It already has a museum presenting its history and cultural heritage (the City Museum), but in 2012 Lisbon will have another space dedicated to the celebration of its life as we know it. It will be called “Lisboa Story Center” and will be found in the city’s largest square, Praça do Comercio. It will be just one of several new attractions on that riverfront plaza, which this year already renovated and opened one of its courtyards with new cafés, restaurants and a tourist shop.
The new establishments should be in business by next summer, and will include yet another restaurant, two cafés, a bar, a beer hall, a florist shop, and space for special events.
It will cost a total of 10 million euros and is part of the ongoing riverfront renovation works which is taking longer than expected due to budget cuts and institutional reforms.
As for the “Lisboa Story Center,” it will be ready in October, but no information has been given on how it will complement the exhibits already found in the City Museum. However, previous reports indicated it should be related to “Pombaline Lisbon,” the time when Lisbon rose from the ashes of the 1755 earthquake and built a state-of-the-art downtown. It will focus on the architectural innovation of the area and the rebuilding of the city’s most monumental square.

This is GoLisbon’s 500th blog post. Go Lisbon Blog has become the most widely-read English-language blog about Lisbon (and Portugal in general) on the web. Published since 2006, it’s been a reference for The New York Times and London’s The Times, as well as a recommended source for Lisbon information in newspapers and magazines like Paris’ Metro and New York Magazine. The insider’s scoop on all that’s new and relevant in Lisbon has also led to a recommendation in the Lonely Planet guidebooks, as well as a selected blog with posts featured on that publication’s website. Our information has also been a reference for countless other blogs and websites, often republished or translated into other languages.
More than just reporting on what’s new or noteworthy in Lisbon and/or Portugal, this blog also presents a perspective and detailed information not found anywhere else. That’s a knowledgeable local perspective but from a “foreign” eye, offering insights and up-do-date stories.
It’s the result of a passion for everything Lisbon, making it more than just another Lisbon blog. It’s a window to Lisbon culture for an international audience, bringing to the city a more informed and more curious traveler who then leaves with a real and more profound appreciation for all of Lisbon’s unique and seductive charms.

Fado has just been given World Heritage status by UNESCO, meaning it’s protected as “intangible cultural heritage of humanity,” joining other unique cultural expressions such as the tango and flamenco. This musical style (which is actually more like a poetic recital) is strongly connected to the streets of Lisbon where it was born and has come to be symbolic of the Portuguese soul. Those interested in listening to Fado should look for the greatest Fado diva of all time, Amalia Rodrigues. She defined the style of the genre and has influenced an entire generation of young singers. The album to get is “The Art of Amalia Rodrigues” which should be available wherever World Music is sold. The queen of the new generation of “fadistas” is Grammy-nominated Mariza, and her album “Fado em Mim” is a great introduction to the singer and Fado music itself.

Not Fado but greatly representative of the sound of Lisbon is Madredeus, a band that received great acclaim and worldwide success in the 1990s. Their “Best Of” collection is called “Antologia” where you’ll hear their now-classic hits mixing the influences of Fado and modern folk. A former member has gone solo to great success, with his album “Cinema” having been considered one of the albums of the year by Billboard magazine in 2004. That’s Rodrigo Leão, a musician/composer with an obvious passion for Lisbon reflected in his music.
Also mixing Lisbon’s Fado with folk and pop is Dulce Pontes, a well-known name in World Music. Her biggest hit is “Canção do Mar,” first performed by Amália Rodrigues. You’ve heard that song if you watched the movie “Primal Fear” (starring Richard Gere) or the NBC/TNT drama “Southland” (it’s the theme song). Pontes’ “Best Of” CD is one of the top-selling Portuguese albums of all time.

To understand the relevance of Fado in Lisbon and on Portuguese culture in general, visit the Fado Museum whenever you’re in the city.

NAUGHTY NUNS
Archaeological excavations in an old convent have found a piece considered to be unique in the world for its rare erotic images on a Chinese ceramic bowl from the 1600s. It seems to have been painted to “teach” several sexual practices, and these types of explicit images were thought to have only been used in similar pieces in the late 1800s. How would such a thing end up in a convent, of all places? Well, for one thing, Lisbon’s convents weren’t always the most sacred places on Earth. Their male and female residents were actually known to live with bigger freedoms than those on the “outside world.” Inquisition documents show that love affairs and homosexuality were actually frequent. Many nuns were even lovers of the Portuguese kings. One of them even had to build a palace just for his bastard children born of those relationships (that palace is now the Spanish Embassy). These nuns were also quite rich, receiving precious gifts which may explain the origin of this well-kept treasure.

