Points of Interest in Portugal
In this article we will show you a few Points of Interest in Portugal, most visited places.
Belém Tower
The Belém Tower is located in Belém in the city of Lisbon. On the right bank of the river Tagus, where Belém beach once existed, it was originally surrounded by the waters around its perimeter. Over the centuries it was surrounded by the beach, until today it is incorporated the terra firma. The harmony and delicate ornaments of the Tower of Bethlehem suggest, in the eyes of those who see it, a worked jewel. However, the vision of the contemporaries of its construction was different: a formidable and fearsome bastion of defense of the entrance of the river, crossing fire with the tower border of San Sebastián, in the other margin. Commissioned by D. Manuel I (1495-1521), it was built by Francisco de Arruda, between 1514 and 1521, on a basalt islet that was located near the right bank of the Tagus, in front of Restelo beach. However, with the progressive displacement of the course of the river over the years, the Tower ended up being practically “tied” to the margin.
National Palace of Pena
The Palácio Nacional da Pena, popularly referred to only as Palácio da Pena or Castelo da Pena, is located in the town of Sintra. It represents one of the main expressions of XIX century architectural romanticism in the world, being the first palace in this style in Europe, if you come to Portugal you can not miss a visit to this beautiful palace located in the village of Sintra.
Jeronimos Monastery
Near the place where the Infante D. Henrique, in the middle of the century. XV, ordered to build a church on the invocation of St. Mary of Bethlehem, King D. Manuel I wanted to build a great monastery. In order to perpetuate the memory of the Infante, for his great devotion to Our Lady and his belief in St. Jerome, D. Manuel I decided to found in 1496 the Monastery of St. Maria de Belém, near the city of Lisbon, near the Tagus River. Donated to the monks of the Order of St. Jerome, it is now commonly known as the Jerónimos Monastery. To know more about this beautiful Monastery
Saint Jorge Castle
The Castle of São Jorge or Paço de São Jorge is located in the city of Lisbon, the present name derives from the devotion of the castle to St. George, patron saint of knights and crusaders, made by order of D. João I in the fourteenth century. The castle itself was founded in the 10th and 11th centuries, when Lisbon was an important Muslim port city. In 1147, the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, conquered the castle and the city to the Moors. Between the century and. XIII and the century XVI had its most important period. In the century It was in the castle that King D. Manuel I received Vasco da Gama after his sea voyage to India and that the first Portuguese play by Gil Vicente was represented on the occasion of the birth of King D. João III.
Commerce Square
One of the most emblematic places of Lisbon, a must visit that requires an extended stop, is Praça do Comércio. Better known by Lisbon as Terreiro do Paço, since it was the Paço da Ribeira area until the 1755 earthquake, it is one of the largest squares in Europe. The square that has already received some of the most illustrious visitors of the city awaits you. Take the opportunity to rest at the feet of Don José I and the imposing Gentle Horse, by Machado de Castro: an equestrian statue that illustrates the royal power as well as the nobility of the Lusitanian race. Make the Praça do Comércio your point of discovery in Lisbon.
Theres a few Points of Interest in Portugal for you !!!
