The charm of the Portuguese capital of Lisbon can be found in its historical landscape. Rich in magnificent palaces, captivating castles –including one of Europe’s most impressive which imposes itself on a hilltop in the center of the city, doing a great job representing the rich culture of Lisbon nicely. Fact and legend are part of the allure of Lisbon’s historical background.

Luis de Camões, the Portuguese poet, and Elder Pliny claim that the city was founded by Ulysses. However it was in fact the Phoenicians who settled Lisbon on the Tagus Estuary twelve hundred years before Christ, as it provided safety for their galleys. Alis Ubbo (calm port) is what they determined represented the city and under this name the city prospered for more than six centuries. The Greeks, Romans, Barbarians, and finally Moors at one point held control of the city and with each holder the name changed.

Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal in 1941, attained the help of thousands of Flemish, Norman, German and English crusaders while on their travels to the Holy Land. With their help he managed to expel the Moors. Lisbon was named Portugal’s capital city in 1256.

Prosperity came to Portugal during the 15th and 16th centuries due to the exploration of the four corners of the globe. These explorations brought back great wealth in the form or gold, diamonds, silks and spices. In 1908, King Carlos I was assassinated in Lisbon’s main square, Praça do Comércio. This is a significant historical landmark as this brought the end to Portugal’s 767 year old monarchy.