Situated on the River Tagus lies Lisbon, the largest city and capital of Portugal. The city has a rich history and is one of the oldest metropolises in the world – Julius Caesar once made it a high ranking Roman city named Felicitas Julia. During a Lisbon villa holiday you can see the fascinating history that has occurred throughout the streets of the city, with many displays of Gothic, Baroque, traditional Portuguese and other styles of architecture. As one of the most visited cities in Southern Europe, with an average of two million tourists annually, many people book Lisbon villas to enjoy a Portuguese break at their own pace. Whether you want a relaxing or fast-paced getaway, a holiday in the Portuguese capital could be perfect.
One of the most enticing things to do during a Lisbon villa holiday is simply to wander around its narrow streets by foot, admiring the different tales that they all have to tell. No other city in Europe combines the old with the new as well as Lisbon, which is rich in history as well as exciting current events. The city is also a pleasure to visit because of its subtropical-Mediterranean climate which ensures hot, sunny weather throughout most of the year. As you stroll around the city you might like to head for the Chiado neighbourhood where tourists and locals alike enjoy shopping for clothes, pottery and books as well as stopping for coffee. The neighbourhood also houses an art museum where you can discover some incredible Portuguese contemporary works in addition to its impressive churches and basilicas. Other popular neighbourhoods include Baixa, Barrio Alto and Alfama, which is the oldest district in Lisbon.
The city of Lisbon has two sites that have been added to the World Heritage List by UNESCO. Belém Tower, also known as the Tower of St Vincent, is located in the Belém district of Lisbon. Originally built in the 16th century as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon, the tower also acted as a defence mechanism at the mouth of the River Tagus. You might like to visit the tower during a Lisbon villa holiday to admire its remarkable architecture and four story tower. Belém Tower was added to the UNESCO list because it is considered a masterpiece of the Manueline architectural style along with the other monument on the list – Jerómimos Monastery. The Monastery is an extremely impressive building that attracts visitors from all over the world. So book your stay at a Lisbon villa and visit the monastery and its church, one of the most beautiful churches in all of Portugal.
After a day of sightseeing or shopping in the city’s mall or quaint flea market, you may want to take a trip to a museum or unwind in one of Lisbon’s gardens or parks. There are numerous art museums in the city, such as the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, National Museum of Contemporary Art and the Carmo Archaeological Museum. These museums give visitors and people staying in Lisbon villas an insight into the culture and history of Portugal’s capital. For a picnic or to enjoy a leisurely stroll you can stop off at the Parque Florestal de Montsanto, which has an enchanting winter garden, or the Park Eduardo VII, which has an array of Mediterranean and tropical plants as well as mosaic-patterned walkways. Holidaymakers at Lisbon villas are spoilt for choice when it comes to delightful scenery.
