Lisbon - the exotic city of Europe I

I've visited Lisbon this year in December and it has charmed me all the way, placing Paris on second place and rising itself to first. Even though I was there in December, the weather was amazing, 16-18 degrees.. felt like I've escaped from winter into summer. I have to admit that this weighed a lot in gaining first place, but what impressed me the most was the amazing scenery and the architecture mix. For me Lisbon is the place where European architecture mixes with exotic elements, from african to moorish and all the way back to European.

Portugal, once one of the empires that were close to conquer the globe, now contains a mix of different cultural influences, with Lisbon as the gem that shines on the crown.

Lisbon is a city on hills, you need to be in good shape to be able to explore it fully and intensely. You will find stairways every here and there, which gives a romantic, intimate touch to the city.

The stairways with the pigeons flying on top as you go were the first things that gained on my heart, opening it to Lisbon.

Then, squares after squares with beautiful buildings of white marble and simple, tasteful design discovered me and already my feet were starting to swap away..

Then fountains.. beautiful fountains with water of turquoise color flowing harmonically like in a symphony. What can I say.. you know how I am with fountains... I feel they are the symbol of a healthy life and good fortune.

I think only these would would have been enough to make me fall, but no.. Lisbon had more things to amaze me with..

So, if stairways, wide beautiful squares and fountains with turquoise water does not impress you, all you need is to make a small turn on one of the streets and what you find? Yes! A castle looking at you on top of a hill. If this doesn't sound to you fairytale-ish I don't know what will..

In the fairytale land of the capital of an empire that once was close to ruling the world, you need to find of course the sea nearby. And because, as I said, Lisbon likes to impress in big style, it gives you Praça do Comércio:

Closing in to hear the waves you'll be welcomed by the old city docks where old merchant ships would sail in. Now there are no more ships, but you will find seagulls and pigeons playing around in the waves. In their play you can almost feel they miss the old sailors and boats.

This square, also known as the Entrance to the City it's dominated by a huge gate tower. You cannot have a fairytale castle town without a proper entrance, can you? If you go on top of the gate you will find amazing views of the city.

Well.. I can't describe this city in only one article, so I will take you though this journey in small parts. Stay with me until the next article in which I will continue to describe the city that made me fall in love from the first day, that overtopped Paris and gained first place in my heart.

Até a próxima! A nossa vez