Portugal is one of the most visited nations in the European region and the country never seems to run out of attractions for every kind of traveller. The country has a rich heritage, sumptuous cuisine and most importantly, reasonable prices. The country boasts of loads of heritage sites selected by UNESCO, from the wonderful beaches in the Algarve in the southern region to the enchanting wine country in the north. There are countless number of Portugal treasures scattered throughout the country and for the history buff, none can be more majestic than the numerous monuments and castles that tell the tale of this country’s extensive history.
The tower of Belem was built in the center of the Tagus region in 1521. This fortress served as a starting point for navigators who were in search of new trade routes. The tower of Belem became and remains to be a symbol of the country’s era of expansion. The exterior design of the tower makes it a favourite stop for tourists. From the Moorish-inspired watchtowers to the openwork balconies, the tower of Belem is definitely considered as one of many Portugal treasures.
The Paco de Giela, which lies in the northern side of the Vez River, is one of the country’s more distinct castles. The tower represents the noble residence of the Portuguese, dating back to the Middle Ages. There is currently no historically agreed date on when the tower was built but most historians argue that it was constructed some time during the fourteenth century. The Paco de Giela is one of the few remaining towers in the country that has a traditional medieval theme.
This can be seen in the perpendicular parapets of the towers as well as through the presence of some Manueline elements in its design. For some unknown reason, towers of the same nature have perished through the centuries and some attribute the Paco de Giela’s survival to its sturdy granite construction. Whatever the case may be, this tower remains one of the nation’s most celebrated historic monuments.
Another one of the many treasures of the country is the monastery of Mafra. Beneath the walls of the monastery lies a very rich history that includes week-long festivities, the finest art works and furniture, and of course, the residence of the last Portuguese king. The tower is arguably the most extravagant in the country as no expenses were spared in the construction of this luxurious monastery. With its captivating architecture and its picturesque landscape, the monastery of Mafra is surely one of the best treasures of Portugal.
The Museum of the Rockies is proud to announce its newest exhibition, Treasures of Napoléon, coming from France and on display June 1 through October 7, 2012. This exhibition will bring more than 200 rare artifacts from Napoléon Bonaparte's life to Montana for the first time ever.
7 May 2012, 6:02 pm | click here to view more
LOUISE TAYLOR ''TANGERINE'' 1. Walk Five Miles/4:55 2. Morning Memphis/4:08 3. adore in the Dark/4:51 4. Riderless Pony/5:14 5. One Good Thing/3:50 6. Give Over/4:19 7. Baby Hands/2:33 8. China Doll/4:39 9. Donna/4:00 10. Little Wing/4:56 11. So Gone/5:02 A new release from a fine artist and an ever finer lady. http://www.louisetaylor.com/ The Artist Paints Her Canvas Written by Richard Cuccaro ...
7 May 2012, 2:31 pm | click here to view more
Modern analytics software can be a boon to the medium-sized business.
28 Apr 2012, 3:17 pm | click here to view more
Portugal's second city gets a first-rate revival with a fresh culinary scene and architectural updates.
28 Apr 2012, 10:33 am | click here to view more
NORMAN — Thursday night kicked off the fifth Norman Music Festival with 56 musical performances in Downtown Norman. And with 88 performances on Friday, and 134 on Saturday, many agree: The festival rocks.
27 Apr 2012, 5:46 am | click here to view more
Europe is in recession. Britain’s Office for National Statistics confirmed on Wednesday that in the first quarter of this year Britain’s economy shrank .2 percent, after having contracted .3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011. (Officially, two quarters of shrinkage equal a recession.) On Monday, Spain officially fell into recession for the second time in three years. Portugal, Italy and ...
25 Apr 2012, 3:35 pm | click here to view more
SINCE the introduction of Emirates flights from Dubai to Harare and Lusaka, the world is now the oyster of people from Central Africa. The Persian Gulf-based airline is continually extending its networks and destinations.
17 May 2012, 5:14 pm | click here to view more
For some, the continent's financial crisis is just another opportunity to make lots and lots of money
17 May 2012, 11:02 am | click here to view more
Angela Merkel, Europe’s master schoolmarm, scolds her neighbors that they have “no alternative to austerity.” François Hollande, the new French president, preaches the need for growth, challenging Merkel’s leadership with a social democratic alternative. The two meet in Berlin tomorrow, for the first time since Hollande ousted Merkel’s pal, Nicolas Sarkozy. And the tension will be on display ...
14 May 2012, 2:32 pm | click here to view more
The Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester, Mass., announces its Summer 2012 exhibitions and events schedule. Featured exhibitions include "Marsden Hartley: Soliloquy in Dogtown" and the Museum’s first-ever multimedia installation: "water, water" from mom–daughter artists Sarah Hollis Perry and Rachel Perry Welty.Gloucester, MA (PRWEB) May 01, 2012 The Cape Ann Museum, whose art and artifacts tell the ...
1 May 2012, 7:36 am | click here to view more