10 facts about Lisbon you didn't know

Lisbon's Hidden Wonders: 10 Astonishing Facts You Never Knew About Portugal's Enchanting Capital

Buckle up, fellow travelers! We're about to embark on a thrilling journey through the enchanting streets of Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital. This sun-soaked city, perched on the edge of the Atlantic, is a treasure trove of hidden gems and jaw-dropping surprises. From its cobblestone alleys to its stunning viewpoints, Lisbon is a city that never fails to captivate.

But wait, you think you know Lisbon? Think again! We're about to blow your mind with some mind-boggling facts that even the most seasoned Lisbon enthusiasts might not know. Did you know, for example, that Lisbon is home to the world's oldest bookstore still in operation? Or that it boasts Europe's longest bridge? And what if we told you that Lisbon once had a network of underground tunnels used by the Knights Templar? Intrigued yet? Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg!

So, grab your virtual passport and let's dive into ten incredible facts about Lisbon that will make you see this charming city in a whole new light. Trust us, by the end of this journey, you'll be itching to book your next flight to Portugal's crown jewel. Let's get started!

1. The World's Oldest Bookstore

Bibliophiles, rejoice! Lisbon is home to a true literary treasure. Tucked away in the bustling Chiado district, you'll find Livraria Bertrand, officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest operating bookstore in the world. Founded in 1732, this venerable institution has been feeding the minds of Lisbon's residents for nearly three centuries. Can you imagine the stories these walls could tell?

But here's the kicker - Livraria Bertrand isn't just a dusty old relic. It's a thriving, modern bookstore that seamlessly blends its rich history with contemporary literary culture. Step inside, and you'll be greeted by the intoxicating smell of books, both old and new. Don't miss out on their impressive collection of Portuguese literature - it's the perfect souvenir to take a piece of Lisbon's literary legacy home with you.

2. Europe's Longest Bridge

Hold onto your hats, because Lisbon is about to break another record! The Vasco da Gama Bridge, spanning the Tagus River, is not just any old bridge - it's the longest bridge in Europe. Stretching an impressive 17.2 kilometers (10.7 miles), this architectural marvel is longer than the width of some small countries!

Named after the famous Portuguese explorer, the bridge was opened in 1998 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama's historic voyage to India. But here's a fun fact that'll knock your socks off - the bridge is so long that engineers had to account for the curvature of the Earth in its design. That's right, you're literally driving over a curved bridge! Next time you're in Lisbon, take a drive across this engineering wonder. Trust us, it's an experience you won't forget.

3. The City of Seven Hills... or Is It?

You've probably heard Lisbon referred to as the "City of Seven Hills," right? Well, what if we told you that this might not be entirely accurate? Brace yourselves, because we're about to challenge a centuries-old belief!

While it's true that Lisbon is famously built on hills, recent topographical studies suggest that the city actually has more than seven hills. Some experts argue that Lisbon could have as many as eight or even nine distinct hills! The traditional seven hills are São Jorge, São Vicente, São Roque, Santo André, Santa Catarina, Chagas, and Sant'Ana. But hills like Graça and Estrela could potentially be added to this list. So next time you're huffing and puffing up a Lisbon incline, remember - you might be conquering one of the city's "secret" hills!

4. The Underground World of the Knights Templar

Ready for a dose of medieval mystery? Beneath Lisbon's bustling streets lies a hidden world that would make even Indiana Jones jealous. We're talking about a network of underground tunnels believed to have been used by none other than the legendary Knights Templar!

These tunnels, some of which can still be explored today, are thought to have been used by the Templars as secret passages and possibly even as hiding places for treasure. The most famous of these is the Rossio train station tunnel, which runs for about 2.6 kilometers and was accidentally discovered during construction work in the 19th century. So, next time you're in Lisbon, remember - you're walking on top of a real-life treasure map!

5. The Birthplace of Canned Fish

Hold onto your taste buds, because we're about to serve up a delicious fact! Did you know that Lisbon is the birthplace of canned fish? That's right, those little tins of sardines, tuna, and mackerel that you find in supermarkets around the world? They all trace their origins back to Lisbon!

In 1853, a French company set up the first canned fish factory in Lisbon. The abundance of fish in Portuguese waters, combined with the need for long-lasting food for sailors, made Lisbon the perfect place for this industry to flourish. Today, canned fish isn't just a practical food source - it's a gourmet delicacy! Lisbon's shops are filled with beautifully packaged tins of fish, often featuring vintage-inspired designs. Best part? These make for perfect, lightweight souvenirs to take home. Who knew Lisbon had such a can-do attitude?

