The Portugal experience encompasses a variety of elements, including medieval castles, cobblestone towns, intriguing cities, and golden beaches. History, exquisite cuisine, and picturesque landscapes are merely the initial attractions. learn more from lonelyplanet.com
Highsontrip | travelgeekes | exploresearth | traveltipses | sneakitravel
Santa Maria da Vitória Monastery
The remarkable Batalha monastery in Portugal was constructed as a commemoration of the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota, which took place in close proximity to this location.
By 1434, builders had constructed the majority of the monument in the Flamboyant Gothic style, as noted by lonelyplanet.com. However, the additions made in the 15th and 16th centuries, known as the ‘unfinished chapels,’ thrust the Manueline exuberance into the spotlight.
Alcobaça’s Monastery of Santa Maria
The village of Alcobaça is completely dominated by one of Iberia’s magnificent monasteries. The church, concealed beneath the grand baroque exterior, is a solemn and ascetic place {lonelyplanet.com} of worship. It features a multitude of plain 12th-century arches and admission is free.
However, it is important to also explore the other areas of the site, such as the atmospheric refectory and the enormous dormitory.
These places provide an authentic experience of the Cistercian lifestyle, which, according to historical sources, may not have been as strict and ascetic as expected in this particular location in Portugal. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/portugal
Convento de Cristo
The Knights Templar wielded significant influence in Portugal between the 12th to 16th centuries, playing a major role in financing the Age of Discoveries.Forest hills above the town embrace their main office, encircled by walls dating back to the 12th century.
The Convento de Cristo, established in 1160 by Gualdim Pais, is an impressive embodiment of grandeur constructed of stone. The structure features chapels, cloisters,{lonelyplanet.com} and choirs that exhibit varying architectural styles. Different kings and Grand Masters made these additions throughout the centuries.
Jerónimos Monastery
UNESCO recognizes the undeniable enchantment of Belém lies in its monastery.The mosteiro is a manifestation of sheer imagination: a combination of Diogo de Boitaca’s innovative concept {lonelyplanet.com} and the lavish funding of Manuel I, who commissioned it to celebrate Vasco da Gama’s 1498 discovery of a sea passage to India.
Sintra National Palace
The main attraction in Sintra-Vila is the palace, known for its distinctive twin conical chimneys and extravagant, imaginative interior.
The interior design is a fusion of Moorish and Manueline styles, featuring arabesque courtyards, twisted columns, and ancient geometric azulejos from the 15th and 16th centuries, making them some of Portugal’s oldest.
The palace, originally of Moorish descent, underwent its initial expansion under the reign of Dom Dinis (1261–1325). João I enlarged it again in the 15th century, during which he constructed the kitchens. Subsequently, Manuel I added a Manueline touch to the palace in the following century.
Alfama
Descend through the steep, narrow, cobblestoned lanes of Alfama in Portugal to conserve energy in your legs and observe the last authentic aspects of Lisbon before they undergo gentrification.
Take your time at a little cafe tucked away in a side street and immerse yourself in the genuine warmth of the locals, away from the typical tourist atmosphere. learn more from lonelyplanet.com
