Portugal Treasures

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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.

Latest news about Portugal treasures

Best for family breaks: Portugal (Independent)

So there we were, shades on, hair bleached by the sun, kicking back with a few icy ones in the beach-front bar, swapping gnarly surfer tales with the gnarly surfer dudes, as the waves crashed against the sand below and a vast blood-orange sun began its spectacular slow-dive into the wild Atlantic beyond.

5 Feb 2010, 6:27 pm | click here to view more

Richard Z. Chesnoff: Sephardic Film Festival: Pomegranates & Longing (The Huffington Post)

Way back in 1492, Spain's King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella made two monumental decisions: one was to send Columbus on the voyage that took him...

31 Jan 2010, 10:54 pm | click here to view more

LIVE UPDATES: How the 2010 Naples wine festival auction went today (Naples Daily News)

NAPLES — Today , patrons of the Naples Winter Wine Festival gathered at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort at Tiburon in North Naples to take part in the 2010 Expanding Horizons Auction. It’s the Naples kids & Education Foundation’s big fundraiser for kids’s charities in Collier County. 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The preliminary total on the 2010 auction is in - $8.06 million, about $3 million more than ...

30 Jan 2010, 5:00 am | click here to view more

MLS Or Europe (US National Soccer Players)

By Michael Lewis - NEW YORK, NY (Feb 1st, 2010) USSoccerPlayers -- Let's say you're a gifted American soccer player who seeks greater challenges. What's the next step? Why of course, it's the great jump across the pond to Europe, where riches, treasures and fame just waits. As many players from this country have discovered, that's not necessarily the case, at least not immediately. In Major ...