Archive for the 'History' Category

Lisbon in June: street parties historical areas & June 12, Lisbon’s craziest night, Eve of Saint Anthony 2011 (Santo António), a mix of religion & sex

Lisbon in June: wine, sangria, beer, the smell of grilled sardines, mojitos, caipirinhas, fado, pimba music and lots of people eating, drinking and dancing in the streets of the historical areas. On the eve of Saint Anthony day (June 13), Lisbon turns into a huge open air party! June 12, historic area Mouraria Rua da Guia Lisbon: Eve [...]

Aura Restaurant, terrace & lounge café Praça do Comércio Lisbon: Portuguese gastronomy surrounded by stunning architecture facing the Tagus river

Lisbon was already well known for its good food and beautiful terraces. But it’s all become much better since February this year: Pátio da Galé, facing the Tagus river and surrounded by the most stunning architecture, is a new and magical meeting place for both its population and visitors. Famous Praça do Comércio  , one of the most majestic squares [...]

Fado, knives & blood (Fado, Navalhas e Sangue), artist Carlos Fernandez, Santo Antonio festivities & Mouraria, Lisbons 900 years old historical area

Artist Carlos Fernandez was born and raised in Mouraria, a historic (old Moorish) down town area in Lisbon. Together with Alfama, the Mouraria area is a muddle of very narrow streets and small squares, which gives the visitor a glimpse of a forgotten age. Mouraria, Lisbon: nostalgic drawing by Carlos Fernandez Carlos Fernandez earns his [...]

Restaurant São Cristóvão Alfama Lisbon: cheap Cape Verdean & African dishes, favorite local place & owner Maria Levy

Restaurant São Cristóvão  is a tiny place in Lisbon’s historical city center Alfama near Mouraria, the oldest areas of Lisbon and a narrowed maze of tiny streets and stairs. Really worth a visit! Owner Maria Levy in her restaurant São Cristóvão, Alfama Lisbon This small family-run restaurant is famous for its Cape Verdean- and other African dishes. The menu also [...]

ViniPortugal Lisbon & wine lovers: taste a selection of fine Portuguese wines for free at Sala Ogival Praça do Comerçio, one of Lisbon’s most majestic squares

Free wine tasting: a very pleasant and interesting way to start the night in Lisbon and to learn more about history and culture of Portuguese wines! Maria João Menezes – ViniPortugal Managing Director Lisbon ViniPortugal in Lisbon is located in the Ministry of Agriculture premises in Terreiro do Paço (Praça do Comerçio), one of the most majestic squares of Lisbon. [...]

Former Palace Santa Catarina Lisbon: history, art gallery, international ‘Pop Up’ festival & popular viewpoint Adamastor near the Tagus River

Right next to one of the most popular viewpoints (miradouros) on the river Tagus (Tejo) in Lisbon Adamastor,  you’ll find Palácio Verride, a former 18th- century Palace, better known as Palácio de Santa Catarina. ‘Pop Up’ 2010 Art Gallery Santa Catarina Palace: Artwork Tiago Chagas Nowadays the municipality of Lisbon is the owner of the former Palace, and excellent art [...]

Lisbon inside city tips: hop on hop off bus, Red Tram historical tour, Santa Justa Lift, Cristo Rei statue, old tram 28, St George Castle, Portas do Sol, Belém Tower, hotspots, breathtaking views & nightlife

Planning a short trip to Lisbon? My inside (cheap) tips and trip ideas! ‘Hop on and hop off’ open-topped double decker bus tours are a popular way for tourists to view Lisbon city. The “River Tagus tour” offer you the the opportunity to view the areas in which most of its monuments may be found, such [...]

Restaurant ‘Zé da Mouraria’ Lisbon: delicious typical Portuguese food, old Moorisch neighborhood, Amália Rodrigues & fado history

A little bit hidden in the former Moorish quarter Mouraria, in a small street of one of Lisbon’s oldest districts, you’ll find Restaurant ‘Zé da Mouraria’, mainly visited by local Portuguese. Great typical Portuguese food and, also important, very nice people and a very informal atmosphere . One of my favorites! (Air-conditioned in summertime). Restaurant ‘Zé da Mouraria’, Rua João do Outeiro [...]

World Cup football 2010: Portugal vs Brazil, Holland vs Brazil & fans in Lisbon’s city center

Football is very important in Portugal. A lot of the Portuguese even watch a match on TV while eating their dinner in a restaurant…. At the moment football lovers and tourists from all over the world  follow the matches in Lisbon’s city center. According to the Portuguese and Ronaldo Portugal should be considered among the [...]

Square ‘Largo do Carmo’ Lisbon: great city views, Santa Justa lift, Portugal’s Eurovision Song Contest 1974 & the Carnation Revolution

Wonderful Largo do Carmo, located close to the heart of the legendary Bairro Alto district, in Chiado, is one of my favorite squares in Lisbon: the beautiful trees, the historical buildings, the atmosphere, the fascinating church ruins, the extraordinary Santa Justa elevator and the amazing city views! Largo do Carmo, March 2010 This picturesque square is a very popular tourist [...]