Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon

The Avenida da Liberdade (Independence Avenue) of Lisbon is a 90 metre-wide boulevard leading up hill from Rossio to the Square of Marquis of Pombal. The Avenida da Liberdade makes for a pleasant stroll along its 1.5km length under the tree lined pedestrian area, admiring both the classical Portuguese architecture and designer stores which now reside within the mansions.

The wide boulevard is decorated with the abstract black and white stone patterns, that cover so much of Lisbon streets and the fountains and status add elegance. The most significant monument is the dedicated to the Portuguese solders that lost their lives during the First World War, Portugal lost a total of 50,000 troops during World War I.

There are 10 lanes of traffic in the Avenida da Liberdade but the avenue is able to retain its calm and elegance unlike so many other congested capital avenues. Lining the streets there are a wealth of different Portuguese architectural styles, a highlight is the old art decor Teatro do Eden with a luscious garden on the second floor.

The Avenida da Liberdade is the focal point during the "Popular Saint Festivals" held in mid June. Each of the districts of Lisbon compete for the best carnival procession with lavish and over the top floats and costumes. To celebrate, there is of course, grilled sardines and beer.

The Avenida da Liberdade was once the central park of Lisbon and the park stretched continuously from Praça dos Restauradores up to the monument of the Marquis of Pombal, but the roads were dug through the park during 1902 . All that remains of the old central park is the band stand which was moved to Jardim da Estrela in the west of the city.

The Teatro do Eden Lisbon