Contents:
- The capital of Portugal and its attractions
- Symbol of Portugal - Belem Tower
- The second main city of Portugal
- The famous island of Madeira
- Romantic town of Sintra
- All the fun of the city of Évora
Portugal is located on the edge of Europe. The country is fairly small, but she kept on their land rich historical heritage and a large number of castles, palaces and cathedrals. In addition, Portugal is known for its mild climate and beautiful beaches, hospitable people, and modern resorts.
Back to contents
The capital of Portugal and its attractions
Lisbon - the capital of Portugal. The city is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is located on the slopes of the deep river Tagus, exactly where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
Downtown Rossio Square is paved with mosaics. On the square is a building of famous theater Dona Maria II and the majestic statue of King Pedro IV. Right on the promenade of the river Tagus is a monument to Jose Maria II, which is located on the square Praça do Comércio. Of course, the city's attractions do not end there.
Western District of Lisbon - Belém. It is there that is the most impressive structure of the central cities of the country - the monastery "Jeronimos", which is made in the style of "Manueline". This monastery is an architectural masterpiece: the decoration of the building in its stores the arms of Portugal, marine elements and the armillary sphere. In addition, this monastery was once buried Fernando Pessoa - the famous Portuguese writer.
Portugal in its capital and has good museums: the National Museum azulezhu, which holds the ancient tiles; National Museum of Ancient Art Antiga, which exhibits the work of many Portuguese artists, and a large Gulbenkian Museum, which is considered the best museum in the country, as it exhibited sculptures, paintings, ceramics and coins, which are collected from all corners of the globe. These attractions are very popular with travelers and tourists.
Districts Alfama Bahira and preserve the charm of antiquity: the streets, alleys and squares, sprinkled with pebbles, artisan shops, castles and colorful buildings are reminiscent of bygone days.
Among the attractions of the city can distinguish the old quarter of Bairro Alto, outside San Bento, and Amoreiras Ratu area, Du-Chiado Museum and the Palace of the National Assembly. It is popular and the Botanical Garden of the University of Lisbon. It is noteworthy that in this garden was opened the very first butterfly nursery, located in Europe.
Back to contents
Symbol of Portugal - Belem Tower
Belem Tower (Tower of Bethlehem) is one of the main symbols of Portugal. This tower is located in the port area Reshtelu, ancient suburb of Lisbon. The history of this small area is closely linked with the history of the country.
It is from the port Reshtelu went to sea all ships discoverers.
Belém Tower was built in the late gothic (Manueline) style at the beginning of the sixteenth century. The construction height of 35 meters. The tower offers a unique view of the Portuguese capital and the ocean.
Eight-pointed cross on the fortress are reminded that it was built by the Order of the Knights Templar, famous for their power. Limestone walls are decorated with images of shells, algae, rope, exotic animals and fruits - all that occurred in the Mariners distant overseas countries.
Decorate the house and a beautiful balcony, made in Venetian style, and observation towers. Stone carving made the tower look like a luxurious palace, and not for the construction for the defense.
All the attractions of Portugal can not match the beauty of this majestic tower. Today, Belem Tower is the most visited tourist attraction of the country.
Belem Tower - one of the few buildings that survived the devastating earthquake that happened in the XVIII century.
Back to contents
The second main city of Portugal
The second largest city by - Porto. This city gave the name of Portugal itself, and that he had been the capital of the country. Gourmets and aesthetes must visit Vila Nova de Gaia - a city located on the opposite side from the port. There are a huge number of wine warehouses with a Portuguese wine. The historic center of Porto declared a World Heritage Site, protected by UNESCO.
Porto - lively and historic city. There are a large number of beautiful buildings. In this city you can visit the castle, the birthplace of Don Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. All houses and palaces always take visitors hospitably. Ribeira - the area along the coast, is known to all who come to this city. There are a lot of narrow, winding streets lined with colorful facades and buildings that are imbued with the spirit of antiquity.
