"Crowded but vibrant and beautiful" a Lisbon Travel Page by rexvaughan

Lisbon's history is long, going back to an era when it was a battlefield for Carthaginians, Greeks and Phoenicians. It really got going as a city in the 3rd century BC when the Romans came and brought their amazing cultural and engineering expertise. The Moors came in the early 8th century and remained in control for 400 years. The Golden Age began in the 15th century when they became a seagoing and shipping power unequaled in the world of the time. Thanks Vasco da Gama! A major disaster for Lisbon was the earthquake of 1755 which destroyed two thirds of the city. It was rebuilt in pretty short order by Prime Minister Pombal and his efforts can be seen in the wide boulevards and squares which run through the city's center.

We stayed in Queluz about 12 km from the center of Lisbon. We noticed on the drive into the city that there are rows and rows of high rise residential buildings. It is not a good impression that there is such density of people in such a small space. It does give an understanding of why Lisbon seems to be so congested with people. It is also a hilly city with narrow twisting streets, busy with traffic and people everywhere. All this and its incredible beauty make it a lively and enjoyable city

It is also a seaport and in past times a significant one. The Praca do Comercio is on the harbor and was where ships docked and sold their goods. Before the earthquake it was also the site of the royal palace and the huge arch facing the square gives it a royal and grand ambience