Hello everyone! Today we’re going to talk about some of the most famous landmarks in Portugal. I’ve already mentioned some of them in a previous article, but there are many more that we can talk about, so let’s get started!
Famous Landmarks in Portugal – Torre de Belém
Located in Lisbon, Belém Tower is one of Portugal’s most iconic monuments. Built in the 16th century as a fortress to protect the city, the tower is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. The tower offers incredible views of the Tagus River and is a great place to take photos.
Monuments in Portugal – Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
Also in Lisbon, the Jerónimos Monastery is another UNESCO World Heritage site. It was built in the 16th century to honor Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India. The architecture is impressive, with Manueline-style details and a beautiful church inside the monastery. It’s an amazing place to visit if you’re interested in history and architecture.
Portuguese Famous Landmarks – Convento de Cristo
Located in Tomar, the Convent of Christ is one of Portugal’s most important historical monuments. It was built in the 12th century by the Templars and later transformed into a convent. The complex includes a church, a cloister, an aqueduct, and a series of other impressive structures. The architecture is a mix of Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance styles.
Portuguese Monuments – Castelo de Guimarães
Guimarães Castle is a medieval castle located in the city of Guimarães. It was built in the 10th century to defend the city against invasions and is considered a symbol of the foundation of the Portuguese nation. The castle offers incredible views of the city and is a great place to explore Portugal’s history.
Famous Landmarks in Portugal – Sé de Lisboa
Located in the old part of Lisbon, Lisbon Cathedral is a historic cathedral dating back to the 12th century. It was built in the Romanesque style and later added with Gothic and Baroque elements. The cathedral is a place of worship and also a place of historical and architectural interest.
Monuments in Portugal – Sé de Évora
Évora Cathedral – This stunning cathedral in the historic city of Évora dates back to the 12th century and is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. It features a beautiful rose window and a cloister with stunning azulejo tiles.
Famous Landmarks in Portugal – Palácio da Pena
Pena Palace is a romantic palace located in the city of Sintra, near Lisbon. It was built in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II and is known for its unique and colorful architecture. The palace sits atop a mountain and offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Sintra.
Portuguese Monuments – Forte de São João Baptista
Fort of São João Baptista – This impressive fort is located on the island of Berlenga Grande, off the coast of Peniche. It was built in the 17th century to defend against pirate attacks and features stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Historical Places in Portugal – Palácio da Bolsa
Palácio da Bolsa – This stunning neoclassical building in Porto was built in the 19th century as the city’s stock exchange. It features a beautiful Arab room, which was inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.
And lastly, a landmark of our contemporary history, which comes here as a little bonus.
Famous Landmarks in Portugal – Casa da Música
Casa da Música – This striking contemporary building in Porto was designed by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas and is home to the Porto National Orchestra. It has quickly become one of the city’s most iconic landmarks since its completion in 2005.
These are just a few examples of the incredible historical landmarks of Portugal. There are many others to explore, so if you have the chance to visit Portugal, be sure to check out all these amazing places.
In my course “Destination:Portugal” I will also show you these and other beautiful places to visit in Portugal, and share with you some vocabulary and phrases that you might need to speak with the locals. Right now, I am offering a 30% discount in this course, so, if you think that it can be interesting for you, click here for more details.
See you in the next article.
Beijinhos,
Mia