I fell in love with Lisbon the moment we landed. A city rich in history with everything from castles to convents. São Jorge Castle offered breathtaking views of the city and the sea alongside a history of Moorish, Muslim and later Christian conquest.
We ventured to Belém where we tasted traditional Pastéis de Belém, and walked through the rain to Torre de Belém. The tower was commissioned by King John II to be part of a defence system at the mouth of the Tagus river and a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. The views were beautiful even if the 93 steps up the spiral staircase made slippery from the day of rain were precarious. On the way is the Padrao dos Descobrimentos depicting the explorers of the world and a tropical garden filled with palm trees, chickens, and a feeling of peace as you walk the paths.
The Oceanário de Lisboa immersed us in life under the sea with sharks, crabs, and so much more. Santini gelato was as delicious as promised and topped with Chantilly cream was a decadent treat not to be missed. Praça de Comércio with the statue of King José I and the Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta shine bright against the bright blue Portuguese sky.
The Santa Justa Lift provided a romantic view of the city at night, the São Jorge Castle and Lisbon Cathedral illuminated and the Carmo Convent (a gothic building founded in 1389 whose roof collapsed in the 1755 earthquake) just behind the lift is the perfect backdrop of this viewing platform.
Obrigada Lisboa (thank you Lisbon) for a wonderful honeymoon and a wonderful glimpse into Portuguese life. The city, the people, and the history of this small county are beautiful. We will return soon as it obvious that Lisbon has stolen a piece of our hearts.
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