Lisbon: The City of Seven Hills

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that is never more true than when trying to describe a city. One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon is a modern metropolis filled with a rich history, impressive monuments, quaint curiosities and a diverse architecture. Take a look :)

Originally built in the 12th century, the Lisbon Cathedral has survived eight centuries of earthquakes, including the famous Lisbon earthquake of 1755, which destroyed most of the city. The different styles of the sober-looking building chronicle the change in architectural taste, ranging from Romanesque, to Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical.

The Castle of São Jorge is a Moorish Castle that sits on top of a hill, overlooking the city of Lisbon. Much of the present day castle has been destroyed by centuries of earthquakes, but the structure has been restored and is nowadays a mandatory stop when visiting the city. While the castle itself is interesting and you can't miss a tour of the archaeological exhibit, the best thing about a trip to the Castle is that you won't get a better view of Lisbon from anywhere else.

Perched on top of a hill, the royal construction offers a stunning view of the river and of the city, sprawled leisurely over the many hills and divided by the great Avenues of Liberdade and Almirante Reis.Public transportation is a reality in all major European cities, but few offer such a charming option as Lisbon. The Lisbon Tram system has modern models, but they aren't half as charming as their traditional counterparts. Originally called Americanos, they are the perfect way to navigate the narrow steep roads of the historical quarters.

When rebuilding the city after the 18th century earthquake, the Marquis of Pombal ordered the construction of wide streets and buildings that would be able to withstand earthquakes. The Pombaline Downtown's elegant streets, lined by neoclassical buildings and brimming with coffee places and street entertainers, are a great place for a stroll and for awesome photo opportunities.

Surrounded by ministries, coffee places and restaurants, Praça do Comércio is one of the most easily recognized landmarks of the city. Facing the Tagus river, this peacefully-looking square was once the dramatic stage of a regicide. The angry revolutionaries have given way to leisurely tourists who can easily walk from Rossio, down the famous Rua Augusta, to Praça do Comércio and back. The Jeronimos Monastery is, along with the Tower of Belém, one of the two World Heritage Sites in Lisbon. Close to the Tagus river, the Monastery is an impressive construction in the Manueline style. It survived the 1755 earthquake largely intact and it remains a mandatory stop for all those who visit Lisbon.