Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in the Western Europe, is the capital and largest city in Portugal. It is very rich in history and culture and Lisbon offers a large amount of possibilities to all its visitors and inhabitants. A city full of unknowns and myths regarding its origin such as the creation of Lisbon by Ulisses. It later became a commercial interpost used by the Phoenicians until it became a part of Roman Empire, with the name Olissipo. During the Roman Period, Lisbon evolved with new infrastructures that allowed for the city to grow and gain significance. Later on, the city was ruled by Germanic tribes until it was captured by the Moors in the 8th century. The remains from this period are still very present, especially in the old town districts like Alfama the Castle of São Jorge. In 1147, D. Afonso Henriques, Portugal's first King, conquered the city, and more than a century later, Lisbon was named the capital. Since then it served as the stage to several important historical events.
The city reached its Golden Era in the 16th century when it became an important commercial hub, receiving ships and products from all over to world. This period didn't last, and a few years later, the country fell into Spanish control and lost its place on the world stage. In 1755, a very large earthquake devastated the city, destroying lots of buildings and killing many Portuguese inhabitants . Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marquis of Pombal with an organise plant and anti-seismic mechanisms incorporated into the buildings. Industrialization and population growth changed the city into what it is today.
In the last few years Lisbon won several Tourism awards, saw most buildings being renewed and became a important tourist destination with a lot to offer.
The Hospital of Santa Maria is considered the largest hospital in Lisbon and Portugal. It includes several different fields and specialities that provide the students with the opportunity to learn and have contact with unexpected clinical cases. The hospital was concluded in 1953 and, at the time, the Hospital was considered one of the greatest achievements of the Portuguese State.
The Faculty of Lisbon belongs to the University of Lisbon (UL), one of the oldest in Europe. Various famous doctors studied and completed their medical degree at our faculty, including the Nobel Award winner, Egas Moniz, and the famous neuroscientist, António Damásio. Located in the center Lisbon, the faculty is integrated both in the hospital and in the campus of UL, providing a rich environment where students can experience both the academic and the medical side of the degree since the beginning.
IMM - Research Institution:
The Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM) is our main research institute and it is one of the leading medical research institutes in Portugal. It’s mission is to foster and promote basic, clinical and translational scientific research in the medical field, with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of disease mechanisms and developing new therapeutic approaches.
Students will be given one lunch ticket per weekday (1 per day of clerkship) to eat at the Hospital Cafeteria. Meals include 1 main course with or without a side salad and water.
Exchange students will be lodged in student residences owned by the university’s social services: SASULisboa.
Most rooms are double, with shared bathroom. The residences provide a fully equipped kitchen, laundry services, a common room and wifi. However, the residences are not equipped with cutlery and towels. We can lend you kitchen supplies, although it is necessary to make a deposit first which will be given back at the end if nothing is lost or damaged.
For transportation, we advise you to a acquire a public transportation monthly combined pass which includes metro, buses (Carris), trams and a large area by train. This will make easier going around and exploring the city as well as reaching the hospital or research center from your residence. The price varies between 30 and 40 euros, depending on the area they include (Lisbon and the surrounding area). The metro system also connects the airport to the city center in about 15 minutes. The metro system usually opens at 6.30 am and the last metro is at 1.00 am.
MORE INFORMATION:
- Subway ("Metro"):
This is the best way to work your way around Lisbon. The "Metro" (http://www.metrolisboa.pt/) is cheap and allows you to go almost everywhere in the city.
- Buses:
There are 2 major bus companies in Lisbon: Carris and TST.
Carris (http://www.carris.pt/) is a state-owned transportation company and has the advantage of travelling to some parts of Lisbon that the Metro doesn’t reach.
TST (http://www.tsuldotejo.pt/) is a private company (tickets are usually more expensive) and travels mostly around the southern bank of the river Tagus.
- Trams:
The trams ("eléctricos") are the most traditional means of transportation in Lisbon and are mostly still in use in the historical part of the city. They are also operated by Carris, but can be a bit expensive if you don't use the monthly pass.
- Trains:
There are 2 major train companies in Lisbon - Fertagus (http://www.fertagus.pt/) and CP (http://cp.pt/passageiros/pt).
Fertagus is the private company that operates the train that crosses over to the southern margin of the river Tagus.
CP is a state-owned company and besides having some urban routes, it connects Lisbon to the rest of the country and to the beautiful nearby towns of Cascais, Estoril and Sintra.
LISBON:
- Belem Tower;
- Monastery of Jerónimos;
- Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT);
- Lx Factory;
- Castle of São Jorge;
- Alfama;
- Bairro Alto;
- Baixa district;
- Ajuda Palace;
- Eduardo VII Park;
- Parque das Nações.
SINTRA:
- Pena Palace;
- Quinta da Regaleira;
- Castle of the Moors.
None.
We are proud to offer a very rich and fulfilling social programme in July and August. Our Local Programme includes several events, such as a welcome dinner in a typical portuguese restaurant and an international dinner (NFDP). Besides that, we organize tours of downtown Lisbon where i’s possible to observe beautiful sights, trips to various monuments and other cities, like Cascais, Coimbra or Óbidos, plan beach days and surf lessons. These activities are paid by the participants.
Our local committee, made up of incredibly enthusiastic and dynamic contact persons, will certify that the experience you have in Lisbon will be unforgettable.