Portugal

Horto de Camões Garden

How To Visit The Horto De Camões Garden In 2024

The Horto de Camões Garden is a themed garden dedicated to the life and work of Luís de Camões – the greatest figure in Lusophone literature and author of the epic poem “The Lusiads”, where he recounts the sea voyage of Vasco da Gama to India. Besides gathering 52 botanical species mentioned by the poet, this green space is composed of structures alluding to places in Africa and Asia. Designed by the landscape architect Gonçalo Ribeiro Teles, the Horto de Camões Garden is located in Constância!

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Almourol Castle

Almourol Castle: Best Tips For Visiting In 2024

Almourol Castle (in Portuguese, Castelo de Almourol) is a unique monument in Portugal, as it was built on an islet in the Tagus River, about 135 km from Lisbon. A symbol of the Iberian Reconquista, it was founded by the Knights Templar as a military fortress. However, Almourol Castle lost importance over the centuries and ended up abandoned. Besides, the structure was damaged by the Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 – even though it was restored and adapted to the romantic taste in the 19th century!

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Jerónimos Monastery

How To Visit The Jerónimos Monastery In 2024

The Jerónimos Monastery (in Portuguese, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), officially the Monastery of Santa Maria de Belém, is a Manueline-style monument that was built by King Manuel I. Situated in Belém, one of the most touristy areas of Lisbon, it’s the most visited cultural space in Portugal. The Jerónimos Monastery was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983 and declared one of the “7 Wonders of Portugal” in 2007. In addition, it gained the status of National Pantheon in 2016!

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Historical Villages of Portugal

Complete Guide To The 12 Historical Villages Of Portugal

The “12 Historical Villages of Portugal” are a program created to restore and enhance a series of villages in the Beira Interior region, older than the country itself. Of these, 7 are located in the Guarda district, 4 in the Castelo Branco district, and 1 in the Coimbra district. Interestingly, only Castelo Mendo, Idanha-a-Velha, Linhares da Beira, Marialva, Piódão, and Sortelha are villages. Almeida, Belmonte, Castelo Novo, Castelo Rodrigo, and Monsanto are towns, while Trancoso is a city!

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Sintra Itinerary

2 Days In Sintra: The Perfect Sintra Itinerary

With so many palaces, Sintra looks like something out of a fairy tale and is one of the best destinations for a day trip from Lisbon. However, after reading this Sintra itinerary, you’ll see why it’s so much better to spend 2 days in Sintra! A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, the Cultural Landscape of Sintra houses iconic monuments, such as the National Palace of Pena, the Moorish Castle, the National Palace of Sintra, the Quinta da Regaleira, and the Palace of Monserrate, among others!

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Convent of the Capuchos

How To Visit The Convent Of The Capuchos In 2024

The Convent of the Capuchos is one of the least visited monuments in the Cultural Landscape of Sintra because it’s not served by public transportation. But if you prefer to discover places with few people, then you really need to explore this former Franciscan convent! Built with low environmental impact and in perfect harmony with the green landscape that surrounds it, the Convent of the Capuchos is the ideal place for outdoor lovers. In fact, it looks like it was sculpted by Mother Nature!

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National Palace of Sintra

National Palace Of Sintra: Best Tips For Visiting In 2024

The National Palace of Sintra is the most important palace in Portugal, as it was the residence of almost all the country’s monarchs. On top of that, it’s the oldest Portuguese palace of all, with origins dating back to the Arab occupation of this region! In addition to dozens of halls, corridors, and rooms, the National Palace of Sintra is made up of numerous patios, galleries, and gardens. And brace yourself: this guide is probably the longest and most complete I’ve ever published on my blog!

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Villa Sassetti

How To Visit The Villa Sassetti In 2024

The Villa Sassetti is the perfect fusion of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, with architectural and landscape details reminiscent of other historic buildings in the Portuguese town. Its history began in 1885 when Victor Carlos Sassetti decided to build a summer house based on the castles of Lombardy. The result was a Mediterranean-inspired “villa”, thanks to the circular tower in Lombard Romanesque style, the terracotta tones, the Portuguese tiles, and the granite from the Sintra Mountains!

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Castelo dos Mouros

Moorish Castle: Best Tips For Visiting In 2024

The Moorish Castle is not only one of the best-preserved castles in Portugal but also the one with the best views. So, if you’re thinking about visiting Sintra, you should read this guide! Constructed in the 10th century during the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, the Moorish Castle enjoyed a very strategic location, on one of the highest peaks of the Sintra Mountains. However, the fortress was conquered by King Afonso Henriques in 1147, thus becoming part of the Kingdom of Portugal!

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Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra

Quinta Da Regaleira In Sintra: Best Tips For Visiting In 2024

The Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra is a must-visit monument for architecture, landscaping, and mysticism lovers. And did you know that the property hides mystical structures, magical sceneries, and alchemical symbols linked to Freemasonry, the Templars, and the Rosicrucian Order? Built at the end of the 19th century, the Quinta da Regaleira is made up of a luxurious palace and an enigmatic garden, which reflect the interests of its owner: the millionaire António Augusto de Carvalho Monteiro!

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