Its History

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Being one of the oldest cities in western Europe, Lisbon’s history dates back to 300,000 years ago. From Europe’s worst recorded earthquake, to plagues, fires, adventurous deeds, revolutions, seafaring feats, espionage and even a dictatorship, Lisbon as been through it all!

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Having a fertile soil and a strategic geographical position, Lisbon was highly praized by the ancient Europeans.

The city was a trading point to the Mediterranean world. By the II century B.C., the first contacts were made with the Romans, later the city became an important Moorish port and a coastal defensive city against the Vikings and the Christian Reconquista.

 

In 1147, the Siege of Lisbon, ended a period of more than 400 years of Moorish presence. By the mid-XIII century, Lisbon became the capital of Portugal due to its central location and excellent harbour.

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Lisbon became an important international city by the late Middle Ages, starting the Age of the Discoveries in 1415 with a systematic search for wealth overseas. Lisbon became the capital of an empire which stretched from parts of China, to India, Africa and later Brazil.

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In 1755 a major earthquake destroyed much of the medieval and modern Lisbon. The city was rebuilt by the Minister Marquês de Pombal.

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Fado, an urban song of the Lisbon's poorest and outcast society, blossomed in the first decades of the 1800's. It later expanded to common theaters and eventually to aristocratic levels.

 

Along the XX century, Lisbon saw three revolutions

 

Because Portugal was a neutral country during World War II, Lisbon became a safe harbor for spies.

 

Most Popular Attractions

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There’s lots of things to do and see in Lisbon! Here are a few ideas:

 

- Visit St. Jorge’s Castle, a fascinating archaeological site with an engaging museum.

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- Explore Lisbon Oceanarium. One of Europe's finest and largest aquariums, it is an highly family-orientated attraction.

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- Go to the Belém Tower, the most emblematic of all Lisbon's historical monuments, it is a symbol of Portugal's extraordinary Age of Discoveries.

 

- Take the Santa Justa Lift. Raoul Mésnier du Ponsard, an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel, designed the elevator, which was inaugurated in 1901. It was built as a means of connecting the Baixa with the Largo do Carmo in the Bairro Alto neighborhood.

 

- Discover the old and typical Alfama neighborhood.

 

- Take a day trip to the enchanted and romantic town of Sintra.

 

- Taste the much loved Pastel de Nata.

 

Where to stay?

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The closer to the historic center, the better. There’s many good hotels and bnb’s you can choose from. Be aware, however, some streets in downtown can become a bit noisy at night, specially because of all the Fado houses.

 

How to get?

 

You will be landing at the Humberto Delgado airport in Lisbon, 7km away from the city’s downton. From there, you can either take the subway, the aerobus, which will take you from the airport to downtown Lisbon or get an Uber ride!

 

Suggestions of What to Do Running

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Lisbon is great for running. There’s hilly and flat zones, stairs, parks and gardens.

 

With Lisbon Running Tours, you can build your own custom tours according to your preferences and desired distance. Or, you can go for a themed tour, such as the Sunrise Tour, the Street Art Tour or the History Tour.

 

On our tours, you’ll get to run by some of the city’s hallmarks, you’ll explore typical neighborhoods, run up to breathtaking viewpoints, run in and out of buildings and even take a break to taste a delicious Pastel de Nata.

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