Portugal is the westernmost country in Europe. Due to this location, she became the main character in the world of the Great Geographical Discoveries. To date, Portugal has preserved sights and magnificent architectural compositions that reflect the rich history of the land.
Excursion tours to Portugal are very popular. More than 10 million travelers visit the country to see the beautiful palaces of Portugal, enjoy clean beaches, ancient fortresses and mysterious castles.
The country is famous for the magnificent Redondo Palace, Obidos and Pena castles, as well as many other architectural ensembles.
Portugal is not like the rest of Europe. A significant proportion of the coast is blown by absolutely all the winds of the Atlantic. The west is pierced by sharp fangs of rocks and looks like the cold landscapes of the English Isles. The south, which is located next to Spain, is not at all distinguished by brightness and colors. However, reviews about Portugal leave extremely positive. After all, the country has its own zest and endless charm.
Obidos Castle (Castelo deObidos)
Obidos Palace is one of the most famous buildings in Portugal, built on a small hill near the Atlantic coast. Sightseeing tours to Portugal often include an inspection of the territory of this castle.
The name "Obidos" is believed to come from the Latin word for "fortress" or "strengthened city", which was created on this site for a long time. Due to its proximity to the ocean, Obidos attracted the interest of many invaders of the Iberian Peninsula.
Quinta da Regaleira
In 1892, the Brazilian rich man, collector and philanthropist Carvalho Monteiro became the owner of the castle, who started to build a Garden of Eden on its territory. Certainly one that would be able to reflect his worldview and mystical views, which would delight and amaze anyone. The palace itself is made in the Manueline style.
Manueline - the most famous style in Portugal in the XV-XVI centuries, characterized by ornate patterns in the form of plants. The facade of the building is generously decorated with gargoyles, Gothic towers and various capitals. In 1942, Waldemard'Ori became the owner of the estate, using it as a personal residence. But since 1996, the castle has been taken over by the Sintra City Hall, and it has been opened for free visiting by tourists.
Castle De la Pena (Palacio da pena)
Pena Castle in Portugal is the oldest and most beautiful castle of the European Romantic period. This is a great placelocated in the neighborhood of Sao Pedrode Penaferrema.
Pena Castle in Portugal stands on top of a hill near the city of Sintra, and on a bright day is clearly visible even from Lisbon. The palace is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, and it is also very often used for state ceremonies with the participation of the president and other dignitaries, including foreign guests.
The construction of the castle was organized by Prince Ferdinand. He was the husband of the Portuguese Queen Mary ∣∣.
Dona Chica Castle
This architectural ensemble was designed by the popular architect Ernesto Corrodi at the beginning of the 20th century. Unfortunately, it remained unfinished, all due to lack of funding. However, judging by the reviews of tourists, this is its highlight.
The palace is built in the best traditions of neo-romantic style and has imposing arcade windows that descend to the main entrance.
Almourol Castle (Castelo de Almourol)
The castle is located in the heart of Portugal near the Tagus River. Almourol Castle was built by the Templars, not far from Tomar Castle, which was their main residence.
When the Templar army was disbanded, the castle was left empty. In the 19th century, the building began to be restored, and during this time it has changed significantly. But still this castle is a national monument of Portugal.
Tejo River, on which it standsmagnificent palace, takes place in the department of Santarém. In this area, the riverbed is still narrow, and a large number of islands can be seen on the protruding shallows. One of them was chosen for the construction of the Almourol fortress, which is an example of Portuguese fortress architecture.
Before you appears the exact silhouette in the clear sky, inscribed by the battlements of the castle and its round towers. The foundation of the castle was made of granite rocks. And all around is quiet and magnificent nature: the river slowly carries its waters, banks densely overgrown with rich forests, mysterious dark turquoise backwaters, rapid rifts and rocky shoals. Tourists note that this place has an incredible attraction.
In the middle of the Almurol castle there is a square tower - a tower with a large dungeon, in which prisoners were previously kept. The tower was rebuilt many times, although it retained its main characteristic features.
Castelo de S. Jorge
The history of Lisbon begins with the ancient castle of St. George. Archaeologists say that the two walls of the castle and 18 observation towers served as the most reliable protection. All this was built by the Arabs in the 8th century!
Currently, thousands of tourists come to this place in the Holy Land. In 1255, Afonso III created a palace, which was used as the residence of the Portuguese sovereigns. During its difficult history, the great building endured attacks and fires, was repeatedly destroyed and reconstructed.
Already after the earthquake of 1531 from this castle inOnly a few buildings remained in Portugal, which currently house the archaeological museum. Among its exhibits are details of the decor of the ancient royal castle and household items found during excavations.
In the pavilion on the site of the library, fragments of ancient books, national papers, restored by archaeologists, are preserved. The exterior image and interior of the museum will immerse guests in the atmosphere of medieval Portugal. In the far wing of the castle, in the menagerie lived the lions that King Afonso V brought from Africa as trophies obtained during the hunt. Now there is a themed restaurant "House of the Lion". Tourists admire the castles of Portugal and leave the most enthusiastic reviews about this place. Many say they would like to come back here again.
Castelo dos Mouros
Palace of the Moors (Sintra) - a delightful castle in Portugal, which keeps a rich history. It is located on one of the hills of the Sintra mountain range. From the height of the walls offers an excellent view of the town of the same name, the Atlantic Ocean, the emerald plains. From there you can even see the castle of Mafra.
The palace was created in a strategic area, from here the Moors were able to control the key routes linking Lisbon, Sintra, Mafra and Cascais.
At the beginning of the XII century, while the Moors were trying to share power among themselves, King Afonso Henriques liberated the local territories of Portugal. And after the successful capture of the fortress of St. George inLisbon in 1147, the Moors left Sintra as well.
We reviewed the most stunning castles in Portugal and the reviews that tourists have left about them. If you love to travel, then be sure to visit these magnificent places.
