Portugal sightseeing begins with its capital, Lisbon, the country's most populous major city. Lisbon is an incredible city that combines ancient history with beautiful modern scenery. No less interesting for their history and architectural beauty are other cities of the westernmost country in Europe. In the article we will take a short tour of the most interesting places in Portugal.
Lisbon
From the reviews, we can assume that one of the most interesting and visited attractions in Portugal in Lisbon is the famous cable car Park of Nations, or Expo. Riding it is an opportunity to get to know Lisbon from a different angle and see interesting places from above, such as the beautiful Belém Tower (1515-1521). It was built during the golden era of Portugal in order to protect the city from invaders. Over time, its protective function was lost, but over the years it has been useful forvarious government functions.
Since 1580, it has been used as a political prison, customs, and even as a telegraph station and a lighthouse. In 1983, the Belém Tower was awarded the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and today it is one of the most visited tourist sites in Lisbon.
The tower is currently surrounded by an artificial lake, forcing visitors to cross a wooden walkway to visit the interior of this monument, one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
It's impossible not to admire another treasure of Lisbon. This is the Vasco da Gama Bridge across the Tagus River, linking Montijo and Alcoche. It was opened in 1998 and is the longest in Europe - 17.3 km, of which 12 km are in the waters of the Tagus estuary. The span (side length) of the central viaduct is 420 m and 155 m high.
Statue of Christ
The monumental statue of Jesus Christ in Portugal was built between 1959-1969. It is set on the rocks above the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, at a safe enough distance from the edge to avoid any chance of it ever falling towards the city. The figure of Christ stands on a pedestal, with his arms open to the city, as if embracing it. In the reviews, tourists talk about what greatness comes from this object.
If this looks familiar, it's because the statue is similar to the one erected in 1931 in Rio de Janeiro, the former capital of Brazil. The statue of Jesus Christ has a height of 28 meters, stands on 82 meterspedestal on a rock above the Tagus River. The statue of Jesus in Portugal is the tallest in the world.
Sintra
One of the cities in Portugal, which is included in the list of visited tourists, of course, is Sintra. It is a unique city surrounded by charm and unrivaled beauty. There are several reasons why this city is a must-see when traveling in Portugal. You can, for example, visit the beautiful and majestic Pena Palace, which is a landmark of Portugal, dating back to romanticism in the style of architecture.
You can't miss the magnificent National Palace of Sintra. Its building was built in the 15th century, with medieval, gothic, renaissance and romantic architecture. It was a stronghold of the Portuguese royal family until 1910.
The stunning park and palace of Montserrat (pictured above) is characterized as one of the most beautiful creations when it comes to architecture associated with romanticism. Sintra has beautiful beaches, as well as the westernmost point of continental Europe. In the visited part there is a lighthouse of Cabo da Roca (22 meters high), built in 1758.
Monastery
The Monastery of the Hieronymites is one of the most beautiful monuments in Portugal and another one of its seven wonders. The construction of the monastery began in 1501 by order of King D. Manuel I, and was completed a century later. With architecture inspired by India and all the exoticism of the East, this World Heritage Site was built in the 16th century thanks to a tax,introduced by the king. This was done by taxing 5% of the gold brought in from Guinea and the gems that came in from India.
Manueline architecture is especially unusual in the monasteries with magnificent decorative elements. D. Manuel I wanted to build this monastery in order to perpetuate the memory of Henry the Navigator and at the same time have a pantheon where his dynasty would rest. Monks from the Order of St. Jerome or Hieronymites (hence the Jerome Monastery) settled in the monastery. Monks from this order lived in the monastery for over 300 years, until 1834, when all religious orders in Portugal were dissolved.
Attendance to this hermitage is currently free. The monastery has the tombs of kings, queens and great personalities such as the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama and the amazing Portuguese poets Luis de Camões and Fernando Pessoa.
Obidos Castle
According to tourists, the interesting places in Portugal include Obidos Castle, the construction of which began in the middle of the 1st century, when the Romans ruled the world. However, it was during the occupation of the Moors that the castle developed and at the same time the fortress was built.
In 1147, the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, conquered the village and its castle from the Moors. Since then, the castle has been restored and enlarged several times. An earthquake in 1755 affected parts of the castle, and some medieval buildings were completely destroyed. Until the 20th century, the castle was in ruins. Then the Portuguese state decided to restore it, and in 1950turned these ruins into a luxury hotel - the first to be built in a historic building.
It is interesting to take a walk through the labyrinths of the streets of the village of Obidos among the white houses decorated with beautiful flowers.
In the reviews, tourists write about the fabulous nature of the country with stunning nature, where in November you can see many flowering plants. They also celebrate delicious food, with large portions.
For a more detailed acquaintance with Portugal. you can watch a great video: "Portugal. Seen from above".
Bataglia Monastery
During an excursion in Portugal, tourists are offered to visit an amazing monument, a masterpiece of Portuguese and European architecture - Batalha Monastery. After his victory in Aljubarrota (1385) over the Kingdom of Castile (a region from present-day Spain), King D. Joao decided to order the construction of this monastery to thank the Virgin Mary for his triumph.
Construction began in 1386 and was completed two centuries later, in 1517. The monastery was given to the Dominicans, who lived there until the collapse of the religious orders in Portugal in 1834. Since that time, the monastery belongs to the Portuguese state and is available to the general public.
Capital of Knowledge - Coimbra
The sights of Portugal, of course, include one of the oldest universities in the world, located in the city of Coimbra. It is a beautiful city with historical and ancient buildings. Its architecture, bas-reliefs and decorative frescoes on buildings, sculptures contribute to the fact thatthis city is considered an exceptional value, recognized not only by UNESCO, but by the whole world.
The university has a unique preserved library. Guides tell a curious detail about it: bats live in the library, which eat moths, preventing them from spoiling books. During the day they sleep, and at night, when the library is closed, the bats get to work. These are the helpers.
The city's attractions include two cathedrals and a beautiful park that borders the Mondego River and is close to the university. Students love to relax on his grassy lawns.
Nature of Portugal
Portugal has a long coastline full of beaches, but also wide plains, great mountains and the pearls of the Atlantic, the magnificent archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores.
All over the country there are small corners where you can enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding nature. Located in the heart of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Europe, the Cerdeira Park can offer relaxation for those who love the mountains.
Serra da Arrábida is the best place for those who love mountains and sea. The magnificent island of Madeira is a place where the climate is different from any other place in Portugal. If the sun and the beach are your priority, then you should visit Porto Santo, which has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Nothing compares to the Azores - it's a real diamond in the middleAtlantic. In the reviews of tourists about Portugal, this paradise, consisting of 9 islands, is always mentioned. This is where you can relax and unwind.
