DK Travel : Lisbon

These days, fewer visitors approach Lisbon from the sea than once used to, but the wide turn many airliners make over the beach at Caparica – before crossing the river above the red suspension bridge and sweeping over the city’s roofs to the airport – is a pretty good introduction too. Lisbon is a city of immediate charms, and of a deeper beauty that must be sought out. The light loves it, painting it in warm pink hues and bright blues. It is an old place, steeped in history, but not closed in on itself as it once was. Lisbon’s youthful, modern side includes a nightlife which is among Europe’s liveliest, latest and most diverse.

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Cabo da Roca

Continental Europe's most westerly point - face the brunt of the Atlantic Ocean.

Take train to Cascais or Sintra, and bus 403 which goes to Cabo da Roca.
Cafe LUSO

Cafe Luso is located within the arched vaults of the stables and cellars of the XVII th centry

palace of st.Roque,who survived the earthquake of 1755.

The cafe Luso was created inthe 1930's and has

staged the greatest names of Fado and has helped to reveal the portuguese musical culture.
Câmara Dos Azuis - Art & Antiques

Close to Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, in the centre of Lisbon, we find a gallery where Contemporary Art blends with Antiques, and where a clear sense of detail and authenticity presides the sensible selection of pieces, each of them unique for its quality and character.
Casa Pastéis de Belém - near Belem Tower

Fabulous bakery selling traditional custard tarts. Taste them warm from the oven and sprinkled with cinnamon. Must go through the shop to warren of tiled rooms to sit and eat amongst the locals. Glass wall into kitchen shows tarts being made - fascinating and delicious!
Chapitô

An experience out of the ordinary, and not just a place to eat! The quaint restaurant is located off the castle stop on Tram 28 and is known for its stunning views over Alfama and the rustic feel of the restaurant.
Convento de Cristo, Tomar (A fortified monastery of the Knights Templar)

Much has been written in recent years about the Knights Templar, some of which is accurate, some less so.

Interest in this Order of Military Knights has greatly increased thanks to recent publications such as Dan Brown's 'Da Vinci Code' and 'The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail' by Baigent/Leigh/Lincoln.

If you would like to have a real experience of the Knights Templar, then the intact Templar preceptory in Tomar is the place to go to. Tomar is a 2 hour train journey from Lisbon's Santa Apolonia station, trains depart every two hours.

The preceptory and castle are situated on a hill overlooking the lovely town of Tomar. Work began on the castle in 1160 by order of the Grand Master of the Knights Templar in Portugal, Gualdim Pais. The main purpose of the Order in Portugal was to help defeat the occupying Moors and to defend the border regions from further Moorish attacks. As a result, large grants of land estates were given by the Portuguese Crown to the Order, who became extremely rich and powerful as a result.

This pattern was reflected across Europe. However, with the loss of the Holy Land in 1291, the Templars lost their main raison d’etre (to protect pilgrims to the Holy Land). Their great power and wealth attracted the attention of Pope Clement V and King Philip IV of France, and in 1307 the order was suppressed throughout Christian Europe by order of the Pope.

But not so in Portugal, where King Dinis needed the Templars to defend the borders of his kingdom. So instead of suppressing the Order, he renamed it as the ‘Order of the Knights of Christ’, and that is why Tomar still exists to this day in such a wonderful state of preservation.

The most atmospheric way to enter the complex is via the castle gateway, perched on the top of a steep hill, with wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and the town of Tomar. You are then presented with a view of the ‘Charola’ and Manueline nave of the church of the monastery. A ‘Charola’ is an octagonal chapel, and this architectural form is unique to the Templars, based on Byzantine influences and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. This is where the Templars worshipped on horseback! It has a central octagon of altars and the paintings and frescoes are magnificent – an architectural gem!

The Manueline decoration of the exterior of the nave, particularly the entrance portal and the richly decorated window of the nave’s gable, are excellent examples of the Manueline style, incorporating seafaring motifs, the cross of the Knights of Christ and the royal arms of King Manuel.

The Convent of Christ surrounds the nave and ‘Charola’ of the church, centred on a number of cloisters, dating from different periods. The Great Cloister is Renaissance in style with two levels. The ground level has Tuscan columns and the upper, Ionic. The oldest cloister is the Gothic Cloister, this is the resting place of Vasco da Gama's brother, Diogo da Gama.

As well as all the historical and cultural sights, the complex has a beautiful setting, and it takes about half a day to comfortably see it all.
Fado and Monastery of São Vicente de Fora

The alfama district is a picturesque labyrinth of narrow streets and small squares with many important historical attractions. One is the 17th century Monastery of Sao Vicente de Fora where the Kings of the House of Braganza are buried. In the surrounding streets there are many small restaurants and bars where the authentic sound of Fado singing can be heard. Fado is unique to Portugal and should not be missed.
Fatima

Fatima, one of the most important places of pilgrimage in the Catholic World. This site is where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared, is one of the most incredibly spiritual place in the catholic world.

The main focus of the Basilica is the Chapel of Apparitions, which marks the exact spot where the Virgin Mary appeared. Many devotees kneel at this spot and pray, light candles or make offerings such as flowers. There will also be an opportunity for you to attend mass if you wish.
Fieira de Ladra

Don't be put off by the name ("thieves' market"), this Lisbon street market at the Campo de Sta Clara is now for legal traders selling clothes, books, CDs, furniture and antiques. Held every Tuesday and Saturday, it is a must see on your trip to the Portuguese capital. The best way to arrive is on Tram 28. Get there early if you want a bargain.
Hooked Surf School

Professional tutoring for beginners of surfing, which is a must do sport while you're visiting Lisbon. You can take a train from Cais do Sodre to many of Lisbon's beaches, including Carcavelos, Estoril and Cascais. These are all lovely beach towns anyway. The train is inexpensive and takes 25-50 minutes.

If you contact the school prior to your trip (www.hookedsurf.com) they will tell you which place will have the best waves for your lesson and will arrange to meet you there. The taster session is very reasonable at just €25. They also do children's surf classes.

It is definitly something to try if you haven't before!