Noteworthy, and attractions such as the Tower Klerigosh, Cedofeita church, the Church of San Francisco. The city has a beautiful bridge Dona Maria Pia, which was built in 1877 by Gustave Eiffel. In Porto there are several small museums, theaters, concert halls and libraries. The best museum is considered the Museum Soares dos Reis, who was named after Portuguese sculpture, made in the XIX century. This museum has a collection of Portuguese art of the past and the contemporary. The Museum of Ethnography and History describes the customs and life of this historic city from the early days, and attractions available in the country.
In the province of this town is Villamoura - "town of love", which is famous for its disco "Cadoc." In addition, this small village is a large yacht club, casino, three water parks and a huge zoo.
The main city center is considered to be Portugal's Coimbra. In this city is the country's oldest university, which was founded in 1290. Because of this, Portugal has long been known for their high level of education.
Back to contents
The famous island of Madeira
In the Atlantic Ocean in the southwest of the island of Madeira Portugal stretches. Madeira - it's not only the name of the island, but also the name of an autonomous archipelago. This archipelago is known for its mild climate and outstanding natural beauty. The rocky ridges and steep cliffs of the island right at the end in sheer waters of the Atlantic Ocean, which is so deep that large whales can be seen just off the coast. Due to this island, Portugal annually receives a large number of tourists who want to see these huge animals.
Madeira is made up of volcanic soil, so plants and flowers embellished it in the colors of fire. On the island grow many different colors: it bougainvillea, Jacaranda, orchids, poinsettia, geranium, wisteria, Cannes. Across the island grow shrub apples, mangoes, avocados and bananas. The forest, which covers completely the whole island is very diverse, while there is growing about 145 species of trees, which can not be found on any continent. These trees are included in the World Heritage List, which is protected by UNESCO.
Madeira is a "window" of Europe in the world of the tropics. The surroundings of the island is unique in that it is possible to enjoy year-round spring climate and go among this wilderness. The island has a wonderful atmosphere of tranquility and peace.
Back to contents
Romantic town of Sintra
Sintra - a small town in Portugal, which is located near the capital of the country. The romantic nature of the city has been described by Lord Byron's poem "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage." The city has been listed as a heritage site.
The symbol of the city - the National Palace, which is the XV century was the summer residence of the kings. Tapered white towers chimneys towering over the castle, visible from a great distance. This castle is one of the designs of the royal architecture of the country. The whole building of the palace is decorated with wooden carvings and wall ceramic tiles, which were brought to the country by the Arabs.
Samples of individual architecture of the city is the Palace da Pena, which was built in the XIX century. This castle was made in different architectural styles. It is worth mentioning that this castle admired the King House Fernando II, the husband of Mary II, Queen of Portugal. On the grounds of the castle ruins are visible Castelo dos Mouros, a fort, which was built in VIII century. This fort was built by the Arabs, it was intended for the defense of the territories of the Christian troops. In Sintra there are other attractions. The city is also famous for its wine making, marble, cooking and souvenirs. Besides all of the above, in Sintra has everything for a pleasant stay: the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the golden sand and the majestic coastline, where you can enjoy water sports and just go fishing. Portugal would not be so popular without this lovely island.
Back to contents
All the fun of the city of Évora
Évora is situated in the south of Portugal. Thanks to a huge part of the city, where to this day preserved ancient walls and monuments erected in different historical periods, Évora has been declared a world heritage site, which is protected by UNESCO.
A huge number of monuments, the previously created great creators characterize the cultural, historical and artistic past Evora. This is more than the monuments - this is the life of the city and the whole country. The variety of architectural styles ("Manueline," Baroque, Gothic, Rococo, Romanesque), palaces and even the narrow streets and squares - all part of the heritage. Cathedral of Evora was built in the Roman-Gothic style. Inside the cathedral is the altar of Our Lady, which was made of gilded wood. In addition, the cathedral has a museum of religious art.
To the right of the cathedral is the area with the church in the Romanesque style. It is a temple of Diana, which is the symbol of the city of Évora. Close to the cathedral is the City Museum. This museum houses a large collection of European and Portuguese art XV-XVII centuries, medieval jewelery art and ceramics. At the sights do not end there. So, it is of architectural interest and the palace of King Manuel, which was erected in 1490. This building was the residence of the royal house of Avis, when Portugal was under their rule.
No comments:
Post a Comment