Discovering Lisbon

Sharing with you the most peculiar aspects of Lisbon, without neglecting its landmarks, is what drives the cultural project getLISBON.

Unmissable buildings like the Triumphal Arch of Praça do Comércio or the Tower of Belém conceal secrets, stories, and interesting details that we want to share with you. However, around them, there are more than 1001 curious reasons to stay attentive and amazed.

Are you familiar with the Fountain-drinking Troughs of the Society for the Protection of Animals? Do you know the origins of the impressive art of Portuguese pavement? Have you ever wondered why the Light of Lisbon is so special? It is also to these and other peculiarities that we want to draw your attention.

We seek to approach the city of Lisbon from different perspectives, from its history to the Tagus River that embraces it, from the personalities and people who have marked and characterised it to the events and cultural manifestations that take place here, as well as the scents and flavours of its gastronomy…

Getting to know a city goes far beyond visiting its most emblematic or trendy places. Through our articles, we aim to take our readers on a journey through dramatic, triumphant, unusual, or even liberating events that are part of the history and character of this magnificent city and its people.

We recommend starting with the article “History of Lisbon: A Glimpse Through the Thousands of Years“, which gives you an overview of the major events that have occurred over time. We also provide a chronology of the kings so that you can easily refer to the historical period when we mention monarchs, without leaving the website.

History reveals to us events or decisions from the past that clarify and justify the origin of specificities and unique characteristics observable today. For example, the extinction of religious orders in 1834 determined, among other things, the fate of religious architectural and artistic heritage, its conditions of preservation, or disappearance. Understanding the theories and conservation and restoration policies adopted in different eras allows us to comprehend the renovations and transformations carried out on monuments.

We strive to associate the accuracy of information with an accessible and appealing discourse. 

To ensure accuracy, we rely on the knowledge of historiography and available archives, as well as direct observation and verification. We understand the need to always question, observe, compare, interpret, reinterpret, and draw conclusions. Clarifying misconceptions or recovering forgotten facts is particularly stimulating, as is discovering and promoting the museums in Lisbon that tell us so many stories.

Through short stories, we also uncover specificities and unique events that help us better understand the city. Therefore, we call for the narratives of those who have curious episodes and memories to share with us.

Since time immemorial, the Tagus River and the city of Lisbon have maintained an economic and emotional relationship. On the one hand, the river is the main force behind the settlement of peoples and the city’s development; on the other, it is the city and its inhabitants that bestow fame and importance upon it, considering it as an object of contemplation and wonder.

Have you noticed that from all of the riverside Lisbon or the highest viewpoints, the south bank is always in view? Interestingly, it is from this bank that one can enjoy the most beautiful views of Lisbon. It is equally essential to explore the city of Almada, where people once settled, attracted by gold, and whose name derives from the Arabic al-ma’adan, “the mine.”

Based on the experience of the river and the special relationship between it and its banks, we bring the Tagus to you.

The Tagus is the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, originating in Spain where it is called the Tajo, dividing Portugal, and flowing through Lisbon until it spreads into the Atlantic.

But before the river meets the ocean, we find its internal estuary, Mar da Palha, which constitutes a large basin, a natural and secure cove between Lisbon and Alhandra. A good port for boats, it was a sought-after and privileged location among ancient peoples, giving rise to various settlements on its banks. It was also a significant source of food and economic resources due to the abundance of fish and the trade of salt since around 1200 B.C.

The Tagus also asserted itself as a communication axis between Lisbon and the more inland areas of the country – the source of bread – and the Atlantic, which brought the world to the former.

We aim to address aspects related to the river, introducing various factors such as traditional boats that can still be seen with their carefully preserved vibrant colours, the vessels that transport thousands of people daily, the bridges, the fauna, and the beautiful and diverse landscapes that alternate between places for leisure, industrial parks, and almost wild nature that can be observed on both banks.

The river has been mentioned throughout all ages in the writings of erudite poets or in the sung expression of the simplest folk. Whether a protagonist of greatness or misfortune, the Tagus is, in itself, the expression of the Lisbon people, simultaneously adventurous and fatalistic, open and traditional.

All cities are a combination of many things: landscapes, streets, shops, monuments, among many others. But have you ever thought about what cities would be without their people? Who builds them, who makes them unique? In our articles, we give prominence to personalities who contribute to the singularity of this city.

Throughout time, notable men and women have stood out, leaving their mark with their genius, and social groups that defined an era with their peculiarities.

They are all different in their activities, expressions, but they all have a common element – the city of Lisbon. Whether born here, developed their work here, or made the city the privileged theme of their art.

Their legacies have left us with texts, poems, sculptures, songs, victories, experiences, or even prayers. With these personalities, we identify ourselves as a people, and through them, we carry the name of Lisbon beyond borders.

Therefore, whether born in Lisbon or not, these are individuals who, in one way or another, have allowed themselves to be captivated by this magical city and deserve a prominent place here.

We also invite you to discover the main traditions and events of Lisbon!

The city’s festivities held in June, dedicated to the popular saints, are vibrant and marked by a large public participation in religious processions and other festivities, making them an integral and fundamental part of the city’s experience.

Throughout the year, you can attend concerts of classical music, fado, jazz, or international festivals that attract thousands of young people, as well as fashion events, film festivals, theatre performances, multimedia shows, and other cultural offerings that punctuate the cultural agenda. Not to mention the nightlife in Lisbon, one of the most lively and vibrant in Europe.

Moreover, the periodic fairs that brighten the streets, squares, and gardens bring us books, urban crafts, antiques, collectibles, or perhaps some unique surprises.

So, if you want to fill your eyes with colour and your ears with the sounds that evoke emotions, you can’t miss these appeals to the senses.

Portugal is unanimously considered a country with good and varied cuisine. From North to South, we find different culinary traditions that, in common, only share creativity and a richness of flavours.

Lisbon is no exception!

We can confidently say that in any corner of Lisbon, you can enjoy a quality meal. Today, the range of dining options is diverse, catering to all tastes and budgets, from a quick meal in a popular tavern to a traditional restaurant or the most refined gourmet experience. To tantalise your taste buds, we suggest accompanying your meal with a good Portuguese wine or a well-chilled “imperial” (the term used in Lisbon for draught beer).

When talking about Portuguese gastronomy, it would be unforgivable not to mention its pastries and savoury snacks. We are fortunate that Lisbon has dozens of pastry shops and cafés with generous displays of traditional sweets that awaken our senses, as well as the various and tasty savoury snacks that provide comfort when hunger surprises us during a stroll.

Custard tarts (“pastéis de nata“) and sour cherry liqueur (“ginjinha“) are two of the true gastronomic protagonists of this city…

We dedicate this work to the inhabitants of the city of Lisbon, who often may not be aware of the richness around them; to the national or foreign tourist, and also to future generations. Our testimony is a contribution to the creation of the future memory of this city, in constant and ever-faster transformation.

We believe that directing a curious gaze is a way to value and preserve our heritage and our beautiful city. 

Those who know, love; those who love, protect!