Lisbon is the capitol of Portugal and the main port. Portugal is one of if not the poorest country in Western Europe. A small country it is amazing to think of the power and wealth it had during the age of exploration, with colonies in Africa and South America. The old part of Lisbon is called the Alfama and is just below the castle of San Jorge.
Lisbon suffered a severe earthquake in 1755, which basically destroyed it as well as other places in Portugal. Some buildings that partially survived were incorporated in new construction such as seen in this photograph.
An Armenian oil baron went around the Middle East and Europe collecting art, carpets, etc., created a foundation to which he ultimately gave his collection. The Foundation built a museum, the Gulbenkian, to house the collection. This museum has become one of the premier art museums in Europe. There is a complete art history course in the European paintings collection-some of the best I’ve ever seen. The photo below was taken right outside the front door, and stands in sharp contrast to the inside exhibits.
We wandered through the old part of town, seeing the cathedral, buildings, narrow streets, doors and windows. We also visited a monastery and its cloisters. Portuguese like to use tile o the outside walls, as you can see.
We also saw a folk festival in action.
How was your translator?
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos, as always. I love the photo of the narrow street and that of the new construction mixed with the old. The contrasts of old and new architecture is one of my favorite things to see about Europe. Thanks, as always, for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYes, thanks for taking time to share your experiences along the way.
ReplyDeleteLaura
The translator is did a good job. So good we had tobuy him dinner.
ReplyDelete