The Parque das Nações (Park of Nations)

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On May 1 the labour day, the Feira da Ladra (Flea Market) was opened and so as the former Expo Park, The Parque das Nações (Park of Nations). After a pleasant visit to the Feira da Ladra, Alfama and Martim Moniz, we headed to the Oriente Station (red metro line) which the Parque das Nações is nearby.


The Oriente Station is part of a modernisation project and celebrations marking the opening of the Expo '98. It is an immense interchanging hub and a major element of modern urban development.  The platform architecture composing of metal and glass lattice covering differentiates itself from the glorious historical building in the centre of Lisbon. A bridge links the Oriente Station and the Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre.

 


We wandered around the modern centre and then approached the Park.  The first visit point is Pavilhão do Conhecimento (The Pavilion of Knowledge). It was converted from the Expo and aims to promote science and technology education in Portugal. Exhibitions, workshops are always run to attract and engage children to develop their interest in science.



With comparable attractiveness to families with children is the Oceanarium. It was opened in 1998, in conjunction to the Expo 'The oceans, the heritage of the future'. the Oceanario de Lisboa then externalised the centuries-old bond between Lisbon and the ocean.  Apart from different species of fish, visitors can see invertebrates, amphibians, mammals and birds.  Yes, birds included penguin as categorised by the Oceanarium.


If you are short of time and cannot admire the exhibits inside the Oceanarium, you can stroll within the park to see other modern buildings.



I like the sea and ocean. The most attractive part of the Park is the scenic waterfront. Walking along the coastline and the Estuary footpath is a big pleasure. Sunshine with breeze, blue sky, modern architecture, big yacht, local people spending their leisure time and amateur fishermen composed magnificent scenery. 

 

The Ponte de Vasco da Gama Bridge is like a giant dragon lying on the river.  It body is endless long.  Along the way, cable cars flew over our heads and ran to the end of the path where a 5-star hotel stands proudly.




Contemporary art dots different parts of the Park.  Below are some seen during our visit.  Vasco da Gama Tower is certainly one of the impressive art piece / outstanding architecture.




We shopped in one of the hypermarkets in the Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre.  It is many times better than the little supermarkets in the down town. If you don't want to cook, there are 50 eateries which can easily satisfy wish for dinner or any meal type.



Location: R. Jangada de Pedra, 1990-605 Lisboa, Portugal

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