That washes Portugal. Supreme legislative body. Important phone numbers

Portugal is located in the extreme south-west of Europe in the western part of the Iberian Peninsula. She also owns the Azores and the island of Madeira, located in the Atlantic Ocean. In the north and east, Portugal borders on Spain, in the south and west it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean.

The name of the country comes from the city of Porto (lat. Portus Cale - "warm port").

Official name: Portuguese Republic

Capital:

The area of ​​the land: 92.3 thousand sq. km. along with the islands.

Total population: 10.6 million people

Administrative division: Portugal is divided into 22 districts, including 18 on the continent, and 2 autonomous regions, the Azores and the Madeira archipelago.

Form of government: Republic.

Head of State: President elected for a term of 5 years.

Composition of the population: 90% are Portuguese, Spaniards, Ukrainians, as well as people from former colonies (Brazil, Angola, Mozambique).

Official language: Portuguese. In the service sector - English, French, Spanish is used extremely reluctantly.

Religion: 94% - Catholics, 5% - Protestants, 1% - Orthodox.

Internet domain: .pt

Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz

Phone country code: +351

Country barcode: 560

Climate

Subtropical Mediterranean, mild, without sudden temperature fluctuations. In the north, the maritime climate is dominated by the Gulf Stream. Summer here is dry and sunny, but not hot (average temperature is about 20°C, in the mountains - about 18°C), winter is cool (from +4°C to +10°C) and rainy.

In the south, the climate is warm and dry. Average temperatures in January are from +5°С to +10°С, in July - from +20°С to +27°С.

Precipitation on the plains falls from 400 to 800 mm, in the mountains from 1000 to 2500 mm per year.

The climate of the Azores is subtropical, maritime. The islands are located in the formation zone of the Azores anticyclone and have a fairly even temperature background - the average temperature in January is about +14°C, in July - about +22°C, while the maximum temperature on the slopes of the mountains can rise to +24°C in winter and +34 °C in summer.

Precipitation is 700-800 mm per year, in some places up to 1500 mm, and the western and northwestern slopes receive a noticeably greater amount of rain. The maximum precipitation occurs in the winter period (from September to April). The water temperature during the year ranges from +16°С to +24°С.

The best time to visit the islands is from June to September, although comfortable conditions for recreation remain here almost all year round.

The climate of Madeira is subtropical oceanic, mild and warm. The average temperature on the coast in summer is about +23°С, in winter - about +20°С. Precipitation in the form of thunderstorms and heavy rain falls mainly in winter, the summer is relatively dry. The swimming season lasts almost all year round.

Geography

Portugal is located in southwestern Europe, in the western part of the Iberian Peninsula. It also includes the Azores and the Madeira archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean. The Azores include 9 islands and are located 1500 km from Lisbon. The Madeira archipelago consists of the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo and the uninhabited Desertas and Selvagan. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean, 500 km from the African coast and 1000 km from the mainland. The area of ​​the country, together with the islands, is 92,391 sq. km. In the east and north it borders on Spain, and in the east and south it is washed by the waters of Atlantic Ocean.

The north of Portugal is occupied by the heavily dissected outskirts of the Meseta plateau. The prevailing heights in this area are 1000 - 1200 m, and the maximum is 1993 m (Mount Estrela in the Serra da Estrela ridge). Estrela is also the highest point of the mainland of the country. The southern and central parts are occupied by the Portuguese lowlands, hills and lowlands. In the east, the Portuguese lowland is bordered by a plateau, some parts of which reach 600-1000 m. The coast of the Atlantic Ocean is low and slightly dissected, the beaches are sandy.

Madeira and the Azores are archipelagos of volcanic origin. Their landscape is dominated by mountain terraces rising from the coast to the central regions of the islands. On the island of Pico, which belongs to the Azores archipelago, there is the highest point in all of Portugal - the Pico volcano (2351 m).

The river network of Portugal is dense. Major rivers on its territory are the Douro (Duero), Tagus and Guadiana. In the mountains, rivers usually flow in narrow, deep valleys and fall steeply.

