Lisbon
Lisbon - nestles against seven hills on the north side
of the Rio Tejo (Tagus River). Many of the city's attractions
are within walking distance of each other in the central city
area. Charming, medieval Alfama with its maze-like streets sits
to the east, crowned by the magnificent Castelo de São
Jorge. The Baixa's grid of tidy commercial avenues lies next
to it, stretching from the riverfront Praça do Comércio
up to the Praça da Figueira. The elegant Chiado shopping
area climbs away to the west, while at the top end of the Baixa,
the Elevador de Santa Justa sits at the juncture of the Bairro
Alto. A traditional residential area, the Bairro Alto (high
quarter) is also home to much of Lisbon's nightlife.
Local Places of Interest and Activities
Palacio de Queluz - Today visit the Pink Rococo Palace
at Quelez (Palacio de Queluz). The palace began in 1747, Pedro,
younger son of Joao V, commissioned Mateus Vicente to transform
his 17th century hunting lodge for use as a summer seat of the
Royal Family. Star features include the "Throne Room",
which was the scene of splendid banquets, the "Sala dos
Embaixadores" with its wonderful ceiling and the Palace
Gardens.
Sintra - Take time to vist the town of Sintra. It's stunning
setting on the north slopes of the granite Serra, among wooded
ravines and fresh water springs, made it a favorite summer retreat
for the Kings of Portugal. Walk the pretty cobbled streets of
the old town Look out for the numerous fountains dotted around
the town are not just ornamental, the locals also fill their
bottles here with the fresh spring drinking water. Be sure to
visit the Palacio Nacional de Sintra in the heart of the old
town. The palace became the favorite summer retreat for the
court and continued as a residence for Portuguese royalty until
the 1880s.
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PerryGolf
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