Lisbon, Portugal

Day 55, 21 May 2009

21.05.2009 - 21.05.2009 0 °C
View MV Discovery - 2009 on dpedler's travel map.

One week today and I’ll be back in “sunny” Brisbane. I’m hearing reports (now we have the Internet back) that two dams are full and a third is 75%. That’s a lot of rain in a few days!

Sites for today:

Se Patriarcal Lisboa – The Cathedral of Lisbon dates back to the 12th century. Behind the cathedral are Roman ruins from the 1st century AD.

Castelo de Sao Jorge (St George’s Castle) – originally built by the Moors, the castle has been, a various times, a royal residence, a theatre, a prison and an arms depot. It has excellent views of Lisbon.

Alfama – the narrow winding hilly pedestrian streets of this quarter are stunning and alive. No map can help in these mazes! I was lucky to have another sunny day to guide me…

Rossio – Lisbon’s main square; once the scene of witch-burnings and bullfights, it’s still very animated (a rally was just starting)

Elevador de Santa Justa – wrought-iron lift commissioned in 1902; I didn’t take this lift to nowhere (I ran out of time)

Belem Tower – an exquisite tower seen when entering and leaving the Lisbon’s harbour/river

Cristo Rei – a huge religious monument also seen from the ship

Not enough time spent in Lisbon to get a real feel for the place. The people are very friendly and will try to speak English to help. Seems like a lovely city.