Portugal Travel Guide

Portugal Travel Guide

PortugalPortugal shares the Iberian Peninsula with Spain, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. Its long, varied coastline, sunny climate, and the relaxed lifestyle of the inhabitants of its charming towns and villages have made it a sought-after holiday destination. The delight of Portugal is that, although it is undeniably part of modern Europe, it retains some rural enclaves where time has stood still and traditions flourish. In the southern province of the Algarve, modern high-rise resorts line the coast and buzz with all the trappings of a package tour destination; the capital city, Lisbon, on the west coast, is a bright, busy, crowded metropolis surrounded by bustling tourist resorts. Travel a few miles north or east, however, and discover a largely undeveloped picturesque countryside full of medieval villages and towns where life has changed little over several centuries.The Portuguese have a close affinity to the sea: for centuries their famed mariners led the way in the exploration of Africa and the Americas, and opened trade routes to the East. The country became a strong colonial power, and remained so until the mid-20th century, resulting in distinctive foreign influences on the local culture and architecture. From Africa, for example, was imported the now traditional, sentimental fado music, which is one of the country's unique experiences for visitors, particularly in the cafés of Lisbon.In recent years Portugal, long overlooked on the list of the world's top vacation stations, has been investing time, money and effort into ensuring it is discovered by the world's travellers, just as once it was the Portuguese who discovered the world. This new age of discovery is paying off, as increasing numbers of visitors arrive each year and hotel and resort construction has exploded. From the visitor's point of view the compactness of the country makes it easy to take in all the best elements: sandy beaches, scenery, history, wonderful cuisine, lively entertainment, charming handcrafts, thrilling nightlife, country fairs, excellent sporting facilities and warm, friendly people.From the cobbled winding streets of Lisbon's medieval citadel to the cork forests in Alentejo, and from fishermen mending their nets on remote beaches to the shopping malls and sophisticated glitzy resorts, Portugal is a country well worth discovering.
Portugal Travel Guide

Need To Know

Money:
Portugal is a member of the European Union and its official currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. There are numerous banks, bureaux de change and ATMs available in main cities and tourist destinations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and automatic currency exchange machines. Banking hours are generally 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques.
Time:
Local time is GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.
Language:
Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.
Health:
There are no health risks attached to travel to Portugal. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is necessary for entry for anyone travelling from an infected area and destined for the Azores or Madeira. Health facilities are good and reciprocal health agreements exist with most European countries, including the UK, whose citizens can receive low-cost emergency care at state hospitals. It is advisable that travellers obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before travel. Dental care and repatriation costs are not covered under this agreement, and medical insurance is therefore advised.
Tipping:
Service charges are usually added to hotel and restaurant bills, otherwise it is customary to leave a 10% tip. Bar staff and taxi drivers also expect tips, which usually entails rounding up of the bill to the nearest Euro.
Safety:
Generally, safety is not a problem for travel in Portugal but there is a rising incidence of petty theft and pick pocketing in tourist areas, so reasonable care should be taken. Portugal has a very poor road safety record so exercise caution and drive defensively when exploring in a rented car.
Customs:
It is a legal requirement for foreigners to show some form of identification on request.
Business:
The Portuguese economy has undergone a major transformation since the Revolution of 1974, from a primarily agricultural infrastructure, to a modern, service-based economy, of a piece with the rest of the European Union. As a result, although the situation is changing every day, business culture in Portugal retains vestiges of paternalism, and of strict hierarchical, 'top-down' approaches to management and leadership. In Portugal, the strongest business relationships are those built on trust of individuals - and as a result, nepotism has (in the past) been seen as an advantageous hiring policy. Be sure to allow time for personal connections to develop between yourself and your Portuguese business associates - familiarity can go a long way toward ensuring success.Teamwork and collaboration on important decisions is not the norm in Portugal: the accepted management style is more directive, and subordinate employees are more often than not expected to 'do as they're told', rather than to contribute to decision-making processes. Business etiquette in Portugal also displays an interesting mix of formality and easygoingness - with conduct being at once mannered and conservative, yet also warm and relaxed. Use titles ('Señhor' and 'Señhora') until strictly instructed not to do so, and show deference to those in obvious positions of authority. Business meetings in Portugal must be made by appointment - and should not ordinarily be scheduled for times when they might conflict with important family or religious holidays (Christmas, Easter, etc.).Since the official language of business in the country is Portuguese, it is a good idea to provide translations of all important documents, and/or to engage the services of a translator, to ensure that everyone is on the same page at business meetings. The dress code in Portugal is strictly smart and formal - with a strong emphasis placed on 'looking good'. It is not an unfair statement to say that your status in the business world will be gauged by the way in which you present yourself - go for dark colours, with stylish cuts. Business hours in Portugal vary, but are generally from 8.30am to 1pm, and 3pm to 6pm, from Monday to Friday.
Duty Free:
Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2 litres of liquor; 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; gifts up to the value of EUR33.50.
Communications:
The international access code for Portugal is +351. There are no area or city codes required. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Portugal is well covered by three GSM mobile phone networks. Internet cafes are available in most towns and resorts.
Portugal Travel Guide