The most important conservation area is national park Peneda-Gerês, located in the north. With the exception of natural park Serra da Estrela, all other protected areas are located along the border with Spain (Serra di Montesinho, Malcata, San Mamedi) or on the coast (dune area near Aveiro, Serra de Sintra, Serradi Arabida, west coast from Cape Sines to Cape Sagrish, a lagoon in the east of the Algarve). Wet areas (bird colonies, nesting sites) in the Sado river delta south of Setúbal, in the northern part of the Tagus delta, as well as the marshes of Castro Marin near the mouth of the Guadiana, are more strictly protected.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

The natural vegetation of Portugal, although heavily modified by man, reflects the listed climatic features. Where oceanic influence predominates, pine grows in abundance. On the northern and central coasts, it forms significant woodlands, in the tree layer of which there is also Portuguese oak (Quercus lusitanica), and in the shrub layer - broom. In areas with long, hot and dry summers, cork and holm oaks are common.

Forests cover 1/5 of the territory of Portugal; almost half of them are coniferous, mostly pine. Approximately 607 thousand hectares are occupied by cork oak plantations. Portugal supplies half of the world's cork production. The area of ​​eucalyptus plantations, characterized by rapid growth, is rapidly expanding; it is the most important source of raw materials for the pulp and paper industry. Forests are essential to the economy and foreign trade of Portugal.

Animal world

Of the animals in the country, there are species typical of Central Europe(lynx, wild forest cat, wolf, fox, wild boar, bear, various rodents), as well as representatives of the North African fauna (genet, chameleon, etc.). Portugal is located on one of the main migration routes of migratory birds, so many species of birds are found here. More than 200 species of fish are found in coastal waters, including commercial ones, including sardines, anchovies and tuna.

Attractions

Rather small in area, Portugal nevertheless combines on its land a rich historical heritage and numerous ancient fortresses, cathedrals and palaces, a mild climate and beautiful beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, calm hospitable people and modern resorts. The beaches of the Algarve (the southern province of the country) and the Madeira Islands, the resort areas of Estoril and Cascais, the balneological resorts of Caldas da Rainha and Caldas de Monchik, all this annually attracts more than 10 million tourists from all continents to the country.

Banks and currency

Banks are open on weekdays from 8.30 to 15.00, some bank branches in Lisbon and tourist areas close at 18.00, and in large shopping centers of the Algarve they are open daily from 9.00 to 21.00. ATMs of the national system "MULTIBANCO" operate around the clock.

Euro equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

It is most convenient to exchange money at the Lisbon airport (favorable rate, lower commission fee), in banks and hotels the rate is lower, and the fee is higher (in banks, the commission is 0.5%). Exchange rates in different banks can differ significantly from each other.

Some commercial banks do not charge commissions for transactions below 30 euros. In some private shops and markets, you can pay with US dollars. Traveler's checks are accepted everywhere and their exchange rate is more profitable than for cash, but the commissions are quite high (up to 13%), with the exception of American Express checks, which can be exchanged without commission at Amex. Eurocheques with a check guarantee card are exchanged at many banks. Credit cards MasterCard, American Express and Visa are accepted everywhere. ATMs ("multibancos") are located in all tourist centers.

Useful information for tourists

Bullfighting is a favorite spectacle of the Portuguese, although it differs significantly in rules from the more "bloody" Spanish. Bulls are never killed in duels, because the Portuguese bullfight is a beautiful sporting contest of agility and strength between a man and a bull. On holidays, bullfighting is organized in many cities of Portugal.

A typical feature of the Portuguese is slowness and calmness, they never fuss. The Portuguese, unlike their Spanish neighbors, are not noisy and have a good understanding of other languages. They are friendly and unassuming, not loud and not aggressive. Their speech is slow. The manner of communication is calm and quiet. The Portuguese are very fond of holidays, the occasion for which may be pilgrimage, commemoration of saints, fairs, etc.

Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal and boasts a rich history. From the Phoenician language, its name literally translates as "beloved bay." This is not surprising, since since ancient times it has played the role of an important port harbor of the state. For all the time of its existence, it was ruled by the Romans, Germans and Arabs. It wasn't until 1147 that the first Portuguese king, Alfonso Henriques, conquered Lisbon. A century later, it was proclaimed the main city of the state.

General description and location

The capital of Portugal is located on the Iberian Peninsula, on the right bank of the Tagus River, fifteen kilometers from the Atlantic coast. According to the latest official figures, about 2.3 million people live here. The city, whose area is approximately 84 square kilometers, is located on seven hills that descend in ledges towards the river mentioned above. The enchanting originality of Lisbon gives a lot of funiculars and hotels. Almost immediately after the noisy highways there are steep stairs that lead to quiet park corners with ponds and singing birds. Local weather almost always pleases tourists coming here with its constancy and softness.

Short story

The first settlement on the site of the current location of Lisbon was a commercial stop built at the intersection of important sea ​​routes. It was founded 1200 years before the birth of Christ. Since that time, the Portuguese capital has been constantly growing and developing, having survived the control of the Roman Empire, the Moors, the Spaniards, as well as the plague, the invasion of Napoleonic troops, fires, earthquakes and the Inquisition.

As noted above, in 1147 the city was liberated from the Moors. Beginning in the fifteenth century, the whole of Portugal (the capital Lisbon in particular) experienced a flourishing trade and rapid economic development. IN main port countries arrived large merchant ships from South America, India and Africa. At that time, the city became one of the most developed in Europe. At the same time, the most amazing architectural monuments began to appear here, some of which have survived to this day.

In 1755, there was a strong sudden earthquake, due to which the capital of Portugal was badly damaged: several tens of thousands of local residents died, most of the buildings were destroyed. Almost from the ashes, the city was rebuilt largely thanks to the efforts made by the Marquis of Pombal.

Transport

The easiest way to get to the Portuguese capital by air. The airport is located at a distance of seven kilometers from its center. It is also quite convenient to travel by car and train. There are four large stations in Lisbon, providing rail links not only with Portuguese, but also European cities. Bus lines are also quite developed, due to which the capital of Portugal is connected with all its largest cities. On the streets you can see a lot of trams, which here enjoy the same respect and love of the inhabitants as London's double-decker buses.

Attractions

One of the main attractions of Lisbon is Rossio Square, which is located in its very center. In the eighteenth century, public executions and bullfights were held here. Separate words deserve a statue of Christ with outstretched arms, which is installed on a high pedestal, on the very bank of the Tagus River. Among the inhabitants of the city there is an opinion that she hugs them and blesses them.

One of the most impressive symbols of wealth and power that the capital of Portugal once boasted is the Jeronimos Monastery, built in 1502. The starting point for numerous discoveries made local sailors, became the Belen tower. It was erected in 1515, and the original purpose was to protect the entrance to the Lisbon harbor. Another popular place among tourists is Maritime Museum, where models of ships and instruments for navigation are exhibited. Its history dates back to 1863, when King Luis came up with the idea of ​​creating a collection of various maritime artifacts. It is impossible not to mention the Park of Nations, which is a separate area of ​​the city, the architecture of which, due to its futurism, has become the complete opposite of the historical quarters.

First capital

Be that as it may, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal only since 1255. Until that time, this status belonged to another city. In particular, the first Portuguese king Alfonso Henriques in 1131 proclaimed the main administrative center countries of Coimbra. It should be noted that now this city is the third largest in the state, second only to Lisbon and Porto.

The first capital of Portugal has preserved to this day many treasures and archaeological sites, including a well-preserved aqueduct. One of the oldest universities in Europe is also located here. What else Coimbra is famous for is its football traditions, because the local club, called Academica, was founded by students back in 1876.

Portugal(port. Portugal, Mirandsk. Pertual), officially Portuguese Republic(Port. República Portuguesa, Mirandese. Republica Pertuesa listen)) is the westernmost state in the continental, located in the southwestern part. In the north and east it borders on, in the south and west it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean; thus, this state as a whole is a semi-enclave, or coastal enclave. The name of the country comes from the city (lat. Portus cale).