THE SICK MUMMY
Recent research has found that one of the mummies in Lisbon’s Archaeology Museum died of the first known case of prostate cancer in an Egyptian mummy. Using scans and X-ray technology, they came to the conclusion that this is a unique specimen and the second oldest case of cancer found to date, dating from 305 to 30 BC. This is even more special for Lisbon’s museum, since it only has a few mummies on display, as most of its collection is finds from around Portugal, dating from the Celtic, Germanic, Roman and Moorish occupations of the country.

CANNIBALS
Investigators looking into a burial site of the victims of Lisbon’s 1755 earthquake have come to a macabre conclusion. During the apocalyptic days after the catastrophe, the city was a living hell, where even cannibalism took place. Some survivors were actually murdered for food, judging from the evidence found on many skulls. Many of the victims were shot or simply hit on the head, which in itself would not prove cannibalism if a bone hadn’t also been found to have had careful cuts made with a big knife used to help peel off the meat.

When you think of shopping in Europe, the cities of Paris, London and Milan automatically come to mind. Lisbon, still completely undiscovered in every aspect, doesn’t even enter a top 10 list in that category. But a recent study says otherwise. The Economist Intelligence Unit analyzed shopping in 33 European cities and Lisbon ranked in seventh place behind London (not surprisingly at number one), Madrid (a surprising number 2), Barcelona, Paris, Rome and Berlin. The Portuguese capital actually ranked better than other cities that receive much bigger buzz such as Amsterdam, Milan and Vienna. The Globe Shopper City Index says Lisbon has competitive prices, affordable hotels and a wide selection of restaurants. Naturally, it also points out the sunniest weather in Europe, ranking number one in climate. Another category in which it ranked at the top was international cuisine (the number and variety of restaurants), and also scored high in safety and quality hotels. Unsurprisingly, it was also found to be Western Europe’s most affordable city.
In terms of culture it ranked sixth behind Paris, Rome, Berlin, Barcelona and London. However it did poorly in accessibility for the number of available flights.

Lisbon has just won the European City of the Year 2012 award from the Academy of Urbanism based in London. That’s an autonomous, politically-independent organization made up of a diverse group of people involved in the development of towns and cities, and the award results from the votes of over 500 members. A total of 15 European cities were considered after visits of assessment this summer.

Lisbon was singled out for its local character and distinctiveness, environmental and social sustainability, and most improved urban environments.
According to the Academy, Lisbon is a city which has survived two millennia, facing enormous challenges over time. It’s now a unique setting for the expression of Portuguese culture while attracting influences from Portugal’s links to Brazil, Africa and other world regions.
Among the projects analyzed in the Portuguese capital were the renovation of the historic Mouraria quarter and of the riverfront.

So what if the weather won’t allow you to have the typical Lisbon experience (culture and beach)? Even if it rains, it won’t be freezing cold (even in December), and you’ll be able to catch some world-class temporary exhibitions that invite you to go indoors. Here’s what’s happening in Lisbon until 2012:

“THE ART OF WAR”
There are even more reasons to visit the free Berardo Museum. One of its temporary exhibitions (which can be seen together with the permanent collection) is a fascinating display of war propaganda. It includes over 200 original posters from the United States, Germany, England, France, Italy, Japan, and the former Soviet Union.

“FRIDA KAHLO – HER PHOTOS”
The City Museum presents a selection of 257 photographs from the Frida Kahlo Museum’s collection. Kahlo is recognized as one of the top female artists of all time, and these works served as a record and working tool. You can see it until January 29.

“THE PERSPECTIVE OF THINGS – STILL LIFE IN EUROPE”
The Gulbenkian Museum has put together works by some of the world’s major artists, including Picasso, Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh and Matisse. What each piece has in common is still life imagery. Some belong to the museum’s own collection, others are loans from other museums from around Europe. It’s all on display until January 8.

“THE WORLD OF DINOSAURS”
The Cordoaria Nacional building (found on the way to Jeronimos Monastery) is presenting a great attraction for families. It’s Europe’s largest dinosaur exhibition, allowing visitors to understand the natural setting of these extinct animals. Portugal is one of the countries with the most dinosaur fossils, found in the last couple of decades by the coastline north of Lisbon (a total of 25 dinosaur remains have been found). On display until January 1st are life-size replicas of these gigantic reptiles.

PAULA REGO’S NEW WORKS
The Paula Rego Museum in Cascais has added new works by Rego, considered one of Europe’s greatest living artists. They’re in two temporary exhibits (to be seen until December 31st) and include more than 100 iconic pieces from the permanent collection. It’s all free, and a must-see if you’re going by the sea in Cascais now that it’s no longer beach weather.

