About the city and the twinning
About Lisbon
Lisbon, known in Portuguese as Lisboa, is the capital of Portugal. It stands on the banks of the Tagus River near its mouth on the Atlantic Ocean. The city’s waterfront reflects its long maritime history, while the broad streets of its lower town reflect the reconstruction that followed the earthquake of 1755.
Two of Lisbon’s most prominent landmarks stand in the riverside district of Belém. The Jerónimos Monastery, commissioned by King Manuel I, is a major example of the Portuguese Manueline architectural style. The nearby Belém Tower was built in the early 16th century as part of the defences at the entrance to Lisbon’s harbour. UNESCO inscribed the two monuments together on the World Heritage List in 1983.
Cooperation with Bethlehem
Lisbon and Bethlehem signed a municipal cooperation agreement in 1995. Lisbon’s Municipal Assembly bulletin records the agreement, and the city’s municipal magazine lists Bethlehem, Palestine, among Lisbon’s international partner cities.