On April 25, 1974, the rebel troops, led by the Movement of the Armed Forces, overthrew the fascist government (the “carnation revolution”), and the activities of political parties were allowed. Completed the decolonization of the former Portuguese colonies in Africa. The situation stabilized after a period of tough political struggle and several sharp clashes. In April 1976 a new constitution was adopted. In July 1976 - August 1978, the government formed by the Portuguese Socialist Party (PSP, founded in 1973) was in power; - The government of the Social Democratic Party, which for the first time received an absolute majority in parliamentary elections.

• List of rulers of Portugal
• Dates of the History of Portugal

State structure

Portugal is a parliamentary-presidential republic. Legislature - Assembly ( Assembleia da Republica), consists of 230 deputies ( deputados) and is elected on party lists for 4 years. The head of state is the president Presidente da Republica Portuguesa), is elected by popular vote for a term of 5 years; advisory body under the President - State Council ( Conselho de Estado), the executive body - the Council of Ministers, consists of the Prime Minister ( primeiro ministro) and ministers, appointed by the President and responsible to the Assembly, representative bodies autonomous regions- legislatures Assembleia Legislativa), executive - regional governments ( government-regional), consisting of chairmen of regional governments ( presidente) and regional secretaries ( Secretario Regional), representative bodies of parishes - assemblies of parishes ( Assembleia de freguesia), executive bodies of parishes - parish councils ( Junta de Freguesia), consisting of chairmen of parish councils ( presidente) and vowels (vogais), the constitutional oversight body is the Constitutional Court ( Tribunal Constitutional), appointed by the Assembly, the highest court is the Supreme Court of Justice ( Supremo Tribunal de Justica), courts of appeal - judicial tribunals of the second instance ( Tribunal judicial de Segunda Instância), courts of first instance - judicial tribunals of first instance ( Tribunal judicial de Primeira Instância), the highest court of administrative justice ( Supremo Tribunal Administration), courts of first instance of administrative justice - administrative courts ( Tribunal administration), the supreme control body - the Accounts Court ( Tribunal de Contas), body of prosecutorial supervision - the General Prosecutor's Office ( Procuradoria-Geral da Republica Portuguesa), courts of financial justice - fiscal courts ( Tribunal fiscal), courts of military justice - military courts ( tribunais militares), an official authorized to control the activities of government agencies - the General Ombudsman ( Provedor de Justica).

Ministries of Portugal:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries
• Ministry of Public Institutions, Transport and Communications
• Ministry of Finance and Public Administration
• Ministry of Labor and Social Solidarity
• Ministry of Health
• Department of Homeland Security
• Ministry of Education
• Ministry of Internal Administration
• Ministry of Justice
• Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education
• Ministry of Culture
• Ministry of Defense environment, territorial order and regional development
• Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Development.

Political parties

Rights

• National Renewal Party (Portugal) - far-right nationalist
• People's Monarchist Party (Portugal) - royalist

centre-right

• Social Democratic Party of Portugal - liberal conservative
• People's Party (Portugal) - conservative
• New Democracy (Portugal) - conservative
• Earth Party (Portugal) - conservative environmentalist

centre-left

• Socialist Party - socialist
• Portuguese Workers' Party - Social Democratic
• Humanist Party (Portugal)
• Democratic Party of the Atlantic - Azorean former right-wing party that has shifted to the left

Left

• Democratic Unity Coalition:
  • Portuguese Communist Party
  • Green Party (port. Os Verdes) - environmentalist
• Left bloc (port. Bloco de Esquerda) - an association of communist parties, including the Trotskyist Revolutionary Socialist Party and the ex-Maoist People's Democratic Union
• Communist Party of Portuguese Workers - Maoist
• Workers' Party of Socialist Unity - Trotskyist
• LIVRE - eco-socialist
• Party for Animals and Nature - Animal Protection

Unions

• General Union of Workers ( União Geral de Trabalhadores) - the main trade union center, traditionally associated with the Socialist Party, has 400 thousand members.
• General Confederation of Portuguese Workers ( Confederação Geral dos Trabalhadores Portugueses), traditionally associated with the Communist Party, has 800,000 members.

