Texts by Alisè Vitri

 

Lisbon, the wonderful capital of Portugal, proudly preserves a glorious colonial past. Very few capitals in the world are able to encapsulate, like Lisbon, the very essence of the life and history of an entire country. In the monuments and atmosphere of this city, you can touch the soul of a people who have a deep relationship with the sea and the first epic conquests overseas.

 

 

Located at the mouth of the Tagus River, Lisbon is connected by two imposing bridges, the "25 April Bridge" and the "Vasco de Gama Bridge", the latter inaugurated in 1998 on the occasion of the Universal Exposition, celebrated to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the Indies. During this event, the Parco das Nacoes, which hosted the Exposition, was transformed into a charming urban oasis, full of shops and bars, ideal for taking a bike ride or immersing yourself in lush nature. One of the main attractions of the Park is the Oceanarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world.

 

 

After the epochs of great conquests, Lisbon and Portugal experienced a period of great economic prosperity that attracted many foreign artists to the country. This led to a universal meeting of cultures, evident in the Manueline architectural style, which developed during the reign of Don Manuel I, the first Portuguese ruler (1495-1521). A significant example of this style is the Jeronimos Monastery, located in the Belem district, which stands on the site of a modest chapel once frequented by sailors departing or returning from their expeditions.

 

 

It was Don Manuel I who transformed that chapel into a magnificent monument in honor of the Virgin of Belem, protector of sailors, after the success of Vasco de Gama's expeditions. The Manueline style has various elements of marine derivation, such as sculptures of ropes, anchors, chains and shells, but is also characterized by the presence of the armillary sphere, a navigational instrument and symbol of King Manuel I, which still appears today in the Portuguese coat of arms. Near the Monastery stands the Belem Tower, another Manueline-style wonder, a white stone jewel that stands at the mouth of the Tagus River, and was the starting point for great discoveries.

 

 

The azulejos, a legacy of the Arabs who lived in Lisbon for almost four centuries, give the city a unique and vibrant touch. In Arabic, "al-zuleique" meant a "small smooth and polished stone" used by Muslims in the Middle Ages. The use of azulejos to decorate floors and walls was very popular with the Portuguese kings, so much so that at the end of the fifteenth century they began to produce them locally. In the eighteenth century, this art form became one of the main decorative elements of the country, invading churches, palaces, mansions, gardens, fountains and stairways. Portugal is the country that has loved and used azulejos more than any other in the world, and their history can be relived in the Museo Nacional do Azulejos.

 

 

Lisbon is also the cradle of fado, a melancholic and poignant song that expresses the feeling of the Portuguese people, accustomed to continuous detachments from their land, farewells and nostalgia caused by the continuous departures by sea. Fado, made famous all over the world by Amalia Rodriguez, resonates in every club in the city and is almost a national symbol.

 

 

It is not surprising that its characteristics have led to its inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage of Humanity list.