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Welcome To the Parque das Nações
The Legend
Five Hundred Years ago
in this tiny little town of Sagres, Portuguese mariners planed their explorations of the boundless seas and their discoveries in the New World. Portugal turned to the Ocean, in defining its destiny.
T
he Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama prayed throughout the night of 7 July 1497 in the old mariners' chapel in Belém for the safe return of his captains and crew from their forthcoming voyage to India. The expedition was a success and a new sea route to the East was discovered. After his return two years later, King Dom Manuel I, to give thanks for his successful return, built the Jerónimos Monastery to replace the chapel. Vasco da Gama's body now lies at rest in this Monastery.
Five Hundred Years later
, on the East banks of Lisbon, a site was constructed that housed Expo 98. Expo 98 was also the last World Exposition of the 20th century. The theme of the event is - The Ocean, A Heritage for the Future - and the occasion will mark the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama's pioneering voyage to India at the end of the 15th Century.
I
t is fitting indeed, that the Nation that provided the leadership for the discovery's in 15th Century served as the focal point in providing the direction for our destinies in the coming 21st Century. On May 22, 1998 Expo 98 opened its doors, and Lisbon once again became the capital of the oceans.
L
isbon, which has been the capital of Portugal since the 12th century, is the economic and social center of a region of a million inhabitants. It was one of the most important points on European trading routes in the 15th century. It was also the starting point for many a voyage to conquer the high seas. This vibrant Portuguese capital was well suited to host this 19-week event.
On September 30, 1998 Expo 98 closed its doors and the Parque das Nações was born. A new city was born in the old section of east Lisbon.
I remember just four, short, years ago taking a drive out to the site where Expo was to be constructed. They had just started working on the site. The old refinery was in the background and we wondered if they would ever be able to finish the project. They not only finished the site for Expo but they also provided a framework for this new city.
If you missed EXPO 98 in Lisbon -- why not just come and see the Parque
D
epending almost on whom you talk to, the number of people that visited Expo 98 ranged from 8.5 million to 10 million. It was also stated that 97% of the visitors enjoyed it very much. Many of the sites that were constructed for the Expo will be used for future projects.
The Dream is realized
T
he Parque is situated in East Lisbon, only a few minutes from the international airport, the international recreational harbor and the main access roads, and served by a new ultra-modern multi-modal station, Oriente
Metro Station, and an excellent marina. Because the Parque is in such a convient location, you may go there in a number of ways. We went there using the Metro and I would really suggest that means. Each station along the way is more beautiful than the previous. Then you arrive at the final stop, the Estação do Oriente that is the most beautiful of them all.
This is the new train station at Oriente that is located above the Metro
Station. You may also get a train here and take the ride over the River Tejo on
the 25 Abril Bridge. This service was recently inaugurated and will provide you
with some spectacular views.
Depending on your location in Lisbon, you may be able to take the train over
to Oriente. On our last trip we took the train over and can back on the Metro.
The parque will be open daily from 09:30 am until 01:00 am except Friday and Saturday nights when it will close at 03:00 am. So make your travel plans early and take a few extra days to visit some of the country. See the New
2004 tours that will let you enjoy the very best of Portugal.
T
he new ten-mile bridge, Vasco da Gama, over the Tagus River will facilitate travel to the southern part of the country and also permit you to chose between staying in Lisbon or other cities such as Évora. The picture shown below is of the old bridge, Bridge 25 Abril
The new bridge is straight ahead beyond the point of land shown here. The new bridge, Vasco da Gama, is 10 miles long spanning the Tagus River estuary and connects with highways to the Algarve and Spain.
Parque das Nações Highlights
J
ust to acquaint you with some of the highlights of the Parque, it will encompass 150 acres of exposition grounds and almost 3 miles of waterfront. There will also be two main thoroughfares running parallel to each other that will provide the structure to the exposition. These are:
Leisure Area
T
he Water Way, the busiest thoroughfare in the daytime, contains the thematic pavilions, and the international areas for company and international organization exhibitions.
A
t night, the Coastal Way, which runs along the riverbank, will be the structural backbone for the main events - music, theatre, dance, circus and other attractions. This Way stretches for 2 km with fabulous view of the river Tagus.
The Water Gardens depicts the link between water and leisure
.
Garcia de Orta Gardens
exhibits hundreds of plant species from around the world, showing the importance that plants have played in inspiring oceangoing exploration.
A
ll kinds of services will be available to the visitors, from high-class restaurants to fast-food stands and emergency services. Visitors can chose from a wide Varity of food.
The Roof PavilionS
hoppers can purchase a wide variety of products in the Theme Pavilions, and in the shopping centers.
To make it easier to get around the Parque, the following services are available. Busses run from one end of the site to the other. Cable cars run almost all most the entire length of the site and provide you with great view. You may also rent two person electric cars for about $4 and hour or $55 per day. You may also enjoy a panoramic view of the site from the top of the 200 foot Vasco da Gama tower. The hours of operation are 12:00 until 19:00 weekdays and 10:00 until 20:00 weekends.
