Experience the Renaissance of Lisbon!
Experience the Renaissance of Lisbon
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Introduction
Lisbon, Portugal is now a “happening” city, one where you can experience both history, the party scene and fun. Now that the fascist president, Antonio da Olveira Salazar, has fallen, the city is a generation beyond its oppressive history of secret police and one-party “elections.” While it took several years for Portugal to recover and stabilize itself, it was eventually invited to join the European Union – this enabled the Portuguese people join to the remainder of Europe, although this took some time. Europe had traditionally viewed Portugal as an uncultured backwater, and now, its membership in the EU has enabled it to change both its perception and its economy.
Some History One generation after the end of the Salazar regime, Portugal has become a city pulsing with excitement and energy even as it still embraces its pre-Salazar history. Lisbon blends the best of both of the old and the new – its old-city charm and its new, modern design invite and tempt city dwellers and visitors alike to try everything it has to offer.
Beginning with the 16th century, the Portuguese emigrated to other parts of the world in larger numbers than other European citizens. Beginning in the mid-1980’s, however, the citizens of Lisbon have begun to realize that the city does have its own charms and attractions. Now, instead of leaving home, Lisboetas pursue the European style of living within the city’s boundaries. The new government has been able to increase the standard of living within Portugal, and by extension, Lisbon. Residents now say that they can’t leave their home because the quality of living has improved so much. A case in point is a meal in one of the city’s Bairro Alto restaurants – it features a dense chocolate mousse and a red Alentejo wine with which to end dinner. The restaurant itself features vases stuffed with peonies, Murano glass on the ceiling and marble on the walls.
The City and its Fun Now that Portugal operates under a much more free government, Lisbon has been able to benefit. Dance clubs have opened, allowing residents and visitors both to enjoy the party scene. One of the clubs, Fragil, located in the Barrio Alto, features electronic music and DJs experienced with techno-music. Add to this the views from the seven hills near Lisbon and the availability of affordable and well-made wine, and visitors will have no conceivable reason to travel on.
A new Bairro Alto Hotel, located right in between the Chiado shopping district and the old Bairro Alto neighborhood symbolizes the city’s rebirth and renaissance. U.S. citizens have taken note of Lisbon’s new life as well; their visitorship is up some 5.8 percent. Travelers from Europe have also discovered all that Lisbon has to offer. Tourists, both American and European will be excited to discover that Lisbon has learned how to throw a great party.
New day spas and a nouvelle cuisine foodie movement have begun, showing both visitors and natives that they don’t have to venture very far afield to enjoy the beauty that is Europe. Visitors to Lisbon can take day trips to Estoril, where they can lounge on the beaches and play in the ocean.
All About Lisbon Beginning in about 1995, Lisbon was qualified by the EU to buy and sell using the euro, beginning in 1998. Portugal – and Lisbon – benefited from the badly needed economic lift of the euro.
Lisbon hosted the World Expo in 1998, and the infusion of funds enabled the country’s infrastructure to benefit – roads, utilities and electric service all underwent an upgrade. The expo also led to a cleanup of the docks surrounding Lisbon. Previously uncleaned and smelly, the docks are now clean, attracting ship traffic and tourists.
The city has restored several of its abandoned buildings – about one-third, using government funds. More restorations are on the horizon. Because of the restoration and general sprucing-up of the city, fashion designers have decided to take a chance on the city, building boutiques.
Additional funds came into the city’s coffers with the soccer championships – Euro 2004, to be exact.
Lisbon’s Quality of Life Lisbon has enjoyed a rebirth of sorts, which includes the ends of several musical tours. Rock bands have begun to finish their European tours in Lisbon. Let’s not forget that the Laureus Sports Awards have been hosted in Estoril for the past two years, adding its own celebratory glamor.
The Music Scene in Lisbon MTV’s European Music Awards held its program in Lisbon, bestowing still more glamor on this ancient city. The musical style that defines Lisbon and Portugal is fado. The word “fado” means “fate.” It’s a song of both love and loss, and was Salazar’s music of choice. Fado is now more popular than in the past.
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Published in: Guide to Portugal