Lisbon, Portugal

Prof. Marcelo Becker (D.Sc.) 

Lisbon has an old and interesting history. According to archeological findings, a Phoenician trading post existed in the place where the city centre is. It dates back to 1,200 B.C. Some people believe in an Ancient Greek myth about Lisbon. The hero Ulysses founded the city after he left Troy and departed to the Atlantic to escape the Greek coalition. However, the foundation of the city by the Phoenicians predates any Greek presence in the area. Anyhow, as a trading post since the Neolithic era, throughout the Roman Empire, the Moorish conquest, the middle ages and the Portuguese Empire, this city has always had an important role on human history.
Today, Lisbon has approximately 600,000 inhabitants, its economy is concentrated on services. It is being modernized as many old buildings in Baixa are being remodeled and the city has a modern public transportation network.
The first time we went to Lisbon, it was for a conference. Definitely, it won’t be the last one…

Belém Tower, Rosa dos Ventos, and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos.

Praça do Comércio, Sé Cathedral, and Assembléia da República.

The Portuguese Cow, São Jorge Castle, and the Praça de Touros.

Museu Nacional de Arqueologia and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Vasco da Gama Tower and Bridge.

Some of our favorite places in Lisbon: Parque das Nações and Pavilhão Atlântico.