Administrative division

Map of continental Portugal with the borders of the districts.

Capital

Located on the banks of the Tagus River. The area of ​​the capital is 84 km². Population - 556,797 people. Greater Lisbon (city with suburbs) - 2750 km² and a population of 2.1 million people.

The mayor of the city is António Luis Santos da Costa.

Other cities

Lisbon

Climate

The climate is subtropical, Mediterranean. Average January temperatures are 5-10 °C, July 20-27 °C. Precipitation on the plains is from 400 to 800 mm, in the mountains from 1000 to 2500 mm per year.

Relief

The coast of Praia da Marina in the Algarve region of southern Portugal

The relief of the provinces of Minho in the west and Alto-Traz-us-Montes and Alto-Douro in the east, located north of the river. Douro, rugged, mountainous. The province of Beira, extending from the river. Douro to the upper section of the river. Tagus, with the exception of the coastal plain, is also occupied by mountains. In its central part is highest point Portugal - Mount Estrela (1993 m). Fertile plains in the lower reaches of the river. Tagus (province of Ribatejo) and the coastal zone to the north and south of the capital of the country belong to the province of Extremadura. To the east and south of it stretches the province of Alentejo, with a soft hilly terrain, and the entire southern part of Portugal is occupied by the plains of the Algarve province, which are similar in natural conditions to the Mediterranean zone.

Rivers and lakes

On the territory of Portugal, the valleys of the Douro (Duero) and Tejo (Tajo) rivers are clearly distinguished. In the upper reaches, they are narrow and deeply incised; downstream, they expand and, near the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, pass into flat lowlands. These rivers are the natural boundaries of five of the six geographic regions of the country.

Flora and fauna

Laboreiro Falls in the Viana do Castelo district in the north of the country

Despite the human factor, the climatic features of the region are reflected natural environment: flora and fauna. Near the coast, the vegetation is dominated by pine. The coastal strip of the central and northern parts of the country is occupied by forests (mainly Portuguese oak, among shrubs - broom). In arid areas, climatic conditions favor the growth of cork and holm oaks.

In general - about a fifth of the Portuguese territory is covered with forest. Approximately 50% of the forest is coniferous trees (mostly pine). Cork oak is planted on the territory of 607 thousand hectares. Thanks to this, Portugal supplies about 50% of the cork bark worldwide. The area of ​​eucalyptus plantations is growing, which are characterized by rapid growth and this is the most important source of raw materials for the pulp and paper industry. It can be said that the economy of Portugal is largely dependent on forests.

The fauna of Portugal generally corresponds to other countries. On its territory you can meet both lynxes and wild forest cats, wolves, foxes, wild boars, bears and many species of rodents. Of the representatives of the North African fauna - genetto, chameleon, etc. Due to the fact that Portugal is located on one of the main migration routes of migratory birds, you can meet a huge variety of birds. The proximity of the ocean promotes fishing (about 200 species of fish live in the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean): sardines, anchovies, tuna.

ground cover

The soils of Portugal are mostly sandy, acidic, formed mainly on volcanic rocks. The exception is the fertile loamy soils of the alluvial plain in the lower reaches of the river. Tagus. Several seismically active zones are distinguished on the territory of Portugal, the largest of them are located in the Algarve, Minho and near Lisbon.

Economy

Grape plantations

Portugal is an industrial-agrarian country. The most important traditional industries are (cotton and woolen), clothing, winemaking (the production of port wine is especially famous), the production of olive oil, canned fish, processing of cork bark (leading place in the world), ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, mechanical engineering (shipbuilding and ship repair, car assembly, electrotechnical); the chemical, oil refining and petrochemical, cement industries are developing. Farming dominates agriculture. About half of the cultivated land is arable; viticulture, fruit growing, olive plantations. In livestock breeding, cattle breeding, sheep breeding, pig breeding, and fishing.

