A Brief History Of Lisbon's Parque Das Naes

When people think of Lisbon, they usually imagine cobblestone streets on hills covered in a confusion of homes (all different shapes, sizes, and colors), centuries-old buildings, and exquisite churches that reflect different architectural styles. Modern and sleek infrastructure is not as expected, but that is what visitors will find in the Parque das Nações district. Designed for the World Exposition of 1998, or Expo ‘98, it is one of the city’s newest neighborhoods and a spot where many popular buildings stand.

World’s fairs, or world’s expositions, are large, season-long international exhibitions that showcase a nation’s accomplishments and culture. In 1998, Lisbon hosted the World Exposition to commemorate the 500th anniversary of explorer Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India. It was also the 100th world exposition ever to take place. In order to accommodate the event and guests, the city purchased and built over an abandoned piece of land in the northeastern part of the city, located along the Tagus River and close to the airport.

Parque das Nações is one of the most modern neighborhoods in Lisbon

The theme for this exhibition was The Oceans: A Heritage for the Future and much of the new infrastructure constructed kept the area’s maritime history and the sea in mind. It was for the Expo ‘98 (the event’s nickname) that the Vasco da Gama Bridge and Gare do Oriente Station were built. Other notable buildings include the Pavilion of Portugal, the Oceanarium (which is the largest indoor oceanarium in Europe), and the MEO Arena, all built for the event and then converted for public use after the event ended. After the end of Expo ‘98, the area took on the name of Parque das Nações (Park of Nations).

The Lisbon Oceanarium is the largest indoor oceanarium in Europe

The twin buildings were built to resemble ships and contain both residential homes and businesses

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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