over the world. The Oceanario de Lisboa (Knowledge of the Seas Pavilion), Europe’s largest aquarium; the Portuguese Pavilion and the Atlantic Pavilion are some of the venues available in this innovative area.

• Lisbon – Your next Event Capital City [movie]
• Estoril & Sintra – Anything can happen… [movie]