Pavilhao de Portugal (Portugal Pavilion), Lisbon

Pavilhao de Portugal (Portugal Pavilion), Lisbon

One of the Expo '98 pavilions that stands out for its architectural significance is the Portugal Pavilion, situated alongside the marina. Designed by the renowned Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, who received the prestigious Pritzker Prize, this pavilion is particularly notable for its unique design. Given the former fair's theme of "Ocean and Heritage", the most striking feature of the building is its gracefully curved roof, which symbolizes the billowing sails of a ship, in perfect harmony with the maritime theme of the structure and its surroundings.

This awe-inspiring suspended roof, weighing a substantial 1,400 tons and spanning a vast ceremonial plaza, is supported by walls resembling fins, serving as porticos along the sides of the square. Considering Lisbon's susceptibility to earthquakes, the roof is securely held in place by a network of high-density cables, and both the building and the roof possess distinct support systems to ensure stability.

Inside the Portugal Pavilion, there are two distinct exhibition spaces. The enclosed area is designated for the primary exhibitions, while the outdoor plaza is utilized for showcasing national displays. Presently, the pavilion hosts numerous temporary exhibitions. Despite its lack of a permanent purpose since Expo '98, there have been proposals to convert it into the headquarters of the Portuguese Cabinet or transform it into an architecture museum in the future.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lisbon. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Pavilhao de Portugal (Portugal Pavilion) on Map

Sight Name: Pavilhao de Portugal (Portugal Pavilion)
Sight Location: Lisbon, Portugal (See walking tours in Lisbon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Lisbon, Portugal

Create Your Own Walk in Lisbon

Create Your Own Walk in Lisbon

Creating your own self-guided walk in Lisbon is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lisbon Introduction Walking Tour

Lisbon Introduction Walking Tour

Legend goes that Lisbon's name has derived either from Allis Ubbo, meaning "safe harbor" in Phoenician, or from the pre-Roman name of the River Tagus, Lisso. Nestled at Europe's western edge and featuring numerous architectural styles, it ranks as the world's 10th oldest city and traces its roots back to the Phoenician Civilization, who settled it approximately three...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Sao Jorge Castle to Lisbon Cathedral Walking Tour

Sao Jorge Castle to Lisbon Cathedral Walking Tour

Spreading on the slope between Saint George's Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge) and the Tagus River, the oldest neighborhood of the Portuguese capital, Alfama, captivates visitors with its rich cultural heritage and picturesque ambiance. The area is home to numerous historical attractions and as such makes a perfect destination for a classic Lisbon walk!

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Belem Walking Tour

Belem Walking Tour

Also known as Santa Maria de Belem, the district of Belém is one of the most visited in Lisbon. Situated not far from the city center, it lines the Tagus River and is the original location of Lisbon's port – the starting point of the many great voyages of discovery by Portuguese explorers, such as Vasco da Gama – departed from here for India in 1497, and Pedro Álvares Cabral – for...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Alfama Walking Tour

Alfama Walking Tour

Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, spreading downhill between the medieval former royal Castle of São Jorge and the Tagus river. Under the Islamic rule, Alfama constituted the largest part of the city, and was increasingly inhabited by fishermen and the poor. The reputation of being a poor area still lives on. The name Alfama derives from the Arabic al-ḥamma, which means "hot...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles

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