In our days, Lisbon is one of the fifteen modern and cosmopolitan capitals of the EEC, where the last World Exhibition of the century took place in 1998.
(click on the thumbnails to see the more pictures)
The first town on the site, called Olisipo, was settled by the Phoenicians who appreciated the superb harbour. Then the Romans occupied the area for six centuries. Thereafter the city fell into the hands of the Moors, who remained until the 12th century. Liberated in 1147 by an international force of crusaders, Lisbon soon became the capital of the newly independent Portuguese kingdom, and, in the 15th century, the headquarters of a world empire. In November 1755, an earthquake, accompanied by a tidal wave and followed by fire, wiped out most of the old city. Subsequently the chief minister of Portugal, rebuilt part of Lisbon, following a master plan, that reflects the elegance of the 18th century architecture.
