The District of Lisbon (Lisboa in Portuguese) is located in South Central Portugal, the District Capital is the city of Lisboa, also the national Capital.
It is a region which is extremely rich in historical and cultural heritage, with exquisite beaches, excellent golf courses and various leisure options available. It is one of the regions with the most sites classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Lisbon is in fact, one of the European cities with the major tourist demand, widely known for its special bright light that enchants all the visitor.
On the top of its famous seven hills, on the right bank of the broad Tagus river estuary, cosmopolitan Lisboa is bathed by an unique charming light.
Capital of Portugal since 1147 (when it was conquered from the Moors), Lisbon is a legendary city with more than 20 centuries of exciting History and the most important Tourist destination in the Country.
From the "Pombalinos" buildings of the Baixa (Downtown) with glazed tiles facades, to the narrow medieval streets of the typical and historical quarters of Alfama and Bairro Alto, where at night can be heard the Portuguese own music style Fado, to the numerous museums and shops for all tastes, Lisboa is a city filled with the most varied options.
In Lisboa's surroundings, Sintra and all its Romantic environment deserves a visit. Place of election of the international intellectual elite, Sintra has inspired the most fortunate minds through the years.
Nearby, one can find the Queluz Palace and the Mafra Convent/Palace, the biggest religious monument in Portugal. Cascais, Estoril and Ericeira are just around the corner, by the seaside, places of history and tradition, with superb landscapes, moments of peace of mind and charming beaches.
When compared to the other Portuguese regions, the Lisbon region is the smallest in dimension, nevertheless it offers a great diversity, that is also characterized by its celebrated Gastronomy. A huge international offer is throughout the region, mainly in Lisboa city centre, with Restaurants and special cuisines for all tastes. All the same, the traditional cuisine is also presented throughout the Region, with special and fresh seafood and shellfish on the coastline and on the cities nearby the rivers, but also quality products from the fertile soil of the region, such as the goat and sheep cheese from Azeitão.
As for Sweets, the various convents and monasteries present in the region have left their mark in the confectionery of the region. Of note are the Travesseiros and Queijadas (egg and almond pastries) of Sintra and, of course, the pastéis de Belem (a very well-known egg custard pastry selled near Jerónimos Monastery in the Lisbon beautiful old quarter of Belém..
Great wine is also produced in this region, being the most famous the ones produced in Colares, Bucelas and Carcavelos and the "moscatel" from Setúbal, that, for sure, will make all the difference in one's table.
At last but not least Lisboa reveals its cosmopolitan talent during the popular festivities: The Santos Populares (Popular Saints) every June. On the 13th of June is the Santo António day, the popular saint of Lisboa. The streets are filled with animation, music, dance, paper flowers and traditional decoration and, of course, food and drinks. All over town one can get the sent of the charcoal grilled Sardines ready to provide energy for an all night dancing.
Come to unforgettable Lisbon, and be Coooooooooooool !
