Portugal - Lisbon

Lisbon, or Lisboa, is the capitol and largest city of Portugal. Much of Lisbon was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. Lisbon is from whence the famous Portuguese explorers like Vasco Da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan sailed as they explored the unknown world between the 14th and 16th centuries. The Belem Tower dates from this era and guards the entrance to the harbor. The Jeronimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates from the 1500s. It seems incredible that folks back in that time could build these magnificent structures with so much detailed stone sculpting. The craftsmen certainly had a talent and the Monastery was built by generations of workers. One photo shows the crypt of Vasco Da Gama.