PARQUE DAS NAÇÕES

Description

Essentials about Parque das Nações in brief

Parque das Nações (Park of Nations) is the most architecturally modern district of Lisbon. No wonder, the Park of Nations was first created by the redevelopment of the former site of the World Expo 98 in Lisbon. Since then, Parque das Nações has developed into a lively neighborhood with plenty of attractions to discover and experience. Architectural highlights of the Park of Nations include the modern Lisbon Oriente train station, the massive Vasco da Gama Bridge and the imposing Vasco da Gama Tower. Especially for families with children, Parque das Nações is a popular destination with the Oceanário de Lisboa, the Science Museum and its many playgrounds and water exhibits.

The design of Parque das Nações

Before the area on the banks of the Tagus River was developed into the site of the World’s Fair, it was mainly home to larger industrial plants. When Lisbon was awarded the World’s Fair, the area began to be completely redeveloped. The political authorities deliberately opted for very modern architecture in order to create a counterpoint to the historic buildings of Lisbon’s old town and to establish the area as a new tourist destination.

The buildings and sights of Parque das Nações

A subsequent use for the buildings of the World’s Fair was already envisaged for all buildings from the very beginning. The centerpiece of the Parque das Nações is the Lisbon-Oriente train station designed by Spanish star architect Santiago Calatrava, which impresses with its futuristic architecture. Another major transportation project realized in the course of the World Expo is the massive Vasco da Gama Bridge, the largest bridge in Europe at 17.2 kilometers in length. As the second crossing of the Tagus from the Parque das Nações, it connects Lisbon with the suburbs located on the east bank of the river.

If you like shopping in large shopping malls, you should visit the Vasco da Gama Shopping Center for a shopping spree. The mall once served as the reception building for the World’s Fair and is now one of Lisbon’s most popular shopping destinations. East of the station, behind the shopping center, is the Atlantic Pavilion (pt. “Pavilhão Atlântico”), which is now used as a multi-purpose hall, including for concerts. North of it are the International Exhibition Halls, which today house the Lisbon Exhibition Center. Next to the exhibition center is the 145-meter-high Vasco da Gama Tower, which has since been converted into a luxury hotel.

Parque das Nações also includes the former Pavilion of the Future (pt. “Pavilhão do Futuro”), which houses the Lisbon Casino, and the Pavilion of Knowledge (pt. “Pavilhão do Conhecimento”), now the Lisbon Museum of Science. One of the most famous and frequented buildings in Parque das Nações is the Lisbon Oceanarium, the largest indoor aquarium in Europe.

Parque das Nações for families

Especially for families with children, a visit to Parque das Nações is definitely recommended. Children will love the Oceanarium and will also enjoy spending a lot of time in the interactive Science Museum. In addition, there are many interactive water exhibits and playgrounds in the original Expo Park. Since the entire area is open, quiet and car-free, there are no limits to fun and games here. And at the Vasco da Gama Shopping Center, you can catch a movie at the multiplex theater or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the food court.

Last but not least, here’s a note on the most interesting way to get around Parque das Nações. While the neighborhood is generally very pedestrian friendly. If normal walking is too boring for you, you can alternatively take the cable car. It connects the Vasco da Gama Tower along the banks of the Tagus River with the Oceanarium. The view from 20 meters above the river and the seemingly endless Vasco da Gama Bridge is fantastic.