Lisbon Portugal The Place To Go For History And Adventure

Lisbon is one of the unsung capitals of the world

. While other capitals are popular tourist stops, Lisbon seems to favor keeping her treasures hidden as unexpected treats.

One of its very best treasures is its cathedral, The Se de Lisboa (cathedral of Saint Mary Major). It has a long history that reflects the history of the nation and it reflects the nation's many influences. Like most European cathedrals, the building took many centuries to build and is still being built today. The main chapel built in the 18th century was built in the Rococo style.

Lisbon has been a diocese (or seat of a Catholic bishopric) since at least the fourth century a.d. However, by the eighth century the country was conquered by the Moors and occupied by them for 400 years. Finally King Alfonso Henriques was able to drive out the Moors with the aid of English armies in 1147. He ws then able to begin building a fine capital city. Among the first things he built was the Se de Lisboa.

Unlike the Gothic cathedrals seen across Europe, Lisbon's cathedral is rather plain and fortresslike. However, inside it has wonderful treasures. Go to the cloister chapel on the east end and see architectural details that reflect the city's Roman and Arabic past.

The church proper is constructed in the traditional cross plan: with two side aisles, a transept (the cross part) and a main chapel. If you stand at the center, look back at the entrance and see a spectacular rose window. Look around and you will see several other rose windows framed by exquisite barrel vaults. Also notice the stained glass, which reflects various events in Christianity.

This is still an active house of worship but it is a wonderful place for quiet and worship. From the hushed places around people of prayers to the joyful strains of music at weddings, Baptisms and Masses, the atmosphere is very devout.

Most cathedrals house historic tombs that are wonderful to behold and Lisbon is no exception. here, in tombs topped by statuary. One of these is that of Lopo Pacheco, one of King Alfonso IV's loyal knights and his wife Maria Vilalobos. Another impressive resting place is that of Bartolomeu Joanes, a wealthy murchant. King Alfonso IV's tomb was here but it was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake that ruined much of the city. While the cathedral was rebuilt in much the same style, some things could not be replace.

the Cathedral of Lisbon may not be as well known as Chartre or Notre Dame, it is still a beautiful site. If you go to Lisbon, be sure to take the bus or the tram to the Alfama district. It will be easy to find and well worth the effort.

by: Luis Perpingan.

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