The city of Lisbon

As the centre of one of the most attractive and competitive European regions, Lisbon is a rich melting pot of cultures, serving as a stopping point for a great number of routes, hosting a significant immigration community and offering interesting economic possibilities and quality activities in the domains of education, science and culture.

Enjoying mild winters and cool summers freshened by soft Atlantic breezes, and offering some of Europe's finest hotels for both business and leisure, Lisbon is an ideal place to visit. The city itself, situated on seven hills, combines historical and modern features. Its pavements, covered with hewn cobblestones forming a myriad designs, are unique in Europe. Many buildings are covered by characteristic tiles called “azulejos” (tiles), an Arab inheritance. Lisbon has more than 35 museums, modern convention centres, theatres, opera theatres, concert halls and unique and impressive monuments, such as the medieval Castle S. Jorge, at the top of Lisbon’s highest hill, built by the Visigoths and expanded by the Moors, the impressive medieval Cathedral Sé, the Tower of Belém, the Monastery of the Jerónimos, Lisbon’s biggest and most admirable religious monument, the square Terreiro do Paço and the quarter of Baixa.

A modern and attractive area of the city is the Parque das Nações, only five minutes from Lisbon International Airport. Parque das Nações builds on the heritage of EXPO'98 - the last world exposition of the twentieth century.  Parque das Nações offers some of the most daring examples of contemporary architecture, Europe's largest Oceanarium, delightful thematic gardens, exhibition centres, theatres and event halls. All located along a breathtaking 5 km stretch of the Tagus riverfront, in the heart of Lisbon, with easy access and parking, and benefiting from a wide array of shops, restaurants and bars. An invented city turned into reality.

As for modern and contemporary art, the Centro Cultural de Belém (Cultural Centre) and the Centro de Arte Moderna José de Azeredo Perdigão (Modern Art Centre) are the most important museums to be visited.

Also the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum) offers a wide range of very different activities, where you can visit the permanent exhibition of predominantly Portuguese tiles from the 15th to the 21st century, perfectly integrated into the striking former Convent of Madre de Deus, or the temporary exhibition rooms, the restaurant and the shop.

The Museu Nacional dos Coches (National Coach Museum) is one of the most visited museums in Portugal and certainly of Lisbon, which houses and exhibits, under an exquisite ambiance of the old Royal Riding Arena of Belém Palace, an exceptional collection of ceremonial vehicles from the Royal family, dating from 17th Century to late19th Century.
Considered the most remarkable collection in the world of this kind, it allows the visitor to follow both the technical evolution of animal pulled transport and the changes of taste expressed in the decorative arts and vehicle ornaments.

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