Portugal – A Land of Historic Significance

Posted - November 6, 2017

Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since its conquest from the Moors in 1147, and much of its historical character is still intact. The historic center of the city is built on seven hills, making some of the city's streets too steep for motor vehicles. So there are three funiculars and one elevator to take people up and down. The Alfama is one of the oldest quarters in Lisboa. Since it largely survived the earthquake of 1755 that destroyed much of the city, the area has retained most of its original layout.

It is Lisbon's position on seven low hills beside a river that originally attracted traders and settlers, and it's still a stunning site. Wide, tree lined avenues are accented by art nouveau buildings, mosaic pavement, and an endless stream of cafes. Its housing looks as though it suddenly leapt from an impressionist's painting, with low rise, pastel and ochre brown buildings, and church towers and domes rising in the distance.

Like Spain, Portugal is really a nation of different parts. In the north is the town of Porto, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and it is where the country's world-famous port wine originated. A visit to the lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia will get you free tastings of the famous product. Also in the north, approximately 88 miles from Lisbon, lies Fatima. Each year, millions of pilgrims and tourists from around the world visit this town to pay homage to one of the most important Catholic shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary. 

The historic hilltop town of Obidos, encircled by a fortified wall, is also a big tourist draw. With a history dating back to the Middle Ages, it remains a well-preserved example of medieval architecture. The winding alleyways of the walled city lead to the famous eighth-century Castle of Obidos. 

To the south, the Algarve is the Portuguese equivalent of Spain's Costa del Sol, drawing tourists from around Europe. Situated at the extreme south of Portugal, this part of the territory was the last to be conquered from the Moors by the Portuguese king Dom Afonso III in 1292. You'll still find traces of the Moorish presence in the unique terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses that form the region’s villages.

The southern coastline is a continuous, sandy beach, broken by extraordinary rugged red cliffs. Faro is the capital of the region, with a medieval wall and a large number of monuments, including the Roman ruins of Milreu in the suburbs. 

Make an appointment with one of our Travel Agents to visit Portugal.