Lovely Lisbon

If you love antiques, you will love Lisbon! Located in the southwest of Portugal, Lisbon is the largest city and the capital. The population of Lisbon exceeds 540,000 within the municipal boundaries, but the greater Lisbon area has a huge population of almost 3 million, which makes up over a quarter of the entire country’s population.

It is a little known fact that Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, older than most other major European cities by hundreds of years. Julius Caesar ruled it and called it Felicitas Julia in addition to its name at the time, Olissipo, where the name Lisbon is derived from. During the fifth century it was overrun by Germanic tribes, and by the eighth century it was conquered by the Moors. The Crusaders took the city in 1147 for the Christians, in whose hands it has remained to this day.

One of my favorite places for antiques is the “Feira da Ladra,” which translates simply as “Thieves Market.” It is a giant flea market, and it is believed that a similar market was already functioning here as early as the 12th century, while the name itself, Feira da Ladra, was mentioned in the 17th century. This amazing market is located just north of Panteao de Santa Engracia, and is held twice a week, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Among the usual touristy items, clothes and toys can be found amazing antiques for those who are looking well.