PRAҪA DA LIBERDADE, PORTO, PORTUGAL

Portugal
(República Portuguesa)

"Portugal was born in the shadow of the Catholic Church and religion. From the beginning, it was the formative element of the soul of the nation and the dominant trait of character of the Portuguese people."

- Antonio de Oliveira Salazar

Food to eat when in Portugal

Eating in Portugal is an experience by itself. Many foods are simply made but delicious. You can't go wrong with seafood here and when it comes to meat, pork is a big part of the Portuguese diet. Don't forget the desserts, the famous pastel de nata and many others.

Porto, one of the oldest European trading centers, is located along the Douro River estuary, in the northern part of Portugal. The city is a World Heritage Site, proclaimed by UNESCO in 1996.

Other Attractions in Portugal

Cabo Da Roca, Sintra

São Bento Railway Station

Port Tasting

Cities & Towns

Portugal (derived from the Roman name Portus Cale which means "Beautiful Port"), is slightly smaller than the state of Indiana, but is dotted with countless historic sites. The country has been continuously settled, invaded and fought over since prehistoric times.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal acquired its wealth through maritime exploration, the Age of Discovery (or the Age of Exploration) and the beginning of globalization. Here, many great Portuguese explorers embarked on their voyages of discovery.

Lisbon

Lisbon, known as the "Enchanting Port", is the historic capital of Portugal, located on the north bank of the Tejo River estuary. Lisbon's history dates back to 3,000 years ago.

Sintra

Sintra, one of the "Seven Wonders of Portugal" is located on the hillsides of the Sintra Mountain. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both cultural interest and the natural beauty of its surroundings.

Óbidos

Óbidos is known as the "Wedding Present Town" for it was a gift from King Dinis in 1282 to Queen Isabel on their wedding day. The town is a national monument and protected by the government from modern development

Alcobaça

Alcobaça is best known for its magnificent monastery, the Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça (Abbey of Santa Maria), classified as a national monument in 1907. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989.

Batalha

Batalha is a small town among the hills of Leira. The town is known for its Mosteiro de Santa Maria Da Vitoria, also known as Monastery of Batalha. It was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castillians at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Coimbra

Coimbra is the third largest urban center in Portugal and the largest city in the district of Coimbra. It is one of Portugal's oldest cities and home to one of the world's first universities. The city's history goes way back to Roman times.

Aveiro

Aveiro, known as the "Portuguese Venice", has always been linked to the sea trade, fishing and salt production. The city is surrounded by salt-flats, beaches and lagoons and is dominated by the Central Canal running through town.

Porto

Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, is one of the oldest European trading centers, located along the Douro River estuary in the northern part of Portugal. The city is a World Heritage Site, proclaimed by UNESCO in 1996. Porto is known as the city of bridges.

Amarante

The town of Amarante is a pilgrimage destination. The town became important with the arrival of a Benedictine monk, Gonçalo, in the 13th century, who later became the town's patron saint.

Douro Valley

Douro Valley is also called the "Enchanted Valley" due to its beautiful terraced landscape. The Douro Region is the third oldest protected wine region in the world. The wines of the region were officialy demarcated in 1756 by stipulating that the quality of Port wine be protected.

Castelo Novo

Castelo Novo, or New Castle, is nestled on the slopes of Serra da Gardunha, and has one of the most beautiful views in the region. The town was first settled in the 7th century.

Monsanto

Monsanto (Monte Santo or Mons Sanctus - Holy Mountain) is located northeast of Idanha, about 12 miles west of the border with Spain. It is is one of the twelve historic villages built for territorial defense against the Spaniards.

Castelo de Vide

The historic town of Castelo de Vide is one of the most attractive and underrated villages in Portugal. The town's earliest history dates back to the Romans who settled here in 44 BCE. It is known as a spa town due to the healing powers of its waters coming from hot springs.

Marváo

The historic town of Marvão occupies some of the highest territory in the Alentejo. The village is called "the eagle's nest", located on the highest peak in the heart of the Natural Park of Sáo Mamede, 3,000 feet above sea level.

Monsaraz

The medieval town of Monsaraz, "The Jewel of the Crown", is located on top of the highest hill in the area. The town is one of the oldest settlements in southern Portugal. It once guarded a section of the Guadiana River.

Évora

Évora, the "Museum City", has been a cultural oasis for 2,000 years. The town was once an important trading and religious center due to its wealth of wheat and silver, as well as its ideal location on the trade route to Rome. Much of the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Cathedrals, Abbeys & Churches

The constant flow of different civilizations over the past three thousand years left a lasting imprint on Portugal. Almost 90 percent of Portugal's citizens are Roman Catholic, followed by atheists, independent Christians and other various religions. Many incredible churches and abbeys can be visited here, evidence of the wealth acquired while Portugal was a world economic power.

Monastery de Sáo Vicente de Fora, Lisbon

"Monastery of St. Vincent Outside the Walls" is an imposing 17th century church and monastery. It is one of the most important monasterybuildings in the country. It contains the royal pantheon of the Braganza monarchs of Portugal.

The Cathedral or Sé, Lisbon

The Cathedral was the first religious building constructed by the 12th century Christian Crusaders, who were described as an army of thieves and drunks who in 1147 "liberated" Lisbon.

Igreja Santo António, Lisbon

Igreja Santo António is at the site where St. Anthony was born. In front of the church is the statue of the friar, St. Anthony. According to tradition, if you landed a coin on the book he is holding your wish for a boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner will be granted.

Igreja de Sáo Roque, Lisbon

This is one of the few buildings that survived the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Built in the 16th century, the Igreja de Sáo Roque was the first Jesuit church constructed in Portugal, and one of the earliest in the world.

Igreja do Carmo, Lisbon

The ruins of the Igreja do Carmo are located between the Chiado and Baixa districts. The remains of what was once an important church are a witness to the horror that happened on All Saints Day in 1755. One of the most destructive and deadly earthquakes in European history.

Igreja de Santa Maria, Óbidos

Igreja de Santa Maria is a 12th century church located in the "Wedding Present" town of Óbidos, Portugal