“Is this where the great Duke of Abrantes plotted his invasion?” you might ask, peering at this simple bench, the Banco de Junot. It may seem unassuming, but it sits on a street named after one of Napoleon’s most ambitious generals, Jean-Andoche Junot. Junot’s name echoes through the streets of Lisbon, a reminder of the turbulent years of the Peninsular War. He first came to Lisbon in 1805, not as a conqueror but as France’s ambassador. The Banco de Junot stands as a silent witness to the history that unfolded around it. Junot, though a bold and flamboyant figure, possessed a questionable military talent. He was, however, promised a dukedom if he could bring Portugal under Napoleon’s control. Napoleon, aiming to enforce his Continental Blockade against Britain, saw Portugal’s refusal to comply as a direct challenge. Junot, believing in his destiny, led his army into Lisbon on November 30th, 1807. This marked the beginning of the Peninsular War. Though he achieved his goal and was granted the title of Duke of Abrantes, named after the Portuguese town through which he marched, his triumph was short-lived. The Portuguese people, aided by the British, fought back. The Banco de Junot, a simple bench in a city steeped in history, offers a moment to reflect on these turbulent times. It’s a reminder of the ambition, the conflict, and the resilience that shaped Lisbon’s story.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to