Parque das Nações
The latest and certainly the most modern and futuristic district in Lisbon is the Parque das Nações with striking contemporary architecture, making it a complete contrast to the old quarters of town. The former Expo 98’s park had the theme ‘Os Oceanos: Uma Herança para o Futuro’ – The oceans, a heritage for the future.
This particular Expo was special because:
– It was the 100th international exhibition since the great exhibition in London in 1851,
– It was the last exhibition of the 20th century,
– It coincided with the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama’s arrival in India, and
– It was held in the United Nations declared “Year of the Oceans”.
This former industrial area is now a sought after residential neighbourhood, with many businesses, a mall, several gardens and a lively entertainment centre with many restaurants, bars, a marina and a casino (see picture above), with the Vasco da Gama bridge in the distance.
Estaçao do Oriente:
The Estação do Oriente is an ultramodern metro bus and train station (also for high speed trains). There is some confusion if the a striking glass roof on the top floor is inspired by fish bones, bird skeletons or that it represents the olive trees that used to grow in the area.
Help: If someone knows what the glass pattern represents, please let us know in the remarks below.
The station was designed by the Spaniard Santiago Calatrava, and opened especially for the Parque das Nações. From here you can either shop in the Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre, or you can go straight to the old Expo site.
Address: Avenida D. João II
Pavilhão Atlântico:
This is an indoor arena with a capacity for up to 20,000 visitors, during the Expo it was known as the Utopia Pavilion. The arena is now used for major events in cultural, sporting and political fields, such as concerts, sporting events and conferences. It is the “host” was of the Tennis Masters Cup in Lisbon in 2000, the draw for the European Football Championships, Euro 2004, with 9,400 spectators, the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2005, and many recording artists played here, such as Prince, Eric Clapton, Robbie Williams and Lady Gaga. The design of architect Regino Cruz was inspired by a crab that lived 200 million years ago.
Address: Rossio dos Olivais
Address: Avenida D. João II
Link: Pavilhão Atlântico
Torre Vasco da Gama:
This futuristic tower refers to the to the maritime history of Portugal, just as the Padrão dos Descubrimentos, monument of the discoveries in Belém, and is a tribute to Vasco da Gama. The 142 m high tower is shaped like a ship, like the Padrão, the white steel ‘poles’ suggesting the shape of a ‘sail’ being caught in the wind. On the top of the mast is the “crow’s nest” from which you can have a beautiful view over the river Tagus and the city.
Note: The tower is being converted into a hotel: Torre Vasco da Gama Sana Royal Hotel and therefore the panorama restaurant is currently closed.
Address: Cais das Naus
Ponte Vasco da Gama:
The bridge was opened on April 4th, 1998, and is a tribute to the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama reaching India. It is one of the largest bridges in Europe with a length of 17.2 km of which 10km are over the water of the river Tagus and connects the towns of Sacavém and Montijo. The pillars are some 150 m high making it belong to the tallest structures in Portugal. It is also constructed that it can withstand an earthquake four times greater than that the big one of 1755. The goal was to ease the traffic from the other bridge, Ponte 25 de Abril, and to connect the Lisbon highways with the South.
Telecabine Lisboa:
The Expo Brought a floating vehicle in the form of cable car, or teleferico, which one to take Could Easily commute Between south and north side of the site. You can take a trip in 1000 to some 20 m high up in the air at One of These “eggs” along the banks of the river Tagus.
Address: Entrance / Exit North: the Torre Vasco da Gama
Address: Entrance / Exit South: the Oceanário
Oceanário de Lisboa:
The Oceanário de Lisboa, is one of the most beautiful and one of the largest aquariums in the world, and was built on a pier in the Tagus especially for Expo ’98. The aquarium consists of a huge central tank, which contains many large fish, and in every corner of the building there are other smaller aquariums representing the Atlantic, Indian, Pacific and Arctic Oceans. The aquarium contains more than 7 million litres of seawater, some 8.ooo animals, and more than 500 different plant species.
Tip: It’s possible to take a tour behind the scenes to get an even better understanding how large the central tank is.
Address: Esplanada D. Carlos I
Link: Oceanário de Lisboa
Pavilhão do Conhecimento – Ciência Viva:
In this pavilion you will find an interactive science and technology museum (since 1999), in order to promote scientific knowledge and make it accessible for everyone. People can acquire scientific knowledge in an interactive way, by actively participating in activities such as taking part in chemical experiments.
Tip: super fun ‘museum’ for young and old!
Link: Pavilhão do Conhecimento – Ciência Viva (EN)
Adres: Alameda dos Oceanos
Pavilhão de Portugal:
This striking pavilion, is a remarkable architectural gem designed by the Pritzker Award winning architect Alvaro Siza Vieira. Sometimes some major official ceremonies are held here but overall the building remains empty, though there is talk of converting it into a museum.
Address: Alameda dos Oceanos