Dream of Summer: Lisbon Getaway

While it is still cold and snow falls, escape the depressing winter by planning your trip to Portugal. As it is a Mediterranean country the temperatures stay milder in winter. And while you may not necessarily think the high 50s is warm the humidity is well over 50%, so the temperature will feel much warmer. Also the sun is out to warm you.

Portugal is a very vibrant and colorful country. The capital city of Lisbon reflects this. The houses and buildings are different colors of yellows, whites, oranges, and reds. The roofs are an orangey brown. There are even streets made entirely out of tile with fleur-de-lis patterns in the design. Even the street trams are decorated in tiles of different patterns.

The city has two UNESCO World Heritage Sights even as a bustling capital city. Both are in a small seaside neighborhood called Belem. In addition the Belem Palace is here as well. King Manuel built it the 1500s as his palace, but now it serves as the private home of the President of Portugal.

Built out into the river is a tower, known as the Tower of Belem. It originally served as lighthouse fortification in the early 1500s. The tower was built out of limestone and his about 4 stories high. Because Portugal was a maritime powerhouse at this time, it was necessary to protect the port. When the tide comes in the tower becomes an island near the edge of the river, but don't worry there is boardwalk that extends from the mainland to the deck of the lighthouse.

Near by is the Jeronimos Monastery. The building is a perfect example of the Portuguese Gothic Manueline style. The church was built between 1501 and 1511 under the command of King Manuel. The monastery is highly decorated and garnished as in the Gothic style providing for rich architecture. In more recent history it was the meeting place of a treaty committee that signed the Lisbon Treaty, which would reform the European Union.

Lisbon has much to offer besides what is in the Belem area. Go, visit, and see or yourself!