Parque das Nações

Parque das Nações (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈpaɾk(ɨ) dɐʃ nɐˈsõȷ̃ʃ]; English: Park of the Nations) is a leisure, commercial, and residential area in Lisbon, Portugal. It covers an extensive area in northeastern Lisbon next to the Tagus estuary, formerly used for mainly industrial purposes.

The area underwent a tremendous transformation in the 1990s when it was chosen as the location for the Expo '98 World Exhibition. After the exhibition, the area got its current name (although it is not uncommon for the Portuguese to still refer to it as "Expo"), and more transformations occurred such as the new Vasco da Gama shopping mall, the Lisbon's International Fair complex, hotels and many new office and residential buildings. Many attractions built for the Expo '98 remained and keep drawing visitors, such as the Oceanarium, one of the world's biggest aquariums.

Taking advantage of its geographical position, Parque das Nações is also proud of its brand new Marina. Marina Parque das Nações features 600 berths and modern infrastructures, a river pier for cruises or historical vessels, and an exclusive pontoon prepared to receive nautical and on land events.

For those who are birdlovers, this is a perfect spot for bird watching as it is sited in the Tagus Estuary, one of the largest and diverse estuaries of Europe.

An estimated 15,000 people currently live in the Parque das Nações, which is halved between the Lisbon and Loures municipalities, effectively splitting the local government of the area. There is a movement of citizens requesting the Lisbon's half to annex the one belonging to Loures, thereby integrating the entire area within the Lisbon municipality.

TEXT FROM WIKIPEDIA, cba SOME RIGHTS RESERVED.