Portugal Attractions

Castelo de Sao Jorge
Description:
The walls of Saint George's Castle, sitting atop a hill guarding the Tagus, date from the Moorish occupation in the 10th century, but the site has been a fortress for centuries, possibly from 500 AD. The castle is regarded as the cradle of Lisbon, and today it provides a panoramic view of the River Tagus and the Alfama medieval district, which is spread out below it. Visitors can walk the esplanades and climb the ramparts. A multimedia show is available during the day which brings alive the history of Lisbon. The castle grounds are planted with olive, pine and cork trees and provide a pleasant spot to relax.
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Telephone:
218 800 620
Email:
castelodesaojorge@egeac.pt
Website:
www.castelodesaojorge.pt

Alfama
Description:
The oldest part of Lisbon, the Alfama quarter sprawls down the hillside from below the Castelo de Sao Jorge, retaining much of the traditional colour and atmosphere from the days when it was the ancient seat of the Saracens. Along the narrow cobblestone alleyways are taverns and street markets, interspersed with close-packed houses still occupied by stevedores, fishmongers and sailors. At the edge of the Alfama, Lisbon's renowned flea market, the Feira da Ladra, is held in the Campo de Santa Clara every Tuesday and Saturday. The Alfama is also full of historic buildings and churches, which are well worth exploring. Some of the buildings display fading coats of arms, which bear testimony to the fact that the Alfama was once home to aristocrats. At night the Alfama takes on a more mysterious aspect with street lanterns throwing shadows on the medieval walls, and it is advisable to avoid the area after dark in favour of the Bairro Alto café and nightclub district.
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Sé de Lisboa
Description:
Although this cathedral in Largo da Se in the Alfama district is not outwardly appealing, it was the first church in Lisbon, built on the site of a Saracen mosque after the city was captured by the Crusaders in the 12th century. Inside, this ancient church features some treasures, like the font where St Anthony of Padua was baptised in 1195, and numerous notable relics, images and icons.
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21 886 6752
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Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Description:
Gulbenkian was an Armenian oil magnate who died in 1955 having put together one of the world's finest private art collections. The collection is now housed in a modern centre where the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation sponsors a host of cultural and performing arts projects, and has a rotating exhibition of works by Portuguese and foreign artists. The Gulbenkian collection itself covers Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, Islamic ceramics and textiles, Syrian treasures, Chinese ceramics, Japanese prints and lacquerware and European medieval illuminated manuscripts. The collection is so vast and varied as to be breathtaking. Among the paintings are two Rembrandts, a Rubens and a Renoir.
Address:
Avenue de Berna 45A
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Telephone:
21 782 3000
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Website:
www.museu.gulbenkian.pt