6. The Earthquake That Changed Everything

Brace yourselves for a earth-shattering fact! On November 1, 1755, Lisbon was struck by one of the most powerful and destructive earthquakes in recorded history. Estimated to have had a magnitude of 8.5-9.0, this catastrophic event, followed by a tsunami and fires, almost completely destroyed the city. But here's where it gets really interesting - this disaster led to the birth of modern seismology and earthquake engineering!

The Marquis of Pombal, who led the rebuilding efforts, implemented revolutionary anti-seismic architectural techniques in the reconstruction of Lisbon. The downtown area, known as Baixa Pombalina, was rebuilt using a revolutionary new system of flexible wooden frames designed to sway with tremors rather than collapse. This innovative approach made Lisbon one of the first cities in the world to be built with earthquake resistance in mind. Talk about turning a catastrophe into a catalyst for progress!

7. The Secret Behind Lisbon's Stunning Tiles

If you've ever wandered through Lisbon, you've undoubtedly been mesmerized by the beautiful azulejos - the colorful ceramic tiles that adorn buildings throughout the city. But did you know that these tiles aren't just for show? They're actually a clever architectural feature with a surprising origin!

The azulejos were initially brought to Portugal by the Moors in the 15th century. However, their widespread use in Lisbon has a practical purpose. These tiles help regulate the temperature inside buildings, keeping them cool in summer and warm in winter. They also protect the walls from humidity - a crucial feature in a coastal city like Lisbon. But here's the real kicker - during the Great Earthquake of 1755, buildings covered in azulejos were often the ones left standing! So next time you're admiring Lisbon's tile-covered facades, remember - you're looking at a beautiful blend of art, history, and ingenious architectural design!

8. The City's Unexpected Connection to Japan

Prepare for a globetrotting fact that'll knock your socks off! Did you know that Lisbon played a crucial role in introducing tempura to Japan? Yes, you read that right - that crispy, delicious Japanese dish has its roots in Portugal's capital!

In the 16th century, Portuguese missionaries and traders were among the first Europeans to reach Japan. They brought with them a cooking technique of batter-frying seafood and vegetables, which was popular during Lent (known as "Têmporas" in Portuguese). The Japanese adopted and adapted this technique, and voila - tempura was born! So next time you're enjoying some tempura in a Japanese restaurant, give a little nod to Lisbon. Who knew this Portuguese city had such a deep-fried impact on world cuisine?

9. The Mysterious Case of Lisbon's Ravens

Get ready for a tale that's straight out of Edgar Allan Poe! Lisbon has a long-standing and rather peculiar relationship with ravens. These black birds are so important to the city that they even appear on Lisbon's coat of arms. But why? The answer lies in a legend that's as fascinating as it is bizarre.

According to the story, when the relics of St. Vincent were brought to Lisbon in 1173, two ravens accompanied the ship all the way from Cape St. Vincent to Lisbon, watching over the saint's remains. As a result, ravens were kept in the cloisters of Lisbon Cathedral for centuries. The last of these "official" ravens died in 1978, but the birds remain an important symbol of the city. So next time you're in Lisbon, keep an eye out for raven motifs - they're not just decorative, they're a nod to this quirky piece of Lisbon's history!

10. The Hidden Beach in the Heart of the City

We're saving the best for last with this mind-blowing fact! Did you know that Lisbon has a hidden beach right in the heart of the city? We're not talking about the popular beaches along the coast - this is a secret urban oasis that even many locals don't know about!

Tucked away in Parque das Nações, you'll find Praia do Oriente, a small artificial beach on the banks of the Tagus River. This unexpected slice of paradise offers golden sands and calm waters, perfect for sunbathing or a refreshing dip. The best part? It's just a stone's throw away from some of Lisbon's most modern architecture and the famous Oceanarium. So next time you're in Lisbon and craving some beach time, you don't need to head to the coast - just make your way to this hidden urban beach. It's the perfect spot for a unique "city meets beach" experience!

And there you have it, folks - ten mind-blowing facts about Lisbon that prove this city is even more amazing than you thought! From its record-breaking bookstore and bridge to its underground mysteries and hidden beach, Lisbon is a city that never ceases to surprise and delight.

Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, an architecture enthusiast, or just someone who loves discovering the unexpected, Lisbon has something to offer you. These lesser-known facts reveal a side of the city that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions, showcasing Lisbon's rich history, innovative spirit, and quirky charm.

So, what are you waiting for? It's time to start planning your Lisbon adventure! Explore the azulejo-covered streets, hunt for hidden tunnels, enjoy some canned fish gourmet-style, and maybe even spot a raven or two. Trust us, armed with these fascinating facts, you'll see Lisbon in a whole new light. This captivating city is ready to reveal its secrets to you - all you need to do is come and discover them for yourself!