Lisbon , the capital of Portugal and the country's largest city and port, is located in the cozy Mar da Palha Bay, 15 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. Mar da Palha Bay also serves as the mouth of the Tagus River, which flows into the bay. The city is situated on picturesque hills sloping down to the right bank of the river. Its convenient port location has always attracted conquerors—Romans, Phoenicians, and Arabs. In 1147, the city became Portuguese, captured by the troops of the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques.

The city's central core is formed by the Baixa district, bounded by Rossio and Commerce Squares to the north and south, and hills to the west and east. Commerce Square is one of the largest and most spacious in Europe, its expanse achieved by its wide-open space facing the bay. During the colonial era, administrative buildings for institutions regulating the empire's foreign trade were concentrated here. Until the earthquake of 1755, it was the site of the royal residence.

An equestrian monument to King José I the Reformer stands here. It was during José I's reign that a monstrous earthquake occurred. The ensuing tsunami and fires practically destroyed the city. After this earthquake, seismology became a recognized science. An equally interesting observation was made immediately before the tsunami: animals panicked and began seeking shelter on any available high ground.

The city's restoration under José I was overseen by Sebastião José Pombal, a prominent politician of the era. Grateful descendants erected a monument to him in the square of the same name. Rossio Square is one of the oldest in the city. Despite its impressive size, it exudes a cozy and tranquil atmosphere. Fountains are located here, and a monument to Emperor Pedro IV rises in the center. In the Middle Ages, the Inquisition building was located here, where its sentences were read and often carried out. An earthquake destroyed the Inquisition building, and the National Theatre was built in its place. The square's paving stones are unique, designed as a mosaic depicting gray-black waves. This type of pavement and sidewalk design is typical of Portugal.

To the east of Rossio is Figueira Square, whose name speaks for itself and translates as Fig Tree Square. From the late 19th century until 1947, it housed a covered market. Figueira has retained its commercial importance to this day—the buildings here house shops, cafes, and hotels. To the northwest of Rossio is Restauradores Square, home to Rossio Station and an obelisk commemorating Portugal's struggle for independence from the Spanish Crown.

Lisbon is replete with landmarks and monuments, reflecting the centuries-old history of this remarkable city and country. To the east of the Baixa district rises a hill with the Castle of São Jorge, one of Lisbon's oldest structures. The castle served as a fortress at various times, serving the Romans, Visigoths, and Arabs. Before moving to the palace on Commerce Square in the 16th century, it was the royal residence.

Because the city is located on hills, its districts are at different levels. To facilitate residents' movement between levels, an elevator was built in 1902, connecting the low-lying and high-lying districts. The elevator consists of two elevators, each of which can accommodate up to 20 people at a time.

Lisbon's trams are amazing. If you didn't know they were part of the city's public transportation system, you might think you were at an amusement park where trams were just one of the attractions. As a tram zips through the city's narrow streets, you're amazed at how it avoids getting caught on the corners of nearby buildings.

Lisbon can be remembered for its calm and measured atmosphere in its quiet, narrow streets, or for its bustling bustle in its vast squares. The city is beautiful at any time of year, thanks to the warm and mild climate of this corner of Europe's westernmost country.

Yuri Trifonov.