The history of universal exhibitions dates back to 1851, a year where the "Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of all Nations" was held at the Crystal Palace of London. Before the turn of the century, twelve universal exhibitions were.

EXPO98: The first days elapsed in Expo98 was like a general rehearsal for the final performance. With an attendance of 155 official participants, distributed along uniformed-look pavilions which obscure the magnificence that this site should exhibit, those pavilions devoted to the subject of the event--along with some exceptions--are the elements that beautify the area and account for the greater creative success of the exhibition. Visitors can find in the interior of the pavilions a large bulk of information and a key element: the audiovisual aids, in all the range provided by technology. Just few managed not to use them and also just few achieved to draw the visitoros attention out of such an overwhelming range. Expo98, a true reflection of an era inwhich image predominates and finds its more interesting and positive feature in the common message of all the countries,the knowledge of seas and oceans throughout history to get to know and care for them in a moment of serious danger.

PRACTICAL DATA: Tickets:One day: 5000 escudos,three days: 12,500, three months: 50.000, one night: 2.000, three months/ nights: 25.000.To 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 a.m, pavilions from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ACCESS DOORS: Expo98 has five doors to access to the site. The North Door, Vasco de Gama Tower, 120 m height with a superb panoramic view, the Sea Door, on the South, has Petrogal Refinery, the Sun Door is specifically prepared for visitors arriving in public transportation, the Sun Door,the Tajo Door gives access by boat and finally the VIP Door to official delegations. SERVICES Tranportation: Microbuses, funicular railways, electric cars, etc