Lisbon history

Lisbon is one of the oldest capitals in Western Europe, with a history stretching back centuries, long before the emergence of many other famous European cities. Its past is a fascinating mosaic of cultures, conquests, and maritime discoveries.

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Lisbon begins with ancient legends, one of which attributes its foundation to the mythical hero Ulysses. However, historical evidence indicates that the first settlements here appeared as early as the Neolithic period. Around 1200 BC, the Phoenicians established a trading post at this location, likely naming it "Allis Ubbo", which means "pleasant bay". Later, the city became part of the Roman Empire under the name Felicitas Julia Olisipo and evolved into an important administrative and trading centre.

Key Factors of Development

Lisbon owes much of its growth and significance to its unique geographical position. Located at the mouth of the Tagus River, it possessed a strategically important port opening out to the Atlantic Ocean. After the Romans, the city was ruled by Germanic tribes, and in the 8th century, it was conquered by the Moors, who fortified the city and left a significant mark on its culture, particularly in the Alfama district. In 1147, the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, reconquered Lisbon, which became a turning point in the country's history. In 1255, the city officially became the capital of Portugal.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Lisbon's "Golden Age" occurred during the Age of Discovery (15th–16th centuries). The city became Europe's main maritime hub, from where expeditions departed for India, Africa, and Brazil. The wealth brought from the colonies—primarily spices, gold, and sugar—turned Lisbon into one of the most prosperous cities in the world. This prosperity was reflected in architecture, giving rise to the unique Manueline style, vivid examples of which are the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower.

Key Milestones in the History of Lisbon

The history of Lisbon is a kaleidoscope of eras and events that have shaped the appearance of one of Europe's oldest capitals. From ancient settlements to modern achievements, each period has left its mark on the city's culture and architecture.

• C. 1200 BC — Phoenicians establish a trading settlement, considered one of the first on the site of modern Lisbon.
• 205 BC — The city becomes part of the Roman Empire under the name Olisipo and becomes an important trade centre.
• 711 AD — Lisbon is conquered by the Moors, who fortify the city and leave a significant cultural and architectural heritage.
• 1147 — The first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, retakes Lisbon from the Moors during the Reconquista.
• 1255 — Lisbon officially becomes the capital of the Kingdom of Portugal, taking over this status from Coimbra.
• 15th–16th Centuries — The "Golden Age" of the Great Geographical Discoveries arrives, with Lisbon becoming Europe's main seaport.
• 1 November 1755 — A catastrophic earthquake, followed by a tsunami and fires, almost completely destroys the city.
• Late 18th Century — Large-scale restoration of the city under the leadership of the Marquis of Pombal, resulting in the creation of the modern city centre — the Baixa district.
• 1910 — The First Portuguese Republic is proclaimed in Lisbon, putting an end to the monarchy.
• 25 April 1974 — The "Carnation Revolution" bloodlessly overthrows the authoritarian "Estado Novo" regime and opens the path to democracy.
• 1986 — Portugal joins the European Economic Community, giving new impetus to Lisbon's development.
• 1998 — The city hosts the World Expo '98, leading to the massive modernisation of the eastern part of Lisbon.

Stages of Lisbon's Transformation

The development of Lisbon is a story of resilience, innovation, and global influence. Key events did not just change the face of the city but also defined its economic and cultural trajectory for centuries to come.

• The Age of Discovery (15th–16th Centuries)
  This period became a "Golden Age" for Lisbon. The city turned into Europe's main seaport, the departure point for expeditions that opened sea routes to India, Brazil, and Africa. The influx of colossal wealth—spices, gold, and precious stones—contributed to rapid economic growth and a construction boom. It was then that the unique Manueline architectural style was formed, bringing the city worldwide fame.
• The 1755 Earthquake and Pombal's Reconstruction
  The catastrophic earthquake, tsunami, and fires on 1 November 1755 destroyed about 85% of the city's buildings, including the royal palace and priceless archives. This event became a turning point. Under the leadership of the Marquis of Pombal, one of the world's first urban plans for a seismic-resistant city was implemented. Thus appeared the Baixa district with its strict grid layout and innovative constructions for that time—the "Pombaline cage". This project became a symbol of rebirth and a rational approach to urban planning.
• Industrial Revolution and Modernisation (19th Century)
  In the 19th century, Lisbon began to actively expand beyond its medieval walls. Following the example of Paris, the wide Avenida da Liberdade was laid out (1879), new industrial enterprises appeared, and the transport system developed, including the famous trams. This stage marked Lisbon's transformation from a trading port into a modern European capital.
• "Carnation Revolution" and Democratisation (1974)
  The bloodless military coup on 25 April 1974 put an end to the authoritarian "Estado Novo" regime and opened Portugal to the world. For Lisbon, this meant not only political freedoms but also the beginning of deep social and cultural transformations. The city became more open, paving the way for future economic growth and integration into the European community.
• World Expo '98
  Hosting Expo '98, timed to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama's voyage to India, became a catalyst for the large-scale transformation of eastern Lisbon. An abandoned industrial zone was completely reconstructed and turned into the modern Parque das Nações (Park of Nations) district. Futuristic architecture appeared here, including the Oriente Station and the Oceanarium, as well as new residential and commercial spaces, setting a new standard for urban development.
• 21st Century: Tourism and Technology Boom
  In recent decades, Lisbon has turned into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Simultaneously, the city has become an attractive hub for technology startups and "digital nomads" thanks to the affordable cost of living, developed infrastructure, and government support. This new stage of development has strengthened the city's economy and its status as a global and cosmopolitan centre.