Bairro Alto
Description:
The Bairro Alto district (literally the Upper City) is, like the Alfama, an historic enclave dating from 1513, which is reached in a novel way via the Santa Justa Elevator (a structure reminiscent of the Eiffel tower in Paris) from the lower city. The colourful district resounds to the calls of vendors and fishmongers, and the windows and balconies are festooned with laundry and bird cages. At night the area comes alive with some of the finest fado cafes in the city, along streets lit by Victorian lanterns. Fado is the famous brand of music and dance brought to Portugal by African slaves in the 19th century, characterised by songs of sadness and despair, and there is no better place in Portugal to experience this musical genre than in the Bairro Alto of Lisbon.
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Monument to the Discoveries
Description:
One of the most famous sights in Lisbon is the imposing Padrão dos Descobrimentos, situated on the riverbank in the Avenida de Brasilia in the district of Belem and designed to commemorate the Portuguese Age of Discovery. Belem, where the Tagus meets the sea, is the point from which the maritime explorers of yore set forth in their sailing ships to discover the world. The monument was unveiled in 1960 on the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator in 1460, the monarch who was largely responsible for Portugal's role in world exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries. The massive monument takes the form of a caravel with Prince Henry at the prow, backed by images of renowned mariners, royal patrons and others who participated in the golden age of discovery.
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21 303 1950
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Tower of Belem
Description:
The famous Tower of Belem is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of Lisbon's most photographed landmarks because of the decoration on its exterior. The outer walls are adorned with a stone-carved rope and beautiful openwork balconies, along with Moorish watchtowers and battlements shaped like shields. The tower was built in the 16th century to serve as a fortress in the middle of the River Tagus.
Address:
Avenida de Brasilia
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Telephone:
21 362 0034
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Website:
www.mosteirojeronimos.pt

Parque das Nacoes
Description:
Lisbon's exhibition park was upgraded and renamed for the Expo '98 world exposition, which revitalised the city and brought international tourists and interest flooding in. The site is now worthy of a full day's sightseeing, featuring several attractions, not least of which is the Lisbon Oceanarium with its 15,000 living examples of marine life. The main tank holds enough water to fill four Olympic-sized swimming pools, and is viewed from two floors through curved glass panels that provide a 180-degree view. Another popular diversion is the Virtual Reality Pavilion, which showcases the Portuguese age of discovery. Other attractions include a science centre, cable car, the Vasco da Gama Tower and numerous bars and restaurants offering Portuguese cuisine.
Address:
Avenue D. João II, Lote
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Telephone:
218 919 333
Email:
info@parquedasnacoes.pt
Website:
www.parquedasnacoes.pt

Fatima
Description:
In 1917 the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared above an oak tree and spoke to three peasant children in the valley of Cova da Iria, 88 miles (142km) north of Lisbon. The children claimed to have seen the apparition on five different occasions, and the spot has now become one of the great pilgrimage shrines of the world, known as Fatima. Between May and October the 13th day of every month is pilgrimage day, when hundreds of the faithful gather in a square twice the size of St Peter's in Rome before the Chapel of the Apparitions. The original oak tree is gone, but has been replaced by a simple white column inside a basilica, which is flanked by statues of the saints.
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Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis
Description:
This extensive art museum opened in 1840, and is today dedicated to Soares dos Reis, the famous sculptor born and bred in Porto. The gallery also houses a foreign art collection which includes works by the Dutch, Flemish, Italian and French masters. There is a large collection of Portuguese 19th century works, including those from the Porto school, and exhibits of ceramics, glassware, gold and silverwork and furniture.
Address:
Palacio dos Carrancas, Rua de Dom Manuel II
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Telephone:
223 393 770
Email:
mnsr@ipmuseus.pt
Website:
mnsr.imc-ip.pt

