Artur Pastor - Lisboa, liberty, and colour of 1970s and 1980s

The imposing Águas Livres (free waters) Aqueduct, an innovative work of King João V reign (18th century), then expanded in the 19th century, supplied water from the Sintra area to the lisbon population that was eager for modernisation. 

At the junction of Braamcamp and Castilho Streets on the way to Marquês de Pombal Square we come across the Castil building, an imposing construction in a city growing social and culturaly.

The iconic monument of Marquês de Pombal, elevated and facing south with a wide view over the city, located on the square with the same name, contrasts with the occasional street vendor of coloured balloons, among the parked cars of middle class families, who had fun on a simple walk to Eduardo VII Park.

Comércio (Commerce) Square and Cais das Colunas (Quay of Columns) are two symbolic places of Lisboa, which where scene of political events such as the visit of Queen Elizabeth in 1957 or the 25 april Revolution. Nowadays are recreational and leisure places for residents or visitors. 

Every year, in june, traditional neighbourhoods are decorated with ribbons and other colourful ornaments chosen by the inhabitants to brighten the festivals throughout the city of Lisboa, which celebrate the Popular Saints (Santo António, São João, São Pedro) with music and entertainment. 

In the 1970s and 1980s the Port of Lisboa had a regular activity of people and goods. The maritime transport was used for transatlantic voyages and commercial transactions were frequent.

Lisboa’s esplanades, with it’s colourful parasols, brightened up the spaces and were an invitation to the workers to take a well deserved rest, while waiting to board the cacilheiro (Tagus river boat) that still today connects Lisboa and Almada shores.