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Portugal played a pivotal role in the Age of Discovery, starting in the 15th century. Sailors like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan set off on pioneering voyages, leading to the discovery of new lands and sea routes, including the sea route to India and the circumnavigation of the Earth. These explorations significantly expanded the knowledge of the world and established Portugal as a leading maritime and colonial power.

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Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Historical figures important for the Portuguese discoveries like Vasco da Gama, Magellan, Cabral, and others follow Prince Henry the Navigator. He is standing at the prow, holding a small vessel in hand. Discoveries Monument in Lisbon, Portugal.

Azulejos

Azulejos is painted tin-glazed ceramic tilework widespread in Portugal and Spain. In Portugal, you will find them outdoors and indoors on walls in private and public buildings. The term “azulejo” is derived from the Arabic word “zellige”. In Portugal, azulejos have a rich tradition dating back to the 15th century.

Monastery of Alcobaca

Manueline and the Templars

Manueline refers to a late Gothic architectural style prevalent in Portugal in the early XVI century. The style is extremely decorative. Its main feature is opulent ornaments. If you look more attentively – the cross of the Order of Christ (former Templars) put in between other ornaments.

At the Rio Duro

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Fado is a traditional genre of Portuguese music characterized by its melancholic and soulful melodies. It often explores themes of longing, destiny, and the sea. Fado’s origins can be traced back to the early 19th century in Lisbon, and it has since been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The genre is closely associated with the Portuguese concept of “saudade,” a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing.

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Fado

On our last evening in Portugal, we sought out the historical city to experience the sounds of Fado, the national art of Portuguese singing. 

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Portugal is famous for Port wine, a fortified wine from the Douro Valley in the northern provinces. Its production involves adding grape spirit to halt fermentation, resulting in a sweeter, stronger wine. Port wine is traditionally enjoyed as a dessert wine and comes in several varieties, including Tawny, Ruby, and Vintage. The wine’s unique characteristics are attributed to the region’s terroir and the aging process.

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Cabo da Roca

The farthest spot west coast of continental Europe. It is located in the Sintra region in Portugal. As the westernmost point of mainland Europe,

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Portuguese is the 6th most spoken language in the world, with over 260 million speakers. It is the official language of nine countries, spread across South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. The language’s global spread is a legacy of Portugal’s maritime explorations and colonial history.

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Obidos, as in medieval times

Imagine a village or a small town that is looking almost like in medieval times. There is no street lighting (only a few lamps installed on buildings), no satellite antennas. Steep, narrow streets are plastered with small stones. There are no street signs. Only a few movables outdoors (like cars) remind you of modern times. It is not a museum, and it is still inhabited.

Portuguese students

Bridges of Porto

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Portugal is the world’s largest cork producer, responsible for about half of the global supply. Cork oak trees cover significant areas of the Portuguese countryside, particularly in the Alentejo region. The cork industry is crucial to the economy, and the material is celebrated for its sustainability and versatility, used in everything from wine stoppers to fashion items and spacecraft insulation.

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