The main foreign trade partners are the countries of the European Community.

Foreign tourism - approx. 10 million people a year.

In connection with the change in the text of the constitution (1990), a law on privatization was adopted (enterprises nationalized after 1974 were privatized; the role of state regulation in the economy decreased; private investments of Portuguese citizens in domestic enterprises were allowed). The state undertook to promote the restructuring of unprofitable enterprises and the development of the Portuguese capital market. Enormous money was allocated for improvement: in 1993-2000, the share of the population using the drinking water supply system increased from 61 to 95%, and the sewerage network from 55 to 90%.

The economic policy is aimed at liberalization and modernization of the economy, further privatization of state-owned companies, restructuring of the banking and telecommunications sectors. The fiscal sphere after the tax reform ensured the inflow of state revenues and the reduction of the budget deficit for 1996-2003. from 5 to 2.4% of GDP. In the monetary sphere, measures were taken to promote budgetary and financial stability. Budget revenues amounted to 45 billion dollars, expenses - 48 billion dollars. In 1996-2003. annual inflation rates decreased from 7.8% to 3.1%. Social policy is aimed at reforming the system of social and labor relations and ensuring employment. In 2002, the unemployment rate was 4.7%, the human development index was 0.925.

Thanks to the growth of exports in the II quarter. In 2013, the growth of the Portuguese economy was the strongest among the EU countries: GDP increased by 1.1% compared to the first quarter; prior to this, the economy had been in recession for 10 consecutive quarters.

The minimum wage in Portugal in 2018 is 676.67 euros. The average salary in Portugal for 2018 is 1144.61 euros.

Population

Population density of Portugal by counties and autonomous regions

population

• 1911 - 5.97 million people
• 1920 - 6.03 million people
• 1930 - 6.82 million people
• 1940 - 7.72 million people
• 1950 - 8.51 million people
• 1960 - 8.85 million people
• 1970 - 8.65 million people
• 1981 - 9.83 million people
• 1991 - 9.86 million people
• 2001 - 10.35 million people
• 2011 - 10.56 million people

Age structure: from 0-14 years old: 16.4% (m.b. - 912.995 / f.b. - 835.715) from 15-64 years: 66.2% (m.b. - 3.514.905 / f.b. - 3,555,097) from age 65: 17.4% (m.b. - 764.443 / f.b. - 1.093.755).

The average age is 39.1 years (for men - 37 years; for women - 41.3 years). The annual increase is 0.305%. Birth rate - 10.45 (per thousand people). The fertility rate is 1.49. Mortality - 10.62 (per thousand people).

culture

Holidays and weekends

• New Year- 1st of January;
• Carnival Tuesday- February/March, the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent;
• Good Friday- March/April, Friday during Holy Week;
• Freedom Day- April 25, anniversary of the 1974 revolution;
• Labor Day- 1st of May;
• Corpus Christi- May/June, the ninth Thursday after Easter;
• Portugal Day- June 10th;
• Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin- August 15;
• Republic Day- October 5, the anniversary of the proclamation in 1910 of the Republic of Portugal;
• All Saints' Day- Nov. 1;
• Independence Day- December 1, the anniversary of the declaration of independence from Spain in 1640;
• Feast of the Immaculate Conception- December 8;
• Christmas- 25 December.

mass media

Seal

• Jornal de Notícias - Journal de Notícias
• Correio da Manhã - Curreio da Magna
• Diario de Notícias - Diario de Noticias
• Expresso - Espresso
• Publico - Public
• Jornal de Coimbra - Journal de Coimbra

Broadcasting

Television and radio broadcasting in Portugal is divided into public, commercial, in addition, in Portugal there is an element of state television and radio broadcasting in the form of the parliamentary television channel ARtv. Public Broadcaster - RTP ( Rádio e Televisão de Portugal- Radio and Television of Portugal), broadcasts on the 1st (RTP1) and 2nd TV channel (RTP2) and through 3 radio stations (Antena 1, Antena 2 and Antena 3). Commercial broadcasters are SIC and TVI. Control over compliance with media laws by the public broadcaster is carried out by the Independent General Council ( Conselho Geral Independente), for commercial broadcasters - the Social Communications Regulatory Authority ( Entidade Reguladora para a Comunicação Social) (previously the Supreme Directorate of Social Communications ( Alta Autoridade para a Comunicação Socia)).

