Historical Capitals of the World

Lisbon

Country: Portugal

Region: Europe

Period: 1255-present

Location: 38.725278°N, -9.15°E

Description

Lisbon, the modern capital of Portugal, was once the capital of the Taifa of Lisbon, a Muslim kingdom that emerged in the 11th century after the collapse of the Caliphate of Córdoba. The Taifa of Lisbon was a small but strategically important state on the Iberian Peninsula.

Modern Remains

Modern Lisbon preserves several remnants of its Islamic past, including the Castelo de São Jorge, which was originally fortified by the Moors, and the Alfama district, which retains its narrow streets and Moorish-style architecture. While much of the Islamic heritage was altered during the Christian reconquest and later development, these sites reflect Lisbon’s diverse historical layers.

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