Final answer:
Lisbon was very important to European Exploration as the launch point for expeditions during the Age of Discoveries. It was less central to the Renaissance, Counter-Reformation, and Reformation, which were more focused on Italian cities and central Europe.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lisbon was indeed important to the European Exploration. During the Age of Discoveries, it was the departure point for many maritime expeditions that contributed significantly to European exploration. Portugal, with Lisbon as its capital, was at the forefront of navigating uncharted territories.
During the Renaissance, Lisbon was not the central axis of cultural and intellectual rebirth that characterized the period. The primary centers were Italian cities such as Florence, Venice, and Rome. However, Lisbon's wealth from exploration supported the arts indirectly through the funds that flowed into Europe.
The Counter-Reformation included Lisbon as part of the Catholic world, but it was not a primary center of activity. The focus of the Counter-Reformation was on central European countries and the Italian Peninsula where Protestantism had gained significant ground.
In terms of the Reformation, Lisbon did not play a significant role as it remained a staunchly Catholic city and Portugal did not witness the same degree of religious upheaval as seen in Northern Europe. It was affected by the broader European religious conflicts but was more of a peripheral player.