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Portugal is a beautiful country located in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. It attracts with rich history, magnificent natural monuments and entertainment.
Who and why goes to Portugal
Portugal flourished during the Age of Discovery. Sea expeditions brought gold, spices and slaves to the country. Soon the Portuguese colonial empire was created, leaving behind a rich cultural heritage.
Tourists come to the country to see Romanesque, Baroque palaces, Manueline and Pombalino houses. Unfortunately, many medieval buildings in Lisbon and nearby cities were destroyed by the Great Earthquake of 1755. The capital was rebuilt almost from scratch according to a new layout.
Portugal, washed by the Atlantic Ocean, is a great place for a beach holiday. In the Lisbon Riviera, the Algarve, Madeira and the Azores, there are magnificent beaches, fashionable hotels and restaurants. Tourists can sunbathe, scuba dive, watch dolphins, go in for water sports, and have fun in clubs.
On the slopes of the mountains of the island of Madeira, you can take a walk along the levadas — irrigation canals, 3000 km long. Paths for pedestrians are laid next to them, and a safety cable is pulled in dangerous areas. Tour operators select excursion routes with different levels of difficulty.
The small village of Linhares da Beira in the Serra da Estrela invites you to enjoy panoramic bird’s-eye views. Here is the center of paragliding, holding the tournament “Discover the Serra da Estrela” in September. Experienced instructors and equipment are at the service of vacationers.
Portugal guarantees a great time for the whole family. Children and parents can go to the safari park in Badoc, visit the Lisbon Zoo and Aquarium, and go on a yacht ride.
While traveling around the country, be sure to try the famous Portuguese port, grilled sardines, beef steak in wine sauce and pastels de nata.
Interesting places and entertainment
Praça do Comercio
The central square of Lisbon on the banks of the Tagus River has a symmetrical shape and was built in the spirit of the Enlightenment. In the center, on a white pedestal, there is a bronze equestrian statue of King José I.
The area is surrounded by beautiful two-story houses, among which the high Arc de Triomphe stands out. Its façade is crowned with the sculpture of Triumph; below are well-known seafarers and figures of the country. At the top of the arch there is an observation deck, which is accessed by a steep staircase and an elevator.
Angra do Heroismo
The construction of Angra do Heroismo on the island of Terceira began in the 15th century. The historic center of the city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. People come to see the Yacht Wharf, Old Square, Cathedral Street, the Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Savior.
On the shore of the bay rises the monastery of Saint Goncalo. This ancient building is striking in its grandeur and simplicity. Inside are tiled panels of the 17th century, as well as gilded altar icons.
Ria Formosa
In the south of the Faro district in the Algarve, there is a natural park that includes the coastal zone of the Atlantic Ocean with small islands, lagoons, and sandy beaches. People come here to fish, shellfish and to admire the magnificent scenery.
In the seaside towns of Faro, Olhao, Tavira there are hotels and cottages for vacationers. Those who wish can go on a tour of the dunes, rent a yacht for sea travel, and go scuba diving.
Castle of the Moors in Sint
In the 9th century, the Moors erected a stone fortress on the top of the mountain. It was of great strategic importance and after a few centuries passed into the hands of the Portuguese. Gradually the castle was abandoned. Now only picturesque ruins remain in its place.
Paths are laid along the territory, there is a small cafe and a gift shop. People enjoy exploring the thick-walled fortifications, the few remaining towers, and the San Pedro chapel near the entrance gate. It contains ancient frescoes with floral motifs.
Aquarium of Lisbon
More than 25 thousand marine life from different seas and oceans live in the Lisbon Aquarium. Giant sharks, stingrays, moray eels, coral fish swim side by side in a huge tank, separated by invisible acrylic partitions.
The pride of the oceanarium is the Pacific octopus, which looks like the hero of a science fiction movie. Its weight is 250 kg, and the range of tentacles is about 9 meters. Adults and children like corals, jellyfish, crabs, sea urchins. Among amphibians, poisonous frogs, turtles, salamanders and penguins are of interest.
