Parque das Nações, Lisbon - What you need to know...
Parque das Nações is the most recent area of ??Lisbon. This whole new area of Parque das Nações was created as a result of the Expo 98. This event, that somehow definitely catapulted Portugal to modernity, what would become indelibly Lisbon, creating a new center and an area which is itself a new city inside the capital Lisbon.
The territory of the Parque das Nações, formerly divided by three parishes of the municipalities of Lisbon and Loures, gained own administrative identity during the Lisbon reform 2012. It was then that the new parish of Parque das Nações was created, covering the entire intervention area of the Expo 98 and some adjacent territories. After 1998, the whole area has evolved into a premier residential area endowed with magnificent infrastructure, endowed with a great cultural offer, with its own institutions, a great variety of services and a commercial offer quality.
Anyone who saw the Expo 98 area before the intervention know that it was, first of all, to recover and give a new life to an area wiht such big environmental and landscape problems. Nowadays it has become an icon of Lisbon and a worldwide example of urban renewal. The Expo 98 and its transformation into Parque das Nações are examples of how an event can be used to create an urban and high quality area. For all the reasons, the quality of life of the residents in the Parque da Nações is excellent and certainly it is comparable to the the most developed cities in the world and its best neighborhoods. Security is a priority for those who look for quality of life. Lisbon is the safest European capital, together with Helsinki,and the violent crime is almost nonexistent in our capital, but it is important to note that the Parque das Nações is the safest neighbourhood in Lisbon. In the Parque das Nações crime is completely residual, which makes of it a great place to live and enjoy the moments of leisure and relaxation.
As it is known, the Expo 98 celebrated the oceans and the Portuguese epic. It is therefore clear that an achievement dedicated to oceans would certainly not despise the Tagus waters. Thus, the Parque das Nações was designed and developed in a perfect communion with the river waters. The Parque and the Tagus embrace each other, a relationship of mutual respect that represents one of the most impressive leisure facilities along the rivers, inviting to the practice of various activities, from simple jogging, biking or rollerblading on the banks, to sailing and other water sports in a straw sea. This closeness and communion with the river also includes a modern marina with about 600 berths for recreational craft and conditions for receiving great nautical sports events. This marina receive larger vessels, especially cruise or historical vessels. This marina is also a door to a protected natural area, the Tagus estuary, which can be exploited, fauna and flora, from the Parque das Nações.
The history of Portugal and of the discoveries is also well reflected in the Parque das Nações places names. Street names are dedicated to browsers, territories and characters that somehow are related to the sea and the Portuguese discoveries. Referring more practical and important issues for people who want to establishes residence in Lisbon, in particular in Parque das Nações area, it is noted that this is a completely renovated area, from the housing to infrastructure. The quality was always a key in this renovation process. Although the history is always present, modernity is the watchword. It could even be said that the Parque das Nações brings together the best of both worlds: the history and the heritage and modernity and progress.
The antiquity is hovering over Parque das Nações, loading it history, but contemporary architecture and all spaces are today part of the heritage. Parque das Nações brings together some of the most impressive buildings in Portugal in a relatively small area, with special emphasis for Vasco da Gama Tower, the tallest building in the country, the Pavilhão Atlântico, which hosts many of the most important shows, sporting events and congress, the Lisbon's Oceanário, with its huge collection of birds, mammals and fish and the Church of Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes, completed in 2014. Highlights also include other buildings legacy of the Expo 98, such as Pavilhão do Conhecimento, today an important museum of science and technology, the Gare do Oriente, important project from the conceptualized spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the Pavilhão de Portugal, constructed by by Siza Vieira, impressive for its huge flap supported by the walls of the building, among many others that impress either by the modern lines, either with its bold and different architecture.
The Parque das Nações also stands out for its good and fast access to the different parts of the town or of the country. The Gare do Oriente brings together in one place several urban and interurban transports, regional, inter-regional and high-speed, such as trains, metropolitan, buses or taxis. In this place you can find a transport to anywhere in the country, in addition to connections to Spain and France. For those who prefer to travel by private car, it is important to know that this area is also near the the main axis. The highways to the north, south and Spain are just a few minutes from Parque das Nações which gives you the possibility of starting a trip without having to face the traffic in the center. The Lisbon International Airport is "Around the corner", ideal for those who have to travel frequently due to business or any other reasons.
In the Parque das Nações area, the commercial offer is plentiful and of great quality, especially because of the Vasco da Gama Shopping Center. Here you can find very well known stores and sought brands. This place also offers a large number of sophisticated restaurants, where different dishes of international cuisine are offered, of the most different specialties, perfect for lovers of good food. Even the most demanding buyers looking for more exclusive and luxurious brand shops, they can find everything they need nearby, in the Avenida da Liberdade, considered the 35th most expensive avenue in the world.
Parque das Nações area is also an interesting place for those who study is a priority. There are various educational institutions, pre-schools and primary schools and higher higher education public and private schools. Reference should be made to the Higher School of Health Technology. Even if the universities are not in the Parque das Nações area, the university city, where are located several reputable colleges, is easy to reach thanks to the large number of good public transports. Living here gives you the advantage of being in a place of tranquility and beauty in the middle of town.
The diversity of cultural attractions that Parque das Nações has to offer is an added advantage, with an huge concentration of supply, such as Pavilhão Atlântico, one of the largest multi-purpose concert halls of Portugal, more than an entertainment room, it is also a glamour and cosmopolitan place where you can meet people from wall over the world and from different cultures.
Parque das Nações is the reflex of an ideal town: pleasant spaces in harmony with nature, with great infrastructures and modernity spaces that can satisfy the most demanding people...
