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About Lisboa
Historical Quarters |
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Alfama,
Castelo and Mouraria
The Alfama is one of the oldest quarters in Lisboa. Since it largely
survived the earthquake of 1755, the area still retains much of its
original layout.
Adjacent to the Alfama are the likewise old quarters of Castelo and
Mouraria, on the western and northern slopes of the hill that is crowned
by St. George's Castle. Every year in June, the streets of all three
quarters come alive with the feasts in honour of the popular saints. The
Graça quarter and the churches of São Vicente de Fora and Santa Engrácia
are within walking distance of this area.
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Bairro Alto, Chiado and Bica
Laid out in the 16th century, the Bairro Alto (literally "high quarter")
is one of the most picturesque quarters in the city. Its architecture,
traditional shops, restaurants, bars and design and fashion stores give
it a unique flair. It is also a popular meeting place for all nightlife
lovers.
The Chiado is an elegant shopping district. At the end of the 19th
century, it became a fashionable meeting place for intellectuals such as
Fernando Pessoa, Almada Negreiros and Eça de Queiroz. Their most famous
haunt was the café "A Brasileira", which is still today favoured by the
city's art students. The Bica quarter lies adjacent to the Bairro Alto
and Chiado. In addition to its typical streets and houses, it is
particularly renowned for its funicular lift, the Ascensor da Bica,
built in 1892.
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Baixa/Rua Augusta
One of Lisboa's busiest quarters. Many commuters who cross the Tagus
pass through here every day on their way to work. It is also one of
the city's biggest traditional shopping districts. Almost completely
destroyed by the earthquake of 1755, the quarter was rebuilt by
Marquês de Pombal, thus earning the name of "Baixa Pombalina". The
original uniform, rectilinear architecture is still evident today.
The names of the streets parallel to Rua Augusta still allude to the
traders and craftsmen based in the area since the Age of the
Discoveries. |
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Belém
Belém is linked to Portugal's Golden Age of Discoveries as the site
where the famous navigators set sail to discover the world. Today it
is a spacious green suburb with many gardens, parks and monuments
that are well worth a visit. Amongst Belém's attractions are the
Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, the Torre de
Belém, the Belém Cultural Centre and Rua Vieira Portuense.
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