PORTUGAL
GEOGRAPHY AND LOCATION
Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe and is located in southwestern Europe. On its west and south it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and on its east and north it is bordered by Spain. There are two archipelagos also which form part of the country- Azores and Madeira.
Geographically the country is not homogeneous. The northern region of Portugal, which is characterized by many small farms and vineyards, is a mountainous, rainy region. Central Portugal, including the capital Lisbon and its environs consist of a central coastal region consists of dunes and pine forests and the central eastern areas, known as the Beira, consist of mainly small and medium-sized farms, with some mining and light industry.
The south of Portugal, which is also known as Alentejo, is an area of gently rolling hills and plains dominated by extensive estates with large-scale agriculture and grazing.
USEFUL INFO ABOUT PORTUGAL
The Phoenician, Greek, Celt, Carthaginian, Roman and Arabic people have all ruled over Portugal and their cultures have all left their imprint on the country over the past 300 years. Having rich history of seafaring and discovery, Portugal looks out from the Iberian Peninsula onto the Atlantic Ocean.
Vasco da Gama led Portugal’s heroic sea explorers and discovered new territories, leading to the accumulation of an overseas empire.
Portugal established one of the oldest universities in Europe, the University of Coimbra, in 1290. During the 15th and 16th centuries Portugal was considered one of the most powerful cultural, political and economic powers in the world. Up until 1974 Portugal’s dominions were transcontinental.
The country is divided into 18 districts, extends from east to west for about 150 km and from north to south for about 500 km.
The country has produced internationally acclaimed artists in the past and in recent times the country has been in limelight in the sports circles all due to footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.
Festivities dedicated to three saints known as Santos Populares (popular saints) and characterized by folk dance and music, particularly the traditional melancholy fado, take place all over Portugal during the month of June.
Portugal is famous for one of its very curious cuisine accomplishment- a hundred ways of cooking cod! Other than that Portugal has its traditional dishes made with various kinds of meat and seafood.
LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND PEOPLE
About 230 million people around the world (including the 210 natives), speak Portuguese and it is the official language of 9 countries. A Galician language, spoken in northwestern Spain, is most closely related to Portuguese. Portuguese has been derived from Vulgar Latin, Galician and Mirandese.
The Portuguese culture has its roots in the Latin culture of ancient Rome. The culture and the peoples of the country have been shaped by several influences in history and this is reflected in the ancient architectural structures, as well as typical art, furniture and literary collections of the country.
The foundation of the social structure and forms the basis of stability is the family and the extended family too is quite close.
The Portuguese have a hierarchical based culture in which people respect authority and look to those above them for guidance and decision-making and Society and business are highly stratified and vertically structured and both the Catholic Church and the family structure emphasize hierarchical relationships.
HISTORY
All throughout Portugal’s history are spread numerous battles and civilizations and thus it will forever be known as the country of conquerors. Among other the country has been invaded by Romans, Barbarians, and Muslims and only emerged independent of warriors and knights in 1125. In 1139, it was established as a kingdom by Alphonso I and was recognized by the Pope in 1179.
Till 1580 the country remained independent and was then invaded by Phillip II of Spain, which brought 60 years of foreign domination to the country.
In a revolution in 1640, the Spanish were overthrown and Portugal continued as a kingdom until 1910, when the monarchy was expelled, and the First Republic established.
The country witnessed a military coup in 1926, since short lived, and often violent, governments ruled the country for almost 15 years.
Presently the country is a democratic republic in the European Union.
CLIMATE
The country has a Mediterranean type of climate and it is one of the warmest countries in Europe. In the northeastern parts of the country in winter the temperatures may fall to -10°C or below and Southeastern parts in summer they may sometimes may soar to 40ºC.
The winter in the country begins in November or December and lasts till February or March. The winter, especially in the capital city of Lisbon is wet and chilly. From May to September the weather stays warm but spring and fall are the best times to visit the country as it looks spectacular during those seasons.
CAPITAL AND MAJOR CITIES
Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal is an ancient city full of history and cultural traditions, where magnificent palaces, monuments, churches and museums abound. Wide, tree-lined avenues graced by art nouveau buildings, mosaic pavements and street cafes are spread throughout the heart of the city.
The key cities of Portugal including its capital Lisbon are-
Amadora-The city is the smallest municipality of the country but has the largest population.
Porto- this is the second largest city of Portugal and has been recognized as the one of the cultural capitals of Europe.
Braga- in this city are located some of the country’s most fascinating sites and some of the best museums.
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES IN PORTUGAL
Along the coast, water sports of all kinds can be enjoyed scuba-diving, surfing, windsurfing or kite surfing.
There are several dozen horse riding centers in the country and you can enjoy riding one of the thoroughbreds of Portugal.
Peneda-Gerês, Portugal’s national park, which is 70,000 hectares in area, is sheer dramatic mountain scenery, old stone villages and unrivalled adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.
A vibrant urban life waits in the vibrant hilltop neighborhoods of Lisbon and while in Lisbon also enjoy drinks in rowdy Bairro Alto, live fado in the Alfama or cafe culture in elegant Chiado.
Visit the spiritual heart of Portugal, the lively town of Braga, which has an
Exquisite assortment; of baroque churches, a sprawling cathedral and Roman ruins.
The city of Proto has history lurking round every corner, from its neo classical Stock Exchange Palace to its Romanesque-gothic Cathedral, with spectacular views along the vibrant waterfront of Cais da Ribeira.
You might like to visit the fabled spot where Vasco da Gama set sail during the Age of Discoveries, which is near Torre de Belém.
Visit the virtual museum of Evora, a town that reached its golden age in the 15th century and whose walled old center contains a Roman temple, a looming cathedral and picturesque plazas for taking in the architectural splendor.
ACCOMMODATION
Perhaps the most unique and best places to stay in Portugal comprise a network of inns, called ‘Pousadas’, housed in historic buildings, castles, palaces and convents, or sometimes built especially for the purpose. These inns provide one a better opportunity to gain better knowledge of the architecture, cultural and culinary traditions of the various regions of the country.
Another unique accommodation style is the ‘Turihab’, which are a charming collection of privately owned guesthouses that allow visitors a chance to stay overnight in a manor house, a farm house, a country estate or a rustic cottage.
The private houses on the farms of the country also provide rooms almost all over the country, which is a great way to make contact with the Portuguese people and customs.
Besides these, youth hostels, self catering and camping accommodations too are available.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Air services between Lisbon, Faro, Madeira, Porto Santo, Porto and the Azores are operated by TAP Air Portugal.
The country is covered by a vast network of regional, inter-regional and suburban train services. Rail service in the country is provided by Portuguese Railways (Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses).
There is an adequate and well tended system of roads in every town and city of the country.
Between all Portuguese cities, frequent bus services are available. Alternately taxis and car hire services too can be utilized.
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