The westernmost country in continental Europe, Portugal’s history is full of the exploits of explorers, who, in the Golden Age of Discovery, crossed uncharted seas. The country even has its own Manueline-style of architecture, which was inspired by the sea and symbols of royal power. Yet, Portugal is also one of the oldest nations in Europe, and within its centuries-old cities and ancient towns, an amazing collection of monuments and historic buildings define Portuguese history.
Noble Guimarães was the country’s first capital and its medieval centre has UNESCO World Heritage status. Braga is Portugal’s religious capital and its 12th century Cathedral is one of the oldest in the country. Coimbra is home to one of the world’s oldest universities, whilst the former frontier town of Elvas has 17th century, star-shaped walls that are one of the best-preserved examples of military architecture in Europe. Both Kings and nobles appreciated Sintra, which, with its castles and 18th century palaces nestled in the forested peaks of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, is one of Portugal’s most enchanting towns. Even the white-washed, hilltop towns of the Alentejo are a legacy of the Moors.
With a history closely tied to its seafaring heritage, Lisbon is one of Europe’s most charming capitals. Yet it’s Porto, at the mouth of the River Douro, that provided a nation with its name and is at the centre of its wine-production, one of the country’s most ancient traditions. A
river cruise along the Douro takes you to the heart of this fascinating country.