Igreja de Sao Francisco
Description:
On the Oporto waterfront stands the church of St. Frances, dating from 1383, which, while not very imposing from the outside, has a lavishly Baroque decorated interior that was created in the 17th and 18th centuries. Pillars and columns within the vault are festooned with gold-gilded cherubs and flower garlands, entwined animals and fruit cornucopia. This feast for the eyes is set off by wide Gothic arches made of marble, which soar into the roof.
Address:
Rua do Infante D. Henrique
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222 062 100
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Solar Vinho do Porto
Description:
Visitors come to Oporto for the port wine. The place to head for samples of every port produced in the region (and also the rest of Portugal) is the Solar Vinho do Porto in the Quinta de Macieirinha. Inside the rose-bedecked villa is a relaxed, upmarket tasting room, staffed by knowledgeable hosts who offer glasses or bottles of port, along with some complimentary snacks and information on the port-making process. Also in the villa is a small museum containing a collection of 18th century furniture and some paintings.
Address:
Rua de Entre-Quintas 220
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22 609 4749
Email:
solarporto@ivp.pt
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Vila Nova de Gaia
Description:
This suburb of Oporto lies on the south bank of the River Douro, on the site of an ancient fortified village. Today it is home to more than 50 wine companies who operate their 'lodges' in the winding narrow streets flanked by red-roofed buildings. Most of the lodges welcome visitors for tours and tastings. Among the best known are Sandemans, housed in a former 16th century convent, and Taylors. The suburb also features a 16th century monastery that has interesting circular cloisters and a terrace where the Duke of Wellington planned his attack on the French in 1809.
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Frederico de Freitas Museum
Description:
Named for the Madeiran lawyer who amassed the fascinating collections on display as a hobby, the Frederico de Freitas Museum in Funchal houses a vast array of decorative Turkish, Moorish and North African tiles, as well as about 2,000 mugs, trophies and vases. Besides these highlights the de Freitas collection also includes Madeiran artefacts, porcelain pieces, religious sculptures, ancient sacred paintings and Chinese and North African metal and woodwork. The museum is a treasure trove for antique lovers.
Address:
Calçada de Santa Clara, 7
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91 220 578
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Sao Vicente Caves
Description:
Beside the river at Pe de Passo are the Sao Vicente Caves, a series of lava tubes left after an eruption that occurred about 400,000 years ago. These volcanic tunnels extend for about 3,281ft (1,000m) and can be explored on a 30-minute tour. The caves feature formations like lava cakes, volcanic stalactites and erratic blocks and give a sense of walking through the bowels of the earth.
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291 842 404
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Website:
www.grutasecentrodovulcanismo.com

Madeira Cable Car
Description:
One of the favourite diversions in Madeira's capital, Funchal, is to ride the cable car from the Parque Almirante Reis in the old part of the town up to the scenically beautiful village of Monte in the mountains above the city. The journey takes about 15 minutes and ends at the cableway station near the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
Address:
Caminho das Babosas
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Telephone:
291 780 280
Email:
info@madeiracablecar.com
Website:
www.madeiracablecar.com

Funchal Cathedral
Description:
In the heart of the historic part of Funchal stands the cathedral (Sé do Funchal) which is the most impressive of Madeira's religious edifices. From outside the simple rough white stucco and brownish basalt is not all that impressive, but after entering through the Gothic portal there is plenty to admire. The ceiling, for instance, is Moorish carved cedar inlaid with ivory, and behind the Baroque altar are paintings by Flemish and Portuguese artists.
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Rua do Aljube
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291 228 156
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Whale Museum
Description:
On the East coast of the island of Madeira, in the little fishing village of Canical, the Whale Museum chronicles the rise and fall of the whaling industry that was a vital part of the island's economy for many decades, right up until 1982. The exhibits include photographs, hunting implements, a life-size whale model, a fishing boat, and objects carved by local fishermen from the bones and teeth of whales. The Madeira Whale Museum is currently closed for renovations, and information is not available as to when it will re-open.
Address:
Caniçal
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91 961 407
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Porto Santo
Description:
Madeira's sister island, Porto Santo, lies 24 miles (39km) northeast of its larger sibling and was actually discovered before Madeira itself. In 1418 Portuguese mariners Joao Goncalves Zarco and Tristao Vaz Teixeira stumbled across it while running from a storm. Unlike Madeira, Porto Santo is rather bleak and barren, but its southern coast is bordered by a lovely five-mile (eight km) stretch of beach fringed with soft golden sand, which, together with its temperate climate, has turned it into a popular holiday resort. The main town on the island is Vila Baleira, which was visited by Christopher Columbus. There is a scenic park in the town, some cafes and pretty cobblestone streets lined with stucco houses.
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Setúbal
Description:
A popular touring destination 25 miles (40km) south of Lisbon is Setúbal, one of Portugal's oldest cities, renowned for producing the most delicious muscadel wine in the world. The city is also the centre of Portugal's sardine industry and has been a fish-salting centre since the 1st century. White mounds of sea salt drying in the sun are a familiar part of the local landscape. There are some outstanding beaches near the city and some pretty countryside dotted with orange groves, orchards and vineyards.
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265 539 120 (Setúbal Tourist Office)
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Cristo Rei
Description:
Like the iconic Christ the Redeemer in Rio, the Cristo Rei spreads his massive arms as if to embrace all of Lisbon. Situated on the bank of the Tejo River opposite the city, the statue is over 328 feet (100m) tall, and provides amazing panoramic views of the city from the top, which you can reach by elevator.
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Guimaraes
Description:
This historic town is regarded as the birthplace of Portugal, because it was here in 1128 that Afonso Henriques became the first king of the country, which was still largely under Moorish control. The town has many medieval buildings and fortifications, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the main attractions is the tiny Romanesque church where Afonso was allegedly baptised, and the imposing Palace of the first Duke of Braganza, built in the style of a French chateau. There are numerous other Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque delights to discover in walking around the town. There are also two excellent museums: The Museu Alberto Sampaio, south of the castle, contains religious art and relics and is housed in a monastery, while the Museu Arquelogico Martins Sarmento displays the finds from a nearby Celtic hill settlement.
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Braganca
Description:
In the remote northeast Portuguese province of Tras-os-Montes lies traditional farming country where rural communities provide a getaway destination for those who enjoy exploring off the beaten track. The small provincial capital, Braganca, lies close to the Spanish border and is slowly being discovered by tourists, mostly because of its fine local museum and the small medieval village and castle on a hillock overlooking the town. The interesting feature of the castle is the pillar beside it that rises from the back of a carved granite pig ('Porca'), which is believed to be a fertility idol from prehistoric times. Between the medieval citadel and the cathedral is the garden of the Museum do Abade de Bacal, containing not only tombstones but also numerous representations of the 'porca' idol. The museum itself houses a collection of sacred art and watercolours painted by Alberto Souza. In the medieval citadel is the Domus Municipalis, a pentagonal 12th century civic building which is unique in Europe.
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Oceanario de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium)
Description:
Marketed as the second best aquarium in the world, the world-class Lisbon Oceanarium is the most impressive achievement of EXPO '98, which used to be an abandoned waterfront. The centrepiece of the stone and glass building is the 1.3-million gallon (5-million litre) holding tank and the Oceanarium consists of four distinct ecosystems that replicate the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Antarctic oceans, each featuring the aboveground birds, amphibians, and reptiles associated with those waters. Otters splash and dive in the warmer Pacific waters, while penguins shuffle around in their tuxedos in the Antarctic section. This attraction is one that the Portuguese nation is proud of and is an absolute must-see for the whole family.
Address:
Esplanada d. Carlos I
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Telephone:
21 891 7002
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Website:
www.oceanario.pt

