Facts about Portugal

In Europe, there are so many beautiful countries that you will get confused about which European destination to see. Today, let’s talk about Portugal. Portugal is a beautiful country in southwestern Europe. It is known for its rich history, food, and culture. With Vatikans' visa assistance, you can easily apply for Portugal’s visa and visit Porto. In this blog, let's explore some interesting facts about Portugal, like its culture, Portugal history and food! Let’s go!

A Glimpse into Portugal History

Before making a decision to spend holidays in Portugal, you must have some knowledge about the history of Portugal. Let’s discuss:

Ancient Times

The history of Portugal is a thousand years old. The region was first inhabited by Celtic tribes and later became part of the Roman Empire. The Romans called it Lusitania. You can still find Roman ruins in Portugal today, like in the cities of Évora and Conímbriga.

The Age of Discoveries

Portugal is recognized worldwide for having had its Age of Discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries, when Portuguese navigators sailed all over the world. The most famous of this age include Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan. Vasco da Gama discovered a direct sea route from Europe to India.

Independence and The Modern Age 

In 1143, Portugal was an independent nation. Afonso I became the first king of Portugal. It was in the year 1910 that Portugal was declared a republic, thus putting it on par with other countries that monarchs had ruled for centuries. Today, it is a democratic country with a rich cultural heritage.

Tasty Portuguese Food

The second thing you must know about before going on portugal tours is the tasty Portuguese food. Let’s discuss some of the famous delicious dishes of Portugal:

Famous Dishes

• Bacalhau: This is dried and salted codfish. There are many ways to cook it, and people say there are 365 recipes for bacalhau, one for each day of the year!

• Pastéis de Nata: These are sweet custard tarts with a crispy pastry crust. They are very popular and are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee.

• Caldo Verde: This is a traditional soup made with kale, potatoes, and chorizo sausage. It is a comforting dish, especially in winter.

• Sardinhas Assadas: Grilled sardines are a favorite during festivals. They are often served with bread and salad.

Portuguese Wine

When talking about the food of Portugal, we can’t forget that Portugal is also known for its excellent wines. The country has many regions for wine, but the most famous is the Douro Valley. This is where port wine is produced, which is known as sweet red wine. Another popular wine is Vinho Verde, which is a little fizzy in taste.

Vibrant Portuguese Culture

While having the thought of spending holidays in Portugal, you must have some knowledge about the vibrant Portuguese culture:

Music and Dance

Portugal has a craze for music and dance. Fado is the most famous kind of music there. It is a melancholic and soulful music genre that often tells stories of love, loss, and longing. The music is very emotional and the singers sing along with the guitarists. 

Festivals

Portugal loves to celebrate! There are many festivals throughout the year. Some of the most popular ones are:

• Festa de São João: This festival is celebrated in Porto in June. People enjoy street parties, fireworks, and grilled sardines.

• Carnival: In February, Portugal celebrates Carnival with colorful parades and costumes. The towns of Ovar and Torres Vedras are known for their lively celebrations.

• Festa dos Tabuleiros: This festival is held every four years in Tomar. It features parades with women carrying tall trays of bread and flowers on their heads.

Traditional Crafts

Portugal is famous for its beautiful traditional crafts. Portuguese tiles, known as azulejos, are brightly colored and often depict historical scenes or patterns. All over the country, there are these tiles on buildings. Pottery and ceramics here are also very well-known for their pretty designs and bright colors.

Fun and Interesting Facts about Portugal 

1. Oldest Bookstore: Lisbon is home to the world’s oldest bookstore, Bertrand Bookstore, which opened in 1732. Visit Lisbon to see this amazing bookstore.

2. Portuguese Language: Portuguese is the sixth most spoken language in the world. It is the official language of nine countries, including Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique.

3. Longest Bridge: The Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon is the longest bridge in Europe, stretching 17.2 kilometers.

4. Cork Production: Portugal produces about 50% of the world's cork. The cork oak tree is native to Portugal, and cork is used in many products, including wine stoppers and flooring.

Conclusion

Before planning your visit to Porto, you must know about the rich culture, food, and history of Portugal. This blog is a brief guide to you if you want to know interesting facts about Portugal. You can further get visa assistance from us not only for Portugal’s visa but for any European or Indian country. So, don’t delay and consider visiting Porto, as you can have the time of your life. Contact Vatikans and make your trip to Portugal possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full name of Portugal? 

The full name of Portugal is the Portuguese Republic (República Portuguesa in Portuguese).

What is the population of Portugal?

As of 2023, Portugal population is approximately 10.3 million people.

What are the famous Portugal Landmarks?

The famous Portugal landmarks are: Belém Tower, Iconic fortress and UNESCO site in Lisbon, Sintra palace, Douro Valley and Algarve etc.

Is Portugal expensive?

Portugal is cheaper for Americans, as the cost of living is 46% cheaper in Portugal.  

Does it snow in Portugal?

Snow is not so common in Porto but yes, it tends to snow in the higher altitude regions.