30 Fun Facts About Lisbon: Where Trams Meet Traditions
Discover the charm and allure of Portugal’s capital with these fascinating fun facts about Lisbon, a city steeped in history, culture, and stunning beauty.
From its iconic yellow trams to its delicious pastéis de nata, Lisbon offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. But what exactly makes Lisbon so special? Let’s dive into some intriguing facts about this captivating city.
Lisbon Facts At-a-Glance
Location: Western coast of Portugal, Europe
Population: Approximately 505,000 (city proper), 2.8 million (metropolitan area)
Area: 100.05 km² (38.63 sq mi)
Languages: Portuguese
Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Climate: Mediterranean
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE)
Historical Significance
Lisbon’s rich history spans millennia, making it one of Europe’s oldest cities. Let’s explore some fascinating historical facts about this ancient metropolis.
- Lisbon was settled by Phoenicians in approximately 1200 BC, with archaeological evidence revealing even earlier settlements by indigenous peoples. It ranks among Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history spanning over three millennia.
- The city’s name is believed to have derived from “Allis Ubbo,” meaning “safe harbor” in Phoenician.
- Lisbon was under Moorish rule for over 400 years, from the 8th to the 12th century, impacting its architecture and culture.
- In 1755, Lisbon was struck by one of the deadliest earthquakes in history. A tsunami and fires followed, destroying much of the city.
- The Pombaline Downtown, built after the 1755 earthquake, is considered one of Europe’s first examples of earthquake-resistant construction.
Suggested Read: 36 Interesting Facts About Portugal, Ancient And Modern
Architectural Marvels
Lisbon’s skyline is a testament to its long and varied history, featuring an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Here are some noteworthy facts about Lisbon’s built environment.
- The Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built in the 16th century as a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor.
- São Jorge Castle, dating back to the 12th century, is perched atop one of Lisbon’s seven hills. It offers panoramic views of the city.
- The Santa Justa Lift, designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard (an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel), connects the lower streets of the Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo.
- The Vasco da Gama Bridge, spanning the Tagus River, is 12.3 km (7.6 miles) long. When it opened in 1998, it was Europe’s longest bridge, but it is now surpassed by the Crimean Bridge.
- The iconic Praça do Comércio, one of Europe’s largest squares, was once the site of the Royal Palace before it was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.
Cultural Highlights
Lisbon’s vibrant culture blends ancient traditions and modern influences. From its music to its cuisine, here are some intriguing cultural facts about the Portuguese capital.
- Fado, Lisbon’s traditional music genre characterized by its melancholic tones, has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- The famous Pastéis de Belém bakery has been using the same secret recipe for their custard tarts since 1837.
- The Livraria Bertrand, opened in 1732, holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest bookstore still in operation.
- The city hosts the annual Festa de Santo António, a massive street party celebrating Lisbon’s patron saint, on June 12-13.
- Lisbon’s Oceanário is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. It houses about 8,000 sea creatures from 500 different species.
Transportation Quirks
Getting around Lisbon is an adventure in itself, with unique modes of transport that have become symbols of the city. Here are some interesting facts about Lisbon’s transportation system.
- The Elevador de Santa Justa is the only vertical street lift in Lisbon and was originally powered by steam.
- Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams, especially Tram 28, have been operating since 1901 and are a popular tourist attraction.
- Lisbon’s metro system is known for its art, with many stations featuring unique designs and installations by Portuguese artists.
- The city has a network of outdoor public elevators and funiculars to help residents navigate its hilly terrain.
- Lisbon implemented its electric tram network in 1901, joining several other pioneering cities that had already adopted electric trams in the late 19th century.
Natural Wonders
Despite being a bustling urban center, Lisbon is blessed with natural beauty. Here are some facts about Lisbon’s natural attributes, from its climate to its green spaces.
- Lisbon receives approximately 2,786 hours of sunshine per year, making it one of Europe’s sunniest capital cities.
- Like Rome, the city is built on seven hills and offers numerous viewpoints (miradouros) with stunning vistas.
- The Tagus Estuary Natural Reserve, partially located in Lisbon, is an important stopover for migratory birds.
- Lisbon’s Monsanto Forest Park, often called the “lungs of Lisbon,” is one of Europe’s most extensive urban forests.
- The nearby Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features diverse landscapes from beaches to mountains.
Modern Lisbon
While steeped in history, Lisbon is also a modern, forward-thinking city. Here are some facts about contemporary Lisbon that might surprise you.
- Lisbon was named European Green Capital in 2020 for its commitment to sustainable urban development.
- The city hosts Web Summit, one of the world’s largest technology conferences, attracting thousands of tech enthusiasts annually.
- Lisbon has emerged as one of Europe’s leading startup hubs, with a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem supported by initiatives like Startup Lisboa and Hub Criativo do Beato.
- The city has been increasingly popular among digital nomads, ranking high in quality of life and affordability indexes.
- Lisbon’s Time Out Market, which opened in 2014, revolutionized the food hall concept and has since been replicated in cities worldwide.