Portugal Culture

Portugal Culture, what makes the country unique

Portugal culture is composed by a whole set of characteristics which forms the personality of the country, like its ancient history, the religious people, local traditions, achievements and much more. 

History of Portugal

Portugal is one of the oldest countries in all Europe. It had its independence in 1143. Before that, Portugal was a county of Leão and Castela Kingdom, named Portucale. This county was located where the city of Guimarâes is now and that's why is named the city cradle (of the country).

At that time, the Moors threatened almost all the Iberian Peninsula. Because of that, after Portugal being independent, the King Afonso Henriques could expand the territory after winning several battles against the Moors. The last territory to conquer was the Algarve in 1249, one century after.

Nevertheless it is possible to find many traces of people older than the Nationality like the Celtic, Phoenician, Roman, Lusitanian, etc. 

Portugal Facts

Some of the most relevant facts of the Portugal’s history are the Discoveries period, the Restoration of Independence from Spanish domain, the big Earthquake of 1755, the founding of the Republic ending the Monarchic regime, the Revolution of the Carnations initiating a Democratic Regime ending the Fascism, the access to EEC and the adoption of new currency, the Euro.

Gastronomy and Wines

The Portuguese Gastronomy is very diverse and an important part of Portugal Culture. The most well-known typical dishes include the dry and salted codfish.

But for sure, you can find in Portugal food many fantastic typical receipts with other ingredients. In the coast you will find more the seafood and fish and in the interior and north of Portugal you have more meat dishes. You won’t be disappointed with the typical food of the country. 

The Portuguese Gastronomy is very diverse and an important part of Portugal Culture. The most well-known typical dishes include the dry and salted codfish.

But for sure, you can find in Portugal food many fantastic typical receipts with other ingredients. In the coast you will find more the seafood and fish and in the interior and north of Portugal you have more meat dishes. You won’t be disappointed with the typical food of the country. 

You will find the Portuguese, pleasant, nice, willing to help, most of them English spoken, very religious and a bit nostalgic. This is reflected in the music of Fado, an old traditional musical style made famous internationally by Amália Rodrigues singer. 

Portugal Soccer Team

As in many countries in the world, Soccer or Football is the national sport in Portugal. Through the years Portugal had several good teams but never managed to win the World or European cup. Some of the best players in the world today are Portuguese and playing in the most important clubs of Europe.Check the details on the Portugal Soccer Team and Euro Cup 2016. 

Places to Visit

Portugal culture is everywhere in the country which has many places to visit, but some of them you must not miss. If you have the opportunity visit:

• Lisbon – the Capital of the country, a place full of history to discover
• Porto and Douro– the second major city and the routes of Port Wine along the Douro river
• Évora – the UNESCO patrimony city, keeping tradition very much like centuries ago
• Guimarâes – the cradle city of Portugal, a place with history
• Alentejo – the wide spaces region with beautiful landscapes
• Algarve – the most touristic place of the country with beautiful contrasts and fantastic beaches

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Enjoy this Algarve Guide built to serve the purpose of helping you to know this beautiful region and plan your holidays to the best places

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