Karmu Monastery
The monastery on Mount Carmo in Lisbon was built at the end of the 14th century. During the earthquake and tsunami of 1755, the architectural complex was destroyed. The natural disaster destroyed religious relics, a library with ancient manuscripts and the tomb of the national hero of Portugal, Alvares Pereira.
During the reconstruction of the city, it was decided not to restore the monastery, but to preserve the ruins in memory of the tragic event. Tourists come to see fragments of walls, an altar, dilapidated arches. Within the monastery there is an archaeological museum.
Historical landmarks and architecture
Guimarães Castle
The medieval castle in Porto is a national monument. The defensive structure was erected in the 10th century to protect local residents from Muslims and Normans. The castle was repeatedly rebuilt and passed from hand to hand. Four towers, walls and several gates have been well preserved to this day.
Tourists can see the courtyard, an ancient wooden bridge thrown over a moat, admire the breathtaking views from the castle walls.
Pena Palace
On a rock overlooking the city of Sinta, there is a castle, in the features of which elements of Manueline and Moorish style can be traced. The mansion was ordered to be built by Fernand II in 1838. The monarch wished that it was no different from medieval castles.
The palace was used as the summer residence of the royal family until 1910. Now it is open to visitors. Guests are shown the courtyard, decorated with mosaics, the queen’s private chambers and state rooms.
Aqueduct Aguas Librish
The hallmark of Lisbon is the Aguas Librish aqueduct of the 18th century. Thirty-five semi-circular and lancet stone arches reach a height of 62 meters. The length of the structure is about 940 meters. Most of it lies underground, leaving the surface only in some places.
The aqueduct is still used to supply the city’s water supply. A pedestrian passage is open along it, but tours are available only for organized groups.
Montserrat Palace
The palace and park complex on the outskirts of Sinta was erected in the middle of the 19th century for the British collector Francis Cook. The Mughal-style palace was bought by the state in 1949. Now it hosts excursions, concerts, as well as holidays for adults and children.
The park’s historic gardens and Montserrat Palace are part of the cultural heritage of Sinta, which is under the protection of UNESCO.
Belem Tower
The symbol of Lisbon rises on an islet of the Tagus River — the Belem Tower, built in honor of Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the way to India. The four-storey Manueline-style fortress was once a fort, a customs house and a prison.
On its first floor there is a terrace, decorated with Moorish turrets, from which the king welcomed the ships returning from sailing in the era of the Great Geographical Discoveries. On the second one there is a balcony, and on the roof there is an observation deck.
Monte Palace
In the 18th century, Charles Murray purchased real estate in Madeira to build a beautiful estate and plant a tropical garden. Soon the mansion was bought by another aristocrat and converted into a hotel. The hotel worked until the middle of the last century and then was sold again.
The new owner opened the palace and the park to visitors. People can see man-made ponds, palm trees, waterfalls, admire exotic plants from different countries, figured flower beds and stone sculptures.
Queluz Palace
The country residence of the Portuguese monarchs is easy to find in the town of Queluz in the vicinity of Lisbon. The huge 18th-century Rococo mansion looks gentle and elegant. Inside, a magnificent interior has been preserved: decorative panels, tiles, massive chandeliers, vases, antique furniture.
The palace is surrounded by a park decorated with marble statues. Near the main entrance is a pool, in the center of which stands a fountain depicting the god of the sea Neptune.
Castle of Saint George
The medieval castle on the hill is visible from anywhere in Lisbon. The defensive fortress was here in the times of the Romans and Moors. In the XII century, it was captured by the Portuguese king Afonso Henriques and turned into his residence.
The castle of St. George is considered a symbol of the statehood of Portugal. An archaeological museum is opened here, which stores important historical exhibits. Trees grow in the courtyard, benches and a monument to Afonso Enriques are installed.
Temples and monasteries in Portugal
Church of Saint Francis
In the center of Porto, there is a 13th-century church considered one of the most beautiful in the city. Its construction lasted several centuries and was completed only in the 15th century. A monastery was erected nearby and the temple was included in its composition.
