April 12, 2019
Lisbon:
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Draped across seven hills, Lisbon was once the center of a
vast maritime empire that stretched from the west coast of
Africa to the Spice Islands of the East Indies. Then, on
November 1, 1755, a violent earthquake destroyed two-thirds of
the city in the space of 10 minutes. Only the Alfama, the old
Moorish quarter, survived. Today, Lisbon is a stately city of
Neoclassical buildings and wide plazas. |
Tour: City Walk
Beginning in the narrow streets of the Alfama, Lisbon's old Moorish
Quarter, we visited the Se Cathedral, the oldest church in the city,
constructed in 1147. Nestled in the heart of Alfama, this
medieval-looking church features Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque
architecture and many intricate details such as the tomb of the Knight
Lopo Fernandes. Our guide
walked us around the building, before
emerging to head to the banks of the River Tagus. Along the way
we strolled around Black Horse Square, which features fine 18th-century
neoclassical buildings, and a magnificent bronze statue of a man on a
horse.
We then walked along the Rua Augusta, a charming pedestrianized
street, to Rossio Square in the Baixa, Lisbon's central shopping
district. Lou and I then split from our tour group
and walked around Restauradores Square until
we found a lovely restaurant for Lou's second paella of the trip.
We then took a taxi back to the ship.
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25 de Abril Bridge (25th April Bridge) over the River Tagus
Often considered as a twin sister of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco because of its similar design the bridge in Lisbon is actually 300 feet (100m) longer. |
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An example of a Lisbon apartment.
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The Se Cathedral, the oldest church in the city, constructed in 1147
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Cathedral interior
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Our tour guide
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Paella with squid ink!
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Europe 2019
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