Thursday, April 3, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Lisbon, Portugal

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Lisbon, Portugal.

LISBON, PORTUGAL
The capital and the largest city of Portugal
Fado is a soulful and melancholic genre of music that has become an essential part of Lisbon’s cultural heritage. It is a powerful expression of human emotions, reflecting themes of longing, loss, and the struggles of everyday life. The music is characterized by mournful tones, and the traditional instruments of guitar and mandolin accompany it. Fado’s origins can be traced back to the working-class neighborhoods of Lisbon in the early 19th century, where it was often performed in taverns and cafes.

Today, visitors to Lisbon can experience fado performances at numerous fado houses, cultural centers, and museums throughout the city. These intimate venues provide a deeply personal and emotional connection between the performers and the audience. Some of the most famous fado houses include Clube de Fado, A Baiuca, and Tasca do Chico, attracting visitors from around the world.

Fado is not only a symbol of the Portuguese identity but also reflects Lisbon’s storied past. The music captures the hardships of life in the fado neighborhoods and the dictatorship that ruled Portugal for almost 50 years. Fado has become an essential part of Lisbon’s tourism industry, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage. Many fado houses offer dinner and show packages, providing tourists with an immersive and memorable experience.

SIGHTS
• Castelo de S. Jorge
• Belém Tower
• Jerónimos Monastery
• Oceanário de Lisboa
• Mercado da Ribeira

SHOPPING
The Avenida da Liberdade is the swankiest shopping street in Lisbon, lined with high-end shops and designer boutiques.
This tree-lined Boulevard is home to many of Portugal’s most exclusive stores (Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Cartier) and the location of many fine restaurants and bars. The Avenida da Liberdade is also a characterful street to wander, with grand 19th-century architecture and shaded formal gardens.

LxFactory is Lisbon’s urban and creative hub. Independent shops, stalls, and cafes have created an artisanal shopping experience in this once-abandoned industrial area.

Today’s Excursion – Romantic Sintra & Portuguese Riviera
We experienced the Old-World splendour of Lisbon and a taste of the Portuguese Riviera during this picturesque tour of the
mountainous region of Sintra and a panoramic drive to the fishing port of Cascais. We began with a panoramic drive to Sintra.

Sintra
Sintra was once a favourite of 19th-century European aristocrats. Sintra’s fairy-tale castles and spectacular mountain vistas are considered a must-see for visitors to Lisbon. We were able to visit the medieval National Palace of Sintra.

Panorama of Cascais
This pleasant coastal town is one of the leading resorts on the Portuguese Riviera. Despite becoming a popular tourist attraction, Cascais has retained some of the original charm from its days as a simple fishing village.

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant