| Europe's most western capital, situated on the | | | | Lisbon serves up an a truly remarkable shopping |
| coast of Portugal, offers the perfect blend | | | | experience for those wishing to pick up some |
| between a 21st century metropolis and a historical | | | | outstanding gifts or who simply want a refreshing |
| goldmine. | | | | dose of retail therapy. |
| Today's Lisbon owes a lot to its historical past, | | | | Contrasting beautifully with these areas are |
| which dates back to around 300,000 years. | | | | Lisbon's cultural hotspots - breathtaking churches, |
| During the 15th century, Portugal enjoyed an | | | | renovated palaces and an impressive castle are |
| abundance of wealth and prosperity because of | | | | examples of the city's long standing heritage |
| it's off shore colonies. Reaching the shores of | | | | which certainly hasn't been forgotten in a city so |
| Africa, India, the America's and Asia, Lisbon | | | | vibrant. |
| quickly became the world most prosperous | | | | Combined with the numerous museums of ancient |
| trading centre. | | | | and modern art they all help to add to Lisbon's |
| The earthquake of 1755 however, destroyed the | | | | unforgettable cultural charm. |
| majority of the city, which led to a major | | | | Head over to the west of the city, and you will |
| reconstruction, which saw the birth of some of | | | | find yourself in one of the worlds biggest urban |
| Lisbon's "commercial hubs", which today, are lined | | | | parks, the perfect setting to unwind, before you |
| with Art Nouveau cafés and designer shops. | | | | take a breath and step back out into one of |
| Along with the biggest shopping mall within the | | | | Europe's most beautiful capitals. |
| Iberia Peninsula - Centro Commercial Colombo - | | | | |