Portugal is not just a country, but also a fascinating and diversified world, with directors, writers and thousands of tourists dazzled every year. Beauty is born from the nautical tradition, from the morphology in continuous evolution, composed of olive trees, intertwined wheat fields, with the ocean as the protagonist, and splendid scenarios. It is a country with a long history and cultural tradition, starting with music, fadus and melancholy notes. Portugal speaks of romantic and artistic cities, such as Lisbon, Coimbra or Port. Here you can live the atmosphere timeless.
Lisbon
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, brings together many things. A city of meeting, but preserves the nostalgia, which has left important traces in its history, but it is also an incredible mix, monuments, unique atmospheres and breathtaking landscapes coexist with the famous beaches. Start with Alfama, the oldest district of the city. A magical network of stairs and alleys, downhill and uphill. It is a feature community, up and down, right and left, the houses look closely: it is also the cradle of traditional music fado that makes it reflect. To visit it, in addition to an unforgettable walk, you can also take an institution like Tram 28, which refers to a symbol of the 1930s.
Sintra
At Sintra it will be like entering a fairy world, full of creativity colors and historical references. Sintra, which is thirty minutes from Lisbon, is enhanced by gardens and palaces. At the top the castle of the Mori nestled in his huge park.
Beauty continues and there are so many things to visit, among important monuments, lovely beaches and luxuriant nature.
A first place to discover is Cabo da Roca, a sour promontory that marks the westernmost point of Europe. The Pena palace is one of the most magical places. Born at the point where there was a convent before, it was the fruit of the imagination of King Ferdinand II. Collet man and full of interest he wanted to create a masterpiece.
Braga
They paint it as one of the happiest cities in Portugal. It is a place that knows how to combine its different souls. On the one hand the most serious one, with an important past, on the other the most relaxed and sparkling one linked to its role as a cultural and university center. To get to know it you have to get lost in its streets and sharpen the senses. You will find over 30 churches, including baroque or gothic buildings. That’s why it is often called the “Portuguese Rome”. The most important of all is the Cathedral of Braga, which dates back to 1070.
Palaces, parks, gardens, museums, the menu is very varied. The real discovery is the Museu Dos Biscainhos, an eighteenth-century building where a noble family lived, and that in its interior it houses a collection concerning the decorative arts. Another strong piece is the Baroque garden built by the architect Soares who designed numerous buildings in the city, including the town hall. The most famous monument is the sanctuary of Bom Jesus di Monte which is just outside the center. The sanctuary rises on top of a staircase of 450 steps and is the symbol of baroque culture very present in the town.
Obidos
How many women can say I gave a village? One of these is the Queen Isabel who received Obidos gift from her husband, King Dionigi I. Perhaps, just because of the taste and women’s touch Obidos has become one of the most beautiful villages in Portugal: the romantic historic center, perched at the top A hill dominated by a medieval castle, it is a successful coexistence of white houses with flowery balconies and colored doors that sprout on narrow and picturesque streets.
Take time to visit the village walls and the castle. To savor the ways and to choose the best views. Originally the manor was equipped with towers and gates. In the 1900s it was transformed into a building and today it is home to one of the most chic hotels of all Portugal.
Coimbra
Its glorious university shaows students from all over the world. Coimbra, refined city that rises on the banks of a river, encloses culture and fun. Located halfway between Lisbon and Lighthouse, Coimbra is also conveniently located compared to other cities. The University also houses a refined library and a chapel.
The University of Coimbra was founded in 1290 and is UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is among the oldest on the planet and its seat is in the ancient medieval building of Coimbra. It is considered one of the most important knowledge centers in Europe. You can still take a dip in history, visiting the Mosteiro de Santa Clara in Velha. His story was full of unexpected.
It has a church and a cloister and is a remarkable structure. He was built in the place where an old convent stood. The works ended in 1330, after having problems finding funds. His story was very docked even later. In 1677 the structure was abandoned for the risk of full, while in the last century it was affected by imposing maintenance and restructuring work.
