Lisbon

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