The nostalgic and photogenic charm of Portugal
Located at the westernmost tip of the Eurasian continent, Portugal is home to approximately 10.45 million people and occupies an area about one-quarter the size of Japan. Bordered by Spain to the north and east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south, the country is blessed with a beautiful coastline, a rich culture including seafood and music, and gentle people. It is also known for having produced heroic navigators such as Vasco da Gama, the first European to open a sea route to India, and Ferdinand Magellan, the first man in history to circumnavigate the globe, and for having prospered during the Age of Discovery, which lasted from the mid-15th century to the mid-17th century.
Even today, when you walk through the capital Lisbon or the port city of Porto in northern Portugal, you will find numerous beautiful historical buildings and cityscapes built with the wealth brought by trade during the Age of Discovery. The somewhat nostalgic and photogenic scenery continues to attract many travelers from all over the world even after several centuries. In this article, we will introduce the charms of Lisbon and Porto, two of Portugal's most representative cities.
Tour the capital Lisbon, a city that continues to evoke the glory of the Age of Discovery
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal with a population of about 530,000, is the political, economic and cultural center of Portugal. Many people visit this city as an air gateway, as there are many direct flights from various European cities. The charm of Lisbon is that, although it is one of Europe's leading global cities, it does not have the hustle and bustle and pretentiousness that is typical of big cities. This city, which was developed around the mouth of the Tagus River, the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, is filled with beautiful streetscapes that evoke the good old days and the smiles of simple, gentle people.
If you are traveling to Lisbon, the first place you should visit is the Belem district, which still conveys the splendor of the Age of Discovery. This area, which spreads along the Tagus River, is dotted with attractions such as the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém, both registered as World Heritage Sites. The Jerónimos Monastery, which began construction in the 16th century to honor Prince Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama, who made great contributions to the Age of Discovery, is a Manueline style building characterized by its gorgeous and luxurious decorations, as if to show off the enormous wealth gained through overseas trade. Motifs unique to the Age of Discovery, such as coral, celestial globes, and seaweed, are carved into the building everywhere, and the intricate beauty of the building is enough to take your breath away. The Tower of Belém, built in the 16th century to watch over ships sailing on the Tagus River, is also a building that symbolizes the Manueline style. There are many other attractions in the area, such as the Archaeological Museum, the Maritime Museum, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Why not take a leisurely stroll around the Belem District and experience the history of Portugal?
Lisbon also has many unique areas, such as the historic Alfama district, where you can enjoy walking down the alleyways, and the Baixa district, a shopping district lined with stylish shops and restaurants. Lisbon is also known as the "City of Seven Hills," and is famous for its hilly terrain. The more you ride the tram or cable car around the many hills, the more you will notice the charm of this city. Sintra, located about 28km west of Lisbon, is known as a royal summer resort surrounded by lush forests. Why not head out to the suburbs to see the scenery registered as a World Heritage Site as the "Cultural Landscape of Sintra."
To the northern port city of Porto, from which the country of Portugal takes its name
About three hours by train from Lisbon, Porto, a port city located at the mouth of the Douro River in northern Portugal, is the second largest city in the country after Lisbon. This city, which flourished through trade during the Roman era and is the origin of the country's name, has its entire old town registered as a World Heritage Site as the "Historic Center of Porto."
There are many things to see in the Historic District of Porto, but first we'll head to São Bento Station, the gateway to Porto. The station, also known as the "world's most beautiful station," is decorated with 20,000 azulejos (blue decorative tiles) based on Portuguese motifs, making it look like a museum. Other impressive spots with magnificent decorations, including azulejos, include the Congregados Church, located right next to São Bento Station, as well as Porto Cathedral, the Almas Chapel, and the Carmo Church. Walk around the old town looking for your favorite azulejos. If you want a panoramic view of the Historic District of Porto, we recommend climbing up to the observation deck of the Nossa Senhora do Pilar Monastery, which stands on a hill overlooking the Douro River.
Porto is a city where historical strolls are fun, but of course there is more to enjoy. You can experience a boat cruise around the Douro River basin, visit the famous Porto wine producing region, or taste Porto's local gourmet food, tripe... You can spend your stay in Porto however you like. Also, the city of "Guimarães", located about 60 km northeast of Porto, is a small town known as the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. It is also fun to enjoy a short trip to the town that is the "birthplace" of Portugal.
Lisbon and Porto are two of Portugal's most famous cities. These cities are connected to the glory of the Age of Discovery, and even today, proud people live relaxed and peaceful lives. They are not flashy, but the more you visit, the more you will like them. Please come and experience the mysterious charm of Portugal.
Comment
Portugal, a country at the "edge," has many breathtaking view spots that are worth visiting at least once, such as Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the Eurasian continent, Cabo Sagres, at its southwestern tip, and the beautiful coastline of the Algarve, the southernmost point of mainland Portugal.
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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
