Portugal

INTRODUCTION

One of the most interesting features of Portugal is it's vastly changing landscape, mother nature works quick here and this amazing landscape will vary from wonderfully green mountains and valleys to rugged dry desert in the space of a couple of hours drive. Full of history as well as vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine, Portugal pleases a wide range of tourists every year.

Lisbon is the country's capital and most important city. Portugal's second largest city is Porto, which sits along the Duoro River ?. Another famous river is the Tagus.

Other Cities

Lisbon

Porto

HISTORY

The First County of Portugal was formed in 868 after the Reconquista where Christians took back control of the Iberian Penninsula from the Muslims and Moors. It was formed into a kingdom in 1139 after the Battle of Ourique when Afonso Henriques proclaimed himself king. In 1383, Portugal was almost taken over by the Spanish king, but claimed independence with the Battle of Aljubarrota. Portugal played a major role in the exploring the world. Between 1580 and 1640, Portugal again became under Spanish rule when Phillip II named himself king. In 1910, the Portuguese monarchy was disposed of. Chaos led to takeover by dictator António de Oliveira Salazar. A military coup known as the Carnation Revolution in 1974 led to the establishment of a democracy.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Climate: Portugal is generally cool and rainy in the north, and warm in the south

Languages: Portuguese, Mirandese

Capital: Lisbon

Time Zone: DST +0100 UTC

Currency: Euro

Power: 230 V, 50 Hz

ATTRACTIONS

Igreja de São Roque

Conimbriga Ruins

Museu Calouste Gulbenkian

Torre de Belém