Visiting a city during the colder and rainy season means spending less time outside. Tourists tend to go to more museums than they would on warm and sunny days, and also end up retreating back to their hotels earlier. For that reason, making the most appropriate hotel choice at this time of the year is even more important. The perfect “winter hotel” is one that is itself a destination, that is also a cultural or sightseeing attraction. It should be in a central location, within a short walking distance to major sights and transportation so you don’t spend too much time running in the rain. In Lisbon, these are the choices to consider:

ALTIS BELÉM
With rooms overlooking the river between two of the city’s icons (the Discoveries Monument and Belém Tower), you’re experiencing Lisbon right from your bed. You won’t get too wet if it rains, as those monuments are just steps away, as is a number of museums across the street. The hotel also has some of the city’s best dining options, meaning you don’t even have to go far for memorable meals.

JERONIMOS 8
Facing the city’s must-see monument (Jeronimos Monastery), this hotel places you right by many of Lisbon’s main attractions. The free Berardo Museum or the popular Coaches Museum are just around the corner, and you may also spend a rainy afternoon enjoying the famous custard tarts at the café Antiga Confeitaria de Belém nearby.

AS JANELAS VERDES
The former home of 19th-century novelist Eça de Queiroz is now this charming boutique hotel which includes a library, perfect for rainy days. One of the city’s most important cultural attractions is just down the street, the Ancient Art Museum.

HOTEL DO CHIADO
It’s one of the city’s most central hotels, within walking distance to the best shops, cafés and restaurants. A metro station is also just around the corner. Even better is that the rooftop bar and many of the rooms offer city views which means you may still admire Lisbon even if bad weather keeps you inside.

PALACIO BELMONTE
At this hotel you’re at the doorstep of the city’s castle and you’ll have a privileged view of almost the entire old town all for yourself. Many of the suites come with breathtaking vistas, making you actually want to spend a lot of time indoors.

The word “Baroque” derives from the Portuguese word “barroco.” Portugal is renowned for this architectural style and although Lisbon is characterized by its architectural diversity, it’s essentially a baroque city. That’s because most of it was rebuilt following the earthquake of 1755 and now many of its grandest monuments are filled with baroque splendor. The magnificence of many of the city’s interiors is also the result of the discovery of gold in Brazil, giving Lisbon a profusion of golden decorations. Here we present the 10 baroque attractions you should not miss.

SÃO ROQUE CHURCH
Home to what is said to be “the world’s most expensive chapel,” this deceptively simple church outside has one of the city’s (and Europe’s) richest baroque interiors.

ESTRELA BASILICA
This domed basilica is one of the city’s most monumental churches, covered with marble inside. It includes an impressive baroque nativity scene.

MENINO DE DEUS CHURCH
It’s usually closed, so this church hides one of the city’s most remarkable baroque interiors that mostly survived the 1755 earthquake.

MADRE DE DEUS CHURCH
The church of the convent that’s now home to the Tile Museum is truly magnificent. Covered in gold from floor to ceiling, it also has some outstanding tile panels and paintings.

SANTA CATARINA CHURCH
Also known as Paulistas Church, this is one of Lisbon’s most impressive yet least-known churches, covered with baroque and rococo decorations.

PENA CHURCH
Yet another church with an ordinary façade but with an extraordinary interior, covered in gilt.

SÃO MIGUEL CHURCH
One of the city’s many secrets is this church in the middle of Alfama’s maze of streets. It only opens for mass, revealing a rich baroque interior.

NATIONAL PANTHEON
The resting place of many of Portugal’s leading figures is a domed monument that took centuries to complete.

MARTIRES BASILICA
In addition to a beautiful ceiling painting, the interior of this basilica surprises for the well-preserved baroque details that fill the entire space.

ENCARNAÇÃO CHURCH
Found in the center of Chiado, this church has one of the city’s most elegant interiors, mixing the baroque and the neoclassical styles.

If you’re in Lisbon from October 20th to November 2nd, you’ll want to hop on the train to Porto. That’s when the Restaurant Week of Portugal’s second city takes place, offering the opportunity to try some of the finest restaurants in town at special prices. One euro per person will be donated to charity so you’ll also be contributing to a good cause. In this edition there are over two dozen participating restaurants, and we’re recommending six of them where you’ll be able to try different flavors, from Portugal to Japan:

ARTEMÍSIA – International cuisine.
FOZ VELHA – International cuisine
GÓSHÒ – Japanese cuisine
GREAT – Mediterranean cuisine
PORTUCALE – Portuguese cuisine
SESSENTA SETENTA – International cuisine