Lisbon isn't just a city; it's a living timeline etched into cobblestone streets and towering monuments. As one of Europe's oldest capitals, its story begins around 1200 BCE with the Phoenicians, who established a trading post here. The Romans followed, dubbing it Felicitas Julia and building aqueducts and theaters that still whisper of their empire. Then came the Moors in the 8th century, transforming Lisbon into a thriving hub of science, art, and architecture—evidenced today in the intricate arabesque designs of the Alfama district.

Fast-forward to the 15th and 16th centuries, the Age of Discoveries, when Portuguese explorers like Vasco da Gama set sail from Lisbon's shores, opening sea routes to India and Brazil. The city's wealth exploded, funding opulent Manueline-style buildings like the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site that's a must-see (and a photographer's dream with its ornate carvings bathed in soft light).

But Lisbon's resilience shines brightest after tragedy. In 1755, a devastating earthquake, tsunami, and fires leveled much of the city, killing tens of thousands. Under the visionary Marquis of Pombal, Lisbon was rebuilt in a neoclassical grid—think wide boulevards and earthquake-resistant Pombaline architecture. This rebirth gave the Baixa district its orderly charm, a stark contrast to the winding alleys of older neighborhoods. As I wandered these streets, camera in hand, I felt the weight of history in every frame: a faded azulejo tile here, a ruined castle wall there. It's a reminder that Lisbon, like Portugal itself, has always risen stronger.