Top Historical Sites to Visit in Portugal

The country of great maritime traditions, beautiful architecture, and ancient beauty, Portugal welcomes passengers of all origins to experience the historical marvels of this place. Portugal is home to a number of historical sites that give an intriguing insight into its rich history; such as medieval castles, ancient monasteries and well-preserved Roman ruins. Either you wander in the cobbled streets of Lisbon or whatever you see in the grand palaces of Sintra, every nook and corner of Portugal has an interesting story to narrate which will fascinate a history lover. Travelers who intend on a cultural holiday will find it convenient to explore some of the most popular attractions in Portugal as well by means of Tour Packages to Portugal and Holiday Packages to Portugal.

Here are The Top Historical Sites to Visit in Portugal 

1. Torre de Belm Lisbon 

The Belem Tower is a symbol of the Portuguese Age of Discoveries and it is majestically located at the banks of the Tagus River. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was constructed in the beginning of the 16 th century, and it was used as a fortress as well as a ceremonial entrance to the city of Lisbon. It is one of the most photographed landmarks in Portugal due to its complex Manueline architecture which is decorated with maritime imagery. The views of the river and the city beyond are offered to visitors on the top of the tower. Belonging to the Tour Packages to Portugal, or to be visited individually, the visit at Belm Tower is an absolute necessity to every person for who the Portugal sea history really fascinates.

2. Jernineimos Monastery 

The Jeronimos Monastery is one more masterpiece of the Manueline architecture located in Belem district of Lisbon. Funded by King Manuel I in the early 16th centuries, the monastery marks the journey of Vasco da Gama to India and the spirit of discovery which characterized the Portuguese Renaissance. The beauty of the cloisters, the beautiful columns and the grand interior of the churches mesmerizes the visitors. Most of the Holiday Packages to Portugal encompass this historical jewel that gives a clue to the religious and architectural history of the country.

3. Sintra Pena Palace

Situated on the hills of Sintra, Pena Palace is a romantic castle of the 19th century, which seems to be copied right out of a fairy tale. Its colourful front and the mish-mash of Neo-Gothic, Neo-Renaissance and Moorish architecture show the ingenuity of the Romantic period. Tourists are able to visit luxurious rooms, large terraces and beautiful gardens providing amazing perspectives of mountains. To the travellers who want a combination of history and fantasy, inexpensive Portugal holiday packages usually include tours to Sintra and Pena Palace.

4. Convent of christ, Tomar

The Convent of Christ in Tomar is one of the architectural treasures, full of the history of the Knights Templar. The convent was founded in 1160 and developed throughout centuries mixing Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance styles. A visit might be incomplete without a visit to its famous Charola, which is a rotunda constructed by the Templars. Visiting this World Heritage Site allows one to experience the medieval military and religious history of Portugal, and hence it is a must visit stop in most Tour Packages to Portugal.

5. Temple of Diana, Evoa

The Roman Temple, commonly referred to as the Temple of Diana, is a well-conserved temple located in the heart of a beautiful town of Alentejo called Evora. This temple which was constructed in the 1st century AD is a relic of the influence of the Roman Empire in the Portuguese land.

The temple sits in the historic centre of Evora, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enclosed by the narrow streets and medieval structures. Évora is a beautiful mixture of Portuguese and ancient roman history which visitors on Holiday Packages to Portugal will enjoy.

6. Alcobacca Monastery (Mosteiro de Alcoba ca )

The Alcobaza Monastery is considered to be one of the most outstanding examples of early Gothic architecture in Portugal as it was founded in 1153. History lovers and romantics are drawn to its stark good looks and the romantic tale of Ines de Castro and King Pedro I, whose tombs are located here.

The monastery has a majestic church, cloisters and chapter house which are frequently visited as a guided tour. Alcoba is an unmissable experience of medieval Portugal to those who are taking budget Portugal vacation packages.

7. Guimarães Castle

It is also called the birthplace of Portugal as the first king of Portugal, Afonso I was born in Guimarães Castle. This is a formidable 10th-century castle on top of a granite hill and has spectacular views of the town down the hill.

A visit to Guimarães Castle and the adjacent historic centre, another UNESCO site, will provide a visitor with a feeling of the early Portuguese struggle to be independent. It is a must visit place that is covered by most Tour Packages to Portugal.

Conclusion:

Finally, Portugal historical sites are a feast to any tourist. Castles of the middle ages and ruins of Romans, grand monasteries and romantic palaces, all of them have their own story about the rich history of the country. Being a history buff or a mere vacationer, Holiday Packages to Portugal and cheap Portugal vacation packages will give you smooth access to these eternal wonders.

Then why not? Plan your Holiday Packages to Portugal now and travel back to the past as you discover the beautiful history, culture, and architecture of this great European destination.