Lisbon the capital of Portugal has a population of 564.000 and its metropolitan area has a total population of 2.665.000. With a History that spans many centuries, Lisbon only became the capital of Portugal in 1255 due to its central location regarding the newly conquered territory, were it thrived as an important trading post for both Europe and Mediterranean cities. Modern day Lisbon is a thriving city that boast magnificent engineering projects like the 12,300 m Vasco da Gama Bridge over the Tagus River.