Pavilions and Expositions
Knowledge of the Seas Pavilion
A
place to see how Mankind discovered the Oceans learned to sail them and how he finally understood the need to protect them. Visitors will be guided through the history of humankind's discovery and gradual conquest of the oceans, examining the challenges of navigation at sea as well as the current uses of its great resources.
This pavilion is open daily, except Tuesdays, from 10:00 AM until 18:00 PM. There is a charge of 600 escudos per adult and reduced rates for children.
Multi Purpose Pavilion
This is the largest indoor venue in Portugal. During Expo 98 it was called the Utopia Pavilion.
It is now called the Pavilhão Atlântico. Its structure had room for thousands of people. It can be used for a wide range of events such as meetings, conventions, concerts and sporting events. It is truly a very impressive structure.
Oceanarium
T
his Pavilion will house the largest Oceanarium in Europe. It will contain reconstruction's of the Eco-systems of the North Atlantic, Pacific, Antarctic and Indian Oceans, all positioned around a gigantic central tank, 25,000 fish, birds and mammals will be on view, in the most ambitious reconstruction ever attempted of the different ocean regions of the Planet. The pavilion was designed by Peter Chermayeff and is fascinating and clearly the Expo center piece.
This pavilion is open from 10:00 AM until 18:00 PM all days of the year. There is an admission charge of 1500 escudos per adult and reduced rates for children.
On our last trip, we spend a few enjoyable hours in this pavilion. I was
strongly recommend it to anyone. You may also visit their site Oceanário
de Lisboa.
Pavilion of the Future
T
his is intended to raise the awareness of the future of the Oceans, by examining current problems and possible damage-limiting measures. Conservation of the Oceans and their important role in the Earth's survival will be highlighted. The site will also include a leisure area dedicated to aquatic sports and a boat show featuring vessels from around the world. The theme of the pavilion "Saving the Life of the Planet" is the focus of its two high definition television productions that convey the message extremely well.
Camões Theatre
Built to celebrate events during Expo 98, the theatre, holding up to 1,000 people with a fine view of the River Tagus, is a fine choice for theatre-goers.
After extensive improvements and restorations the Teatro Camões has been
reopened. It was designed to accommodate concerts and musical events as well as
plays.
Vasco da Gama tower
T
his is a place to experience panoramic views of the river and the city. The tower also has a very fine restaurant where you may dine. The tower is 120 meters high. The hours of operation are from 10:00 until 20:00 daily.
FIL-International Trade Fair Hall of Lisbon
T
he new FIL
( TRADE FAIR HALL ) is designed to hold both exhibitions and conventions. It is Portugal's largest and most versatile exhibition center. Its advanced technological and physical features can cater to the most advanced shows, exhibitions and conferences.
It is designed to host industry and trade fairs
that will attract thousands of international exhibitors and large attendance of
people. The exhibit complex covers a total floor space of 100,000 meters. Four
identical pavilions, each with 10,368 square meters of floor space make up the
main exhibition area, then there is a fully equipped conventions center with
three auditoriums, meeting rooms, a car park with 1,200 parking spots, two
restaurants with panoramic views over the river, four snack bars, and a café
bar in each pavilion. The complex has its own power generating plant.
There are four star hotels belonging to
international chains a few blocks away, a big shopping center and a plethora of
restaurants and snack bars of every kind.
Arts Center
Visitors can "Dive into the Future" and attend music, dance and dramatic performances in a festive atmosphere
.
Map of the Park - please click
to enlarge
Vasco da Gama Center
T
his center is directly across the street from the Oriente
Metro Station. Its design has been blended into the station's architecture. The center has a total of 164 shops with eleven anchor tenants, 123 satellite and 30 restaurants. From the rear entrance there are beautiful views of the other landmark buildings of the Urbe project.
For the latest information news, performances, events, ticket prices, restaurants and art events please visit the official Parque web site below.
Information on Parque
das Nações
Rooms and Hotels available in Lisbon
A
ccommodations are available in Lisbon. If you are having trouble-making room reservations
in Lisbon check this site are to see if they have any rentals left.
Some accommodations available in Lisbon 
Book
a
Lisbon Hotels
After the Parque where do you want to go?
W
hile you are in Lisbon enjoying the Parque, you should consider taking the time to see some more of Portugal. Here are some suggestions for tours that also permit you to visit some of the very best of Portugal.
New Tours
T
hese tours can be tailor made itineraries that include staying at pousadas (historical inns) and charming hotels with economy car rentals. If you prefer, you may see the country in the comfort of a modern
motor coach on a guided tour. Other tours of a shorter duration are also available.
Another tour company that you may consider is
Executive Limousine Services & Excursions.
You may also obtain information from Manor
Houses of Portugal by completing the form on any page of their site.
A sample of the New
2002 tours
To further assist you in planning your trip let's go traveling to Portugal. We will share our experiences and photos with you.
Let's go Traveling to Portugal .
Creation Date: 09 Oct 1997
Last update: 14 Feb 2005
Copyright © 1995-2005 Thomas J. Sullivan, MA
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