The Lisbon Hippo
It all begins with an idea.
The Hippo has an interesting connection with Lisbon which dates back to the 16th Century
During the Age of Discoveries, around 1515, the first Hippopotamus arrived in Lisbon as a gift from Portuguese merchants trading in Africa. This was an extraordinary sight in Europe at the time, as very few people had seen such creatures, which were considered almost mythical. The Hippo was kept in Lisbon as part of the royal collection of exotic animals and became a subject of fascination for European elites.
Book The Lisbon Hippo Trip
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Book The Lisbon Hippo Trip ⭐
Reports of this hippo’s behavior, particularly its love of water (it would frequently bathe in the Tagus River), spread across Europe. The hippopotamus of Lisbon helped to solidify the connection between the city and the exotic animals that were being brought back as trophies of exploration.
This event also explains why some of the artistic and architectural representations of hippos, such as the stone carving on Belem Tower, were incorporated into Lisbon’s cultural and historical narrative. The actual arrival of a hippo in the city added to the exotic allure that Portugal cultivated during its era of exploration.
The Hippo was a symbol of Portugal's expanding influence and connections with the far corners of the world.
The Hippo also has an association with an iconic artifact housed at the National Museum of Ancient Art in Lisbon. It’s a ceramic figurine of a blue hippopotamus, known as the Hipopótamo Azul (Blue Hippopotamus). This small, delicate sculpture is an ancient Egyptian faience piece that has captured the fascination of visitors for years.
Book Lisbon Hippo Trip
⭐
Book Lisbon Hippo Trip ⭐
The Blue Hippo's presence in Lisbon is more of a quirky cultural symbol, and it's beloved in part because it represents an exotic and faraway place (ancient Egypt) and adds to the eclectic collection of Lisbon's museums. The figurine has become something of a mascot for the museum and by extension, Lisbon’s art scene. Its popularity has spread as it has been used in various promotional materials and even souvenirs, further embedding it in the city's cultural identity.
The Hippo Trip is a great Land & Water Tour which you can do in Lisbon and takes you along the River Tagus and through the Lisbon City Streets. It’s great fun for families, parties or the enthusiastic tourist who is looking for fun (see links above).
