The Lisbon region is the smallest of the five Portuguese regions, but it is the most densely populated. It contains the capital city, Lisbon. The region is disected by the mighty Tagus river. To the north of the river is Greater Lisbon and to the south of the river the Setubal Peninsular. |
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The city of Lisbon has a very long and varied history. In Roman times it was known as Olisipo and was the western capital of the Roman empire. In the 8th Century the Moors invaded the Iberian Peninsular. Under their rule, Lishbuna became a major town. Lisbon's importance as a major European city increased further when, in 1260, King Alfonso III moved the capital of Portugal from Coimbra. It was from this new capital that the great Portuguese explorers such as Vasco Da Gama departed. Lisbon prospered until the great earthquake and tidal wave of 1755 destroyed most of the city. But Lisbon it was to bounce back.Immedietly the Marques de Pombal set about rebuilding the city which has remained as capital of Portugal to this day. Surviving an invasion by Napoleon in 1807 and the overthrow of the dictator Salazar as recently as 1974. |
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The Lisbon region supports many beach resorts including the Lisbonite weekend getaways of Cascais and Estoril, famous for its casino and motor racing circuit. To the south of the river there are the resorts of Caparica with its naturist beaches and the fishing village of Sesimbra. Other main towns in the region include Sintra, the summer retreat of the Portugal royal family ,with its castle and palaces. Setubal, once an important town in the Portuguese sardine fishing industry. Alcochete the location of a major outlet shopping mall and Palmela the home to AutoEuropa car plant, producing Volkswagen, Seat and until recently Ford cars. This plant alone is responsible for 1% of Portugal's GDP. |
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