8 Πορτογαλικές πόλεις που θα σας μαγέψουν
12 April 2022

Portugal is famous for its colors, picturesque villages, medieval castles, national parks, beaches, churches as well as its unique way of life. It counts more than 15 UNESCO cultural heritage monuments and you will be charmed by each of its cities separately.

 

Lisbon

lisbon

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. All of its past is on display in its historic center with key attractions Alfama, Portugal's oldest quarter which also happens to be Arabic, as well as its cathedral built in 1147, the 11th century São Jorge Castle which is still preserved in many good condition. The city is a small oasis for museum and history lovers as it is full of museums such as the Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea do Chiado, the Museu Nacional dos Coches, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, the Gulbenkian Foundation Museum which it houses Armenis Gulbenkian's priceless collection of Western and Oriental art and more. In the port of Lisbon you will see a masterpiece of architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Belem tower from where the Portuguese explorers left for the Hieronymite monastery In the monastery that began to be built in 1501 and was completed a century later is the tomb of Vasco de Gama. Climb to Largo do Carmo and be enchanted by the panoramic view of the city. The ascent is made with the Elevator de Santa Justa.

 

Porto

porto

At the mouth of the Douro River, you will see one of the most picturesque cities, with postcard beauty, full of colors and baroque churches, Porto. The Clerics complex is known for its church, tower and museum. Since 1910 it has been officially a national monument and it certainly inspires awe in every visitor. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Alto Douro region, where the famous Porto wine is produced, which later reached the opposite bank of the river and the cellars of the Vila Nova de Gaia region.

 

Sintra

sintra

Known for its Palaces and very close to Lisbon, Sintra, designated as a cultural landscape by UNESCO, will enchant you with its magnificent 19th century architecture. Take a stroll through the National Palace of Sintra (Moorish architecture), the Quinta da Regaleira villa, the Pena National Palace with its rich park spread over a wooded hill, the Palacio de Monserrate, the beautiful lighthouse next to the Sintra Park- Cascais, which is also considered the westernmost tip of Europe and of course Cabo da Roca. If you are one of those who want more than just a city tour, you can walk and discover Sintra's various hiking trails.

 

Coimbra

coimbra

One of the oldest universities in Europe (founded in the 13th century) and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will find it in the city of Coimbra. Climb the bells that mark the beginning and end of classes, up the clock tower, built since the 18th century, and admire the panoramic view of the city. Walk through the city and visit the Chapel of Sao Miguel, the gilded wooden Joanine Library housing over 300,000 works from the 16th and 18th centuries, and the dazzling Sala dos Capelos. Be sure to visit the picturesque and beautiful Monastery of Santa Cruz, where the tomb of Portugal's 1st King Afonso Henriques is housed. You can also walk through the city's small and large parks or take a boat ride on the Mondego River.

 

Evora

evora 4379651 1920

The city, still surrounded by medieval walls, which in the 15th century became a seat for the Portuguese kings, is a natural consequence of being considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, as well as in the Network of Ancient European Cities. In its center you will see the Graca Church, the Church of St. Francis, the 12th century Se Cathedral and also the eerie Capela dos Ossos, a chapel whose interior is decorated with human bones. About 5000 skeletons had to be exhumed for the church, which was built by Franciscan monks. Discover this beautiful city through its narrow streets, the Evora Museum and drink your coffee in Giraldo Square among the wonderful and well-preserved buildings.

 

Faro

faro

Before you pass the city of Faro to go to the tourist resorts of southern Portugal, we hope that you get influenced  by this beautiful city and by the Moors and the Romans, with their marks still engraved on it, a chance to seduce you. From its beautiful beaches, its medieval walls, the Bishop's Palace, the São Francisco Church, the impressive Nossa Senhora do Carm, the archaeological museum and the chapel with the frescoes

Óbidos

obidos

Another well-preserved and impressive city in Portugal is Obidos. Walk to the castle which is still surrounded by walls, the narrow streets and the houses with the flowers in white and blue colors, they might remind you of something from Greece. The city was a gift from King Dinis to his wife Isabella in the 13th century. It is part of Casa das Rainhas. Among the many attractions that stand out in the city are the Church of Santa Maria (17th century}, the aqueduct and the shrine of Senhor Jesus da Petra, the churches of Sao Pedro and Misericordia as well as the Obidos Museum of a profane painter of the time, Josefa de Obidos.

 

Braga

braga

"Bracara Augusta" as it was called in the past, after the Roman king Augustus, is the oldest city in Portugal, with a history of 2000 years, it was an important trade center. Lose yourself in Braga's picturesque narrow streets, mansions, churches, historic buildings and impressive palaces. Pass by Palacio do Raio, Arco da Porta Nova and Theatro Circo, the oldest temple in the country which was built in the 12th century by the parents of the 1st King of Portugal, the Archaeological Museum D. Diogo de Sousa, the Biscainhos Museum as and the Cathedral Treasure Museum (Tesouro Museu da Se). You should not miss the sanctuary of Bom Jesus, an attraction that leaves no one unmoved and certainly tempts us to take a photo in front of its impressive staircase.