Museu de Marinha (Maritime Museum)
Description:
With such maritime icons as Vasco de Gama and Bartolomeu Dias, its no wonder that Portugal's Maritime Museum is one of the best in Europe, evoking a sense of what it was like when the victorious Portuguese dominated the high seas. Visitors can marvel at the hundreds of models of 15th- to 19th-century sailing ships, merchant marine vessels, fishing boats and pleasure boats as well as a full range of Portuguese naval uniforms, including one worn at a Mozambique military outpost in 1896.
Address:
Praça do Império
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Telephone:
21 362 0019
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Colombo Amusement Park
Description:
Kids will love the indoor amusement park at the Colombo Shopping Centre, happily entertained by taking rides on the roller coaster, playing video games, going bowling and racing go-carts. The centre also boasts a vast selection of cinemas, restaurants and shops for families to enjoy together.
Address:
Centro Colombo, Lusíada Avenue.
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Telephone:
217 11 36 36
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Website:
www.colombo.pt

Vasco da Gama Aquarium
Description:
The Vasco da Gama Aquarium is a great attraction for children in Lisbon. This aquarium is home to cute little seals with ears (otariids), which all kids will love to see. As well as its wonderful collection of live fish and sea life, there are also preserved water birds, fish and mammals from King Carlos' oceanographic expeditions on display.
Address:
Rua Direita do Dafundo
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Telephone:
214 196 337
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Website:
aquariovgama.marinha.pt

Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium
Description:
Older kids are enthralled by a visit to the Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium. Here they are invited to explore the universe and its bounty of astronomical wonders. The planetarium hosts astronomical shows daily, offering an entertaining and educational experience for young minds.
Address:
Praça do Império, Belém
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Telephone:
213 620 002
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Evora
Description:
For many years, Evora was one of Portugal's best-kept secrets: a gorgeous medieval town, full of fascinating historical sights, Evora miraculously managed to stay off the mainstream tourism circuit. For better or worse, this has begun to change, as more and more eager visitors are making Evora an essential part of their Portuguese holiday itineraries. Boasting a remarkably well-preserved Old Town centre, partially bordered by medieval walls, as well as the outstanding Roman Temple (built in the 1st century AD), the entire city of Evora has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also belongs to the Most Ancient European Towns Network. A small, compact and easy-to-navigate city, Evora is best explored on foot. Visitors will feel immersed in history as they pass by Evora's wealth of sights, which include the Aqueduct of Silver Water, the Cathedral of Evora, the Palace of Vasco da Gama and the Renaissance Fountain at Largo das Portas de Moura (built in 1556). A short distance from the perennially-popular beach resort area of the Algarve, tourists to Portugal are strongly advised to make a stop in Evora to sample some of the unassuming city's rich cultural attractions.
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Guia
Description:
If the hordes of sun-worshippers crowding the beaches of the Algarve have got you feeling a little claustrophobic, why not head inland to the timeless village of Guia? Just three miles (about 5km) north of the coast, Guia is a small, though bustling village, full of interesting things to see and do. Guia's restaurants are widely considered to turn out the best piri-piri chicken in the whole of Portugal (try Albertos and Palladium), while its souvenir stalls have better merchandise at cheaper prices than can be found by the beach. Further north lie the Monchique Hills: a wonderful day-trip from Guia, visitors can go walking through the flower-strewn landscape, enjoying the fresh air and relative coolness. Most tourist accommodation in Guia takes the form of self-catering cottages, which is a good option for budget travellers to the Algarve region wary of beach resort prices.
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Serra de Estrela
Description:
The Serra de Estrela is mainland Portugal's highest mountain range, and - although still relatively unestablished - is fast becoming one of Europe's hottest new resorts for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The mountain range itself is formed from a huge granite ridge that reaches 6,539 feet (1,993m) at its highest point, and its unique topography of strangely-shaped crags and gorges, fast-flowing streams, mountain lakes and pristine forests makes it one of Portugal's greatest natural attractions. The ski resort itself - the Vodafone Ski Resort - is still in its formative days, but features five miles (7.4km) of skiable snow, nine runs ranging in difficulty from absolute beginner to intermediate, and a terrain park for snowboarders. The Serra de Estrela makes for a great winter holiday alternative to the over-crowded beaches of the Algarve region, and with its hiking trails, chic restaurants, high-class health spas and outdoor sports opportunities, it is bound to become Portugal's new tourist hotspot for winter vacationers.
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Fado Bars
Description:
As wonderful as Lisbon's historical area of Alfama is by day, its culture can be even better experienced at night, in one of the legendary Fado Bars of the area. Fado (meaning 'fate' or 'destiny') is a traditional genre of music dating back to the early 19th century, and characterised by mournful songs about ill-starred sailors. Essential to the music is the emotion of nostalgia - or in Portuguese, sausade, the sensation of loss and its permanent and life-changing consequences. Fado music is traditionally performed by two or more musicians (usually men), using Portuguese guitars and violas to augment the hauntingly sad vocals. An immensely popular pastime amongst Portuguese locals, the atmosphere inside any one of the Alfama area's Fado Bars can be truly magical on any given night - and tourists to Lisbon are strongly encouraged to join in and become part of the unique (and strangely therapeutic) atmosphere.
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Jeronimos Monastery
Description:
One of Portugal's most iconic tourist sights, the Jeronimos Monastery is an absolute must-see attraction for visitors to Lisbon. A stellar example of Manueline (or Portuguese late-Gothic) architecture, the Jeronimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, earning its place in the registry on the basis of its architectural splendour, which 'exemplifies Portuguese art at its very best'. The construction of the Monastery was begun in 1501 at the bequest of King Manuel I - at the height of Portugal's power during the Age of Discovery - and to this day, remains a potent symbol of the historical might of Portugal, and of its important role in the development of modern history. The Jeronimos Monastery is an absurdly photogenic building: a gleaming ivory colour, with sharp spires and intricate sculptural details and maritime motifs. The cloisters are particularly magnificent, with each column individually carved with coiled rope, sea monsters, coral and other designs that bespeak an era of nautical adventure. Inside the Monastery, visitors can view the stone tomb of Vasco da Gama (which actually does hold his mortal remains), as well as the tombs of other notable figures from Portugal's history. An overwhelmingly beautiful sight, budget at least three hours to take it all in - and whatever you do, don't forget your camera.
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www.mosteirojeronimos.pt/en

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