"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.
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
Other Attractions in Portugal
Cabo Da Roca, Sintra
São Bento Railway Station
Port Tasting
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
Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça
The Abbey of Santa Maria was classified as a National Monument in 1907 and listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1989. The church and the attached monastery were the first Gothic buildings in Portugal, one of the finest and most impressive examples of Cisterian architecture in Europe.
Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória
The Monastery of St. Mary of the Victory, also called Monastery of Batalha, was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castillians at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385.
Sé Velha, Coimbra
The Old Cathedral (Sé Velha), located in the historic center of Coimbra, was the first cathedral built in the town in the 12th century. Construction began after the Battle of Ourique in 1139 when Prince Afonso Henriques declared himself King of Portugal.
Sé Nova de Coimbra
Sé Nova de Coimbra was built between 1598 and 1698. It belonged to the College of the Society of Jesus until the expulsion of Jesuits from Portugal in 1759 by Pombal. Today it is the seat of the Coimbra Diocese.
Capela de Sáo Miguel, Coimbra
When the university acquired the Alcacova Royal Paláce it also acquired this chapel. It was built in 16th century on the site of a previous chapel built in 12th century.
Igreja de Santa Cruz, Coimbra
The Igreja de Santa Cruz was built from 1131 onwards. Many changes were made throughout its history. Today, there is little left of its original Romanesque structure. It contains the tombs of Portugal's first two kings, Afonso Henriques and Sancho I.
Igreja de São Bartolomeu, Coimbra
Igreja de São Bartolomeu is one of the oldst buildings in Coimbra. Its origin dates back to the 10th century, but the church was transformed into a simple Baroque style in the 12th and 18th centuries.
Igreja de Vera, Aveiro
The Igreja de Vera is a parish church of Aveiro. Its simple facade is decorated with two panels of azulejos (blue tiles).
Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, Vila Nova De Gaia
The Saint Augustine's Monastery of the Serra do Pilar is considered one of the most remarkable buildings of classical European architecture due to its exceptional architectural value and the unique character of its church and cloister, which has a circular plan. The church was classified as a National Monument in 1910. In 1996, the monastery was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, together with the Historic Center of Porto.
Sé do Porto
The Porto Cathedral is an imposing 12th century landmark. It was built by Bishop Hugh, a French nobleman who came to Porto even before Portugal's independence, and who ruled the city from 1113 to 1136.
Igreja dos Clérigos, Porto
Igreja dos Clérigos and the Torre dos Clérigos (Church and Tower of the Clerics), are considered a National Monument since 1910. The church and the tower are part of a baroque-inspired building from the 18th century.
Igreja de Sáo Francisco, Porto
The Igreja de Sáo Francisco (Church of St. Francis) was built in the mid-18th century. This must be the most lavishly decorated church we ever visited in Portugal. The undeground floor houses the monks' graveyard.
Sáo Gonçalo Convent, Amarante
Sáo Gonçalo Convent, named after the local patron st., St. Gonçalo, was classified as a National Monument in 1910.
Nossa Senhora da Graça Church, Castelo Novo
Also known as Igreja Matriz de Castelo Novo is located in a square known as Largo do Adro in the village of Castelo Novo. It dates back to the medieval period, but was comepletely remodeled in the 18th century.
Igreja de São Sálvador, Monsanto
Igreja de Sáo Salvador was built in the 15th and 16 th centuries. It replaced the old Mother Church, the chapel of St. Michael above the castle.
Santa Maria da Devesa, Castelo de Vide
The Santa Maria da Devesa is a parish church located in the main plaza of Castelo de Vide. It was built between 1789 and 1873 on the site of a small shrine founded by Lourenco Pires and his wife in 1311.
Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria da Lagoa, Monsaraz
The Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria da Lagoa (Church of the Lady of the Lake), located in the main square, is a 16th century Renaissance church. It replaced the previous Gothic church built in the second half of the 13th century.
Igreja de São Fráncisco, Évora
The Church of St. Francis in Évora stands on the site of a former Romanesque church dating back to 1226. It was built in the Gothic style between 1475 and the 1550's. Located next to the church is the Capela dos Ossos (The Chapel of Bones) designed by Franciscan monks as a solution to the overcrowded graveyard.
Igreja de Santo Antão, Évora
The Church of St. Antáo is located at the northwestern edge of the Praça do Giraldo. This church was built on the site of a former asylum and chapel dedicated to St. Antáo. Construction began in 1557 and was opened for worship in 1563.
Castles
Most of the castles in Portugal are located at strategic points, with some sites first used in the 2nd century BCE. Fortified citadels were built, re-used and re-built during these conquests. Their roles were not only to defend the borders but also the trading towns. Islamic rule held strong for nearly five centuries in Portugal, until Dom Afonso Henriquez conquered the moors and became the first king of the country.
Castelo de Sáo Jorge, Lisbon
Castelo de Sáo Jorge (Saint George's Castle) is located in Lisbon. The first king of Portugal, Dom Alfonso Henriques built this castle on top of a hill overlooking the historic center of Lisbon and the Tejo River.
Palacio da Peña Palace, Sintra
Palacio da Peña (Peña Palace) was built on top of a hill above Sintra. It was once a summer residence for the Portuguese royalty.
Castelo dos Mouros, Sintra
Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors) is located in Sintra. It was once a strategic location controlling routes between Sintra and Lisbon and between Mafra and Cascais.
Castelo de Óbidos
Castelo de Óbidos is located in the medieval town of Óbidos. This castle is now a Pousada, a luxury hotel.
Castelo Novo
Castelo Novo is located on the slopes of Serra da Gardunha, a Moorish name meaning "a mountain of refuge".
Monsanto
The villagers of Monsanto celebrate Festival of the Crosses (Festa das Cruzes) every 3rd of May commemorating the feat they endured during a seven year siege by the Romans in the 2nd century. They go up to the castle and throw vases with flowers over the wall while being serenaded by songs.
Castelo de Vide
Castelo de Vide is located in the Alentejo region. The town's 14th century castle is located in the oldest part of town and is classified as a National Monument.
Marvão Castle
Marvão Castle is located in the highest territory in the Alentejo in the town known as "the Eagle's Nest". This is a fine example of a crusader-era medieval castle.
Castelo de Monsaraz
Castelo de Monsaraz is a 13th century castle first built after the Christian re-conquest. The view across the Alqueva Reservoir toward Spain is stunning.
