19th December – 23rd December 2022
Flew from Edinburgh to Lisbon
Where I stayed
ibis Styles Lisboa Centro, Standard Accor Hotel, located centrally, customer service was very average.
Background on Lisbon
Is the capital of Portugal, located on the Iberian Peninsula. Has a very interesting past dating back to the Romans in 700BC. During the 1500 & 1600’s Lisbon flourished and was an important trade route.
Lisbon had an Earthquake in 1755, most buildings were flattened with very few still standing.
What I Visited
Jerónimos Monastery
Is a former Monastery dating back to the 1500’s. One of the few surviving buildings of the 1755 Earthquake. Is of Portuguese Gothic Manueline style of architecture.
Belém Tower
Is a tower constructed in the 1600’s to protect Lisbon from incoming raids on the Tagus River.
National Coach Museum
Houses the National collection of Stage Coaches, was really interesting and worth the visit. I counted in excess of 50 stage coaches dating from the 1700’s – 1800’s that were used by the Portuguese Royal Family all in immaculate condition
Highlights
The Food! The Portuguese Tarts are the best, most bakery’s sell them.
As it was Christmas time the Portuguese make a special cake called Bolo Rei (Kings Cake), which is a cross between a Brioche and normal cake. It was delicious and I had a piece everyday at the hotel! Pictures below.
Lowlights
Another rail strike on my way to my next destination Porto, more in my next blog about that one……..
My Photos
Ohhh interesting. That earthquake you mentioned had a huge impact on Portugal.
Are you using your phone or your camera for these pics, they are great. Not many other tourists in the pics though, which is probably good. Keep having fun. 😁
Using my new camera… you know it well🤓
Portuguese tarts, yum. And multiple flavours 😋
Bummer you’re having more rail issues.
Hi 👋 more great pics architecture looks quite interesting , tarts look good what other food have you been sampling?😘