About Lisbon
According to legend, the town was founded by Ulysses. History attributes its foundation to the Phoenicians 1200 b.c. It soon became a port of call for the Mediterranean ships sailing to northern Europe. It was successively conquered by the Greeks, the Carthaginians and Romans. Then for four centuries it was under Arab domination and it was not until 1147 that the Arab occupation finally came to an end. In 1255 Lisbon became the capital of Portugal, replacing Coimbra at the time of the great discoveries, Portugal became the greatest maritime power of the age. The prosperity of Venice and Genova declined and Lisbon, according to the great Portuguese poet Camões was the "princess of the world before whom even the ocean bows".

On seven hills, Lisbon benefits from its favoured location and its superb harbour. Its attraction lies in the magnificent views, its freshness and brightness, its modern outlook by side with centuries of history and culture. Both ancient and cosmopolitan, in constant change yet maintaining its old charm, that is Lisbon.