Much like any other European country, Portugal has the usual three essential elements for a memorable visit, namely fascinating histories, a vibrant and diverse culture and a gastronomy that draws on these pasts and differing cultures. Yet Portugal is also unlike other European countries. Take the archaeology for instance. Portugal has exquisite Stone Age rock art just as you find in France and Spain, hilltop settlements built by Iron Age Celts, instantly recognisable Roman architecture, and of course the ubiquitous Castles and fortifications we see throughout the rest of Europe. For the cultural traveller in search of interesting history, you will experience something unlike what you see in other parts of Europe. Ice Age art, for example, is not in caves but rather on rocks out in the open. Castles look different, Moorish as a result of the Islamic occupation of the Iberian Peninsular.
Foz Coa Archaeological Park
Castelo de São Jorge, Lisbon
Religious Sanctuary in Braga
Chapel of Bones in
Évora
Archaeology Museum, Lisbon
Évora has been an important settlement since the Romans, then known as Ebora Liberalitas Julia. Conquered by the Moors, and then by Christians during the Reconquista, the town became a wealthy and dominant centre of religion and learning in the centuries that followed. Listed by UNESCO, the historic city is one of Portugal’s popular tourist attractions … Continue Reading >>
Evoramonte is a hilltop ancient settlement with spectacular views over the surrounding Alentejo region. Within an hour’s radius there is much to see, from Neolithic standing stones to many Medieval castles and churches. Nestled within all this history is ‘The Place’ – a sensitively restored B&B that makes for the perfect base … Continue Reading >>