Lisbon's architectural appearance is a captivating chronicle captured in stone. Walking through its streets, one can trace the history of the city from Roman times to ultra-modern projects. Each district and every iconic building tells of different eras: of the former power of a maritime empire, of the tragic earthquake, and of a bold look into the future.

Early Heritage: From Romans to Moorish Influence

Although not many structures remain from Roman Olisipo and Moorish Al-Ushbuna, their legacy is readable in the very structure of the city. This is particularly noticeable in the oldest district, Alfama, with its labyrinth of narrow streets, steep staircases, and inner courtyards, preserving the medieval layout characteristic of Arab cities. The foundations of many buildings, including St. George's Castle, are rooted in this era.

Romanesque Style and Gothic: The Era of Reconquista

After the reconquest of the city in 1147, the construction of Christian temples began. The brightest monument of that time is the monumental Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa). Originally built in the Romanesque style, it resembles a fortress, reflecting the spirit of the times. Later, the cathedral was extended and acquired Gothic features, which is especially noticeable in its cloister. Another important Gothic monument, albeit in ruins, is the Carmo Convent (Convento do Carmo), whose destroyed vault serves as an eternal reminder of the 1755 earthquake.

Manueline: Anthem to the Great Geographical Discoveries

In the 15th–16th centuries, during the heyday of Portugal as a maritime power, a unique national style was born—Manueline. This is a Portuguese variation of late Gothic, lavishly decorated with maritime motifs: twisted ropes, anchors, armillary spheres, coral, and exotic plants. This style symbolised the wealth and power of the empire.

• Jerónimos Monastery — the main masterpiece of Manueline, built with money from the spice trade. Its lace-like stone vaults and rich decor capture the imagination.
• Belém Tower — an elegant fortress at the mouth of the Tagus River, which became a symbol of Lisbon and the Age of Discovery.

Baroque and Pombaline: Tragedy and Rebirth

Before the 1755 earthquake, lush Baroque flourished in Lisbon, an example of which is the National Pantheon (Church of Santa Engrácia). However, the catastrophe destroyed most of the city. Reconstruction was led by the Marquis of Pombal, creating a unique architectural style—Pombaline. This is a strict and functional variant of Neoclassicism. The Baixa district was rebuilt according to a clear rectangular plan with wide streets. Buildings were erected using the world's first seismic-resistant frame—the "Pombaline cage", which was a revolutionary solution for its time.

From Classicism to Modernity

In the 19th century, the city expanded, and elegant buildings in the styles of Classicism and Eclecticism appeared, for example, along the Avenida da Liberdade. The 20th century brought its own trends, from Art Deco to the monumental architecture of the "Estado Novo" era.

A new powerful impulse for urban development was given by the World Exhibition Expo '98. On the site of an abandoned industrial zone in the east of the city, the futuristic Parque das Nações district grew.

• Oriente Station by Santiago Calatrava, with its latticed roof resembling a dinosaur skeleton or a palm grove, became a new symbol of modern Lisbon.
• Portugal Pavilion by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, with a unique curved concrete canopy, is an example of minimalist and expressive architecture.
• Lisbon Oceanarium and the Vasco da Gama Tower are also iconic objects of this innovative urban space.

Notable Figures in the History of Lisbon

Lisbon, as a centuries-old centre of culture, science, and great discoveries, has become the birthplace or home to many iconic figures who left an indelible mark on world history. Their legacy still lives on in the architecture, literature, and the very spirit of the city.

Afonso I Henriques

• Role: First King of Portugal.
• Historical Significance: Founder of the Portuguese Kingdom. In 1147, he reconquered Lisbon from the Moors, which became a key event of the Reconquista on Portuguese soil and laid the foundation for the city's future transformation into the capital.

Vasco da Gama

• Role: Navigator of the Age of Discovery.
• Historical Significance: Commanded the first European expedition to open a sea route to India. His voyages, which began from the port of Lisbon, marked the beginning of Portugal's "Golden Age", turning the city into a centre of world trade. His remains rest in the Jerónimos Monastery.

Luís de Camões

• Role: National Poet of Portugal.
• Historical Significance: Author of the epic poem "The Lusiads", which celebrates the feats of Vasco da Gama and is considered the greatest work of Portuguese literature. Camões, who was born and died in Lisbon, is one of the creators of the modern Portuguese language.

Marquis of Pombal (Marquês de Pombal)

• Role: Statesman, Prime Minister of Portugal in the 18th century.
• Historical Significance: Led the reconstruction of Lisbon after the catastrophic earthquake of 1755. Thanks to him, an innovative urban planning scheme was implemented, creating the Baixa district with its strict layout and seismic-resistant architecture in the "Pombaline" style.

Fernando Pessoa

• Role: Poet, writer, essayist.
• Historical Significance: One of the key figures of European modernism and the greatest Portuguese poet of the 20th century. Pessoa was born, lived most of his life, and died in Lisbon. His work, permeated with the spirit of the city, and his numerous heteronyms have made him an immortal symbol of intellectual Lisbon.

Amália Rodrigues

• Role: Singer, actress.
• Historical Significance: Recognised as the "Queen of Fado" and the "Voice of Portugal". Born in Lisbon, she brought the traditional urban romance of Fado to the world stage, making it a musical symbol not only of the city but of the entire country.

José Saramago

• Role: Writer, playwright.
• Historical Significance: Winner of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Literature. Although not born in the capital, his life and work were closely linked to Lisbon. His novels, such as "The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis", are deeply immersed in the cultural context of the city and its history.

Álvaro Siza Vieira

• Role: Architect.
• Historical Significance: One of the most respected architects of modern times, a Pritzker Prize laureate. His projects have transformed the appearance of modern Lisbon, including the restoration of the Chiado district after a fire and the creation of the famous Portugal Pavilion for Expo '98.