The Gothic building with baroque elements has a chic interior decoration. The walls are decorated with carved wooden panels, drawings depicting angels, flora and fauna.
Now the temple has been converted into a museum, where the ancient altar, the carved genealogical tree of Christ, sculptures and church utensils are preserved.
Monastery of Jeronimos
In the suburbs of Lisbon, at the beginning of the 16th century, the Jeronimos Monastery grew up, consisting of the main church and buildings in which the monks lived. The architectural complex has the status of a national monument and is under the protection of UNESCO.
Currently, there are archaeological and maritime museums. The first one presents gold jewelry, ceramics, weapons, coins, national clothes. The second contains documents of the fleet and items related to the era of the Great Geographical Discoveries.
Church of Christ on Calvary
Not far from the city of Braga, one of the main Christian shrines of Portugal is located — the Church of Christ on Calvary of the XIV century. It was rebuilt several times and acquired its final form in 1748.
The neoclassical temple rises on a mountain terrace. A white staircase with 17 flights leads to it. Each floor is decorated with statues, chapels, fountains. If desired, you can get to the top on the lift. The pearl of the church is a sculptural composition showing the crucifixion of Christ.
Museums in Portugal
National Museum of Ancient Art
Lisbon has the largest gallery, which exhibits antique furniture, sculptures, paintings, pencil drawings and engravings by famous artists. In the halls of the museum you can admire the paintings of Bosch, Dürer, Raphael, Velazquez. Separate exhibitions are devoted to Portuguese painters, as well as works of art brought from Asia and Africa.
Museum of Soares dos Reis
The Museum of Art in Porto occupies the Carrancas Palace of the 18th century. The old building houses the works of Portuguese artists: Domingos Sequeira, Augusto Roquemont, Marques de Oliveira, Vieira Portuense. Visitors can see marble statues made by António doug Reis, ancient ceramics and silver items.
Benfica Museum
The modern building, towering in Lisbon near the Benfica stadium, is dedicated to the famous Portuguese sports club. In his collection — items that are of interest to all sports fans.
There you can see Benfica football trophies, archival documents, personal belongings of athletes, rare photographs. The museum has touch screens that make it easy to find out all the detailed information about the exhibits.
Port wine museum
Since 2004, a museum has been operating in Porto, revealing the secrets of making port wine. The exposition acquaints guests with the history of the origin of the drink, explains what varieties and types of wines are. The museum is located in the Real Companhia Velha wine cellar. At the end of the tour, guests are invited to the tasting room to taste port wine poured directly from a wooden barrel.
Science Museum in Lisbon
The Interactive Science Museum is located in the Metropolitan Park of Nations. The large modern building hosts several permanent exhibitions:
- In the “Research” section, you can learn about scientific achievements and natural phenomena, conduct chemical and physical experiments.
- The Watch, Learn, Do exhibition invites you to drive a car, launch a rocket or lie down on a board with nails.
- The “Unfinished House” exposition tells about various professions.
There is a shop on the territory of the museum where they sell sets for tricks and experiments.
natural attractions
Cave of Algar do Carvano
In the Azores archipelago on the island of Terceira is the Algar do Carvano cave, which is a volcanic crater. It gained popularity thanks to the stalagmites and stalactites hanging from its walls in large numbers. It is better to explore a dark cave with an instructor using special equipment.
Cape Roca
The westernmost point of the Eurasian continent, Cape Roca, is located in Portugal. It can be found near Lisbon in the Sintra Cascais National Park. On a rock rising 140 meters above sea level, there is a lighthouse and a stele. The latitude and longitude of Cape Roca is carved on the stone. Tourists can visit the post office, souvenir shop, dine in a cafe.
Waterfall “Bridal Veil”
On the island of Madeira, near the town of Porto Manish, there is a unique natural attraction — the bridal veil waterfall. The height of the stream is 212 meters. Water flows down a steep cliff and falls directly into the Atlantic Ocean. To view the waterfall from a close distance, you need to go to the observation deck, specially built for this purpose.
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