PORTUGAL - LISBON

PORTUGAL

Capital: Lisbon

Population: 10 427 301 (2014)

Official EU language(s): Portuguese

Political system: semi-presidential republic

EU member country since: 1 January 1986

Currency: Euro

LISBON

Is the capital and the largest city of Portugal, with a population of 552,700.

PLACES TO VISIT

• The Chapel of St. John: Is the world's most expensive chapel. It is a baroque chapel. It is full of gold ornamentation and amazing mosaics.
• St. George's castle:  From the towers of this castle you have a bird's-eye view of the city. Inside there is a small archaeological museum and down the hill are a couple of terraces with perfect postcard views.
• Parque das nacoes: Contrasting with the city's oldest neighborhoods, this district shows contemporary architecturre. In this park there is an aquarium, there is also a casino.

MUSEUMS

• Ancient art museum: In this museum there is a fascinating collection of Oriental and and European art.  Much of it is related to the Age of Discovery, illustrating Portugal's links with Asia and Africa.
• Berardo museum: A Portuguese millionaire has put together one of Europe's greatest modern art collections. In this collection there are works works by Andy Warhol, Picasso, and Dali among others. Best of all, it's free

WHAT TO EAT

• Pasteis de Belem O Pasteis de nata: It is a custard tart, very popular in Lisbon. This tart or cake is often dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar. The only place to go for the original is the Antiga Confeitaria de Belem, on the western edge of the city in which  Pastéis de Belém are made from a secret recipe....

• Carne de porco alentejana: pork cooked with clams that simmer in their juices and are served up with roasted potatoes. The dish—from the southern Alentejo province,—actually tastes far better than it sounds, especially when accompanied by an Alentejo wine.