Depending on the method of signal distribution, television in Portugal is divided into terrestrial, cable, satellite and IPTV, radio broadcasting is only terrestrial, public radio stations can broadcast via terrestrial, cable, satellite television and IPTV, in common multiplexes with public television channels, in addition, there are several Internet -radio stations, on-air broadcasting is carried out in the analog standard on VHF, in the version of VHF OIRT, Antena 1 also on CB and the digital DAB standard on MW.

Russian-language media

• Slovo newspaper - Slovo is a Russian-language newspaper for tourists and Russian-speaking people living in Europe
• Lighthouse of Portugal - "Lighthouse of Portugal" - a Russian-language newspaper for immigrants from of Eastern Europe

Literature

Of Portuguese origin is "Amadis of Gali" - one of the most famous chivalric novels of the late Middle Ages, which has come down to us in the later Spanish alterations of the 16th century.

Among the most famous and significant works of the Renaissance in Portuguese literature, one can note the epic poem "The Lusiads" (1572) by Luis de Camões. This is the first work describing geographical discoveries. Other prominent Portuguese poets of the time include Sa de Miranda. A great contribution to the development of the Portuguese theater of the XVI century was made by the playwright Gil Vicente.

The greatest representative of Portuguese literature of the 19th century was the realist writer José Maria Esa de Queiroz. Among the Portuguese authors of the 20th century are the symbolist Eugenio de Castro, the mystic and impressionist Raul Brandan, Venceslau de Morais, the religious symbolists António Correia d'Oliveira and Afonso Lopes Vieira.

After the fall of the monarchy in 1910, the differentiation of the bourgeois intelligentsia took place. The extreme right flank is occupied by Antonio Sardinha, Manuel Ribeiro, Teixeira de Pasquais, Jaime Cortezan, Alberto Monzarash. In opposition - the literary direction of the ultra-left and pacifist attitude. Its representatives are Aquilino Ribeiro, Pinu de Morais, Ezekiel de Campos. Peasant ideology is represented by Raul Brandau, Samuel Mapa, Ippolita Repoza, António Ferru.

The brightest phenomenon in Portuguese literature of the 20th century was the work of José Saramago. A member of the once outlawed Communist Party of Portugal, Saramago has consistently leaned towards the left. His phantasmagoric prose is filled with the idea of ​​universal equality and deep humanism. The author’s anti-clerical views have repeatedly provoked fierce accusations from the Catholic Church, which did not prevent him from becoming the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1998 after the publication of the novel The Gospel of Jesus.

Music

The basis of culture, including music, of the Portuguese is the Romanesque culture, which, during the formation and development of the Portuguese state, was influenced by many cultural components introduced both by the conquerors of the Portuguese lands and by the peoples of the vast possessions captured by the Portuguese. The music of Portugal has a common origin with the music of Spain and has developed over the centuries in interaction with it, while being distinguished by its bright originality.

The most common song genre is fado (solo lyrical song), which plays an important role in the national self-identification of the Portuguese, as it draws a clear line between the bright and lively Spanish rhythms, representing the exuberant and harsh Spanish character, and the soft and melancholy soul of the Portuguese people.

art

Amadeu de Sousa Cardoso, Hounds of the Hounds

Portugal has never been a leading European power in the field of fine arts. Even during the Renaissance, at the height of the country, Portuguese artists, the largest of whom was Nuno Gonçalves, remained on the periphery European development. In the 19th century, the most notable representatives of Portuguese painting and, in fact, the founders of the modern national artistic tradition were José Malloa, José Julio de Sousa Pinto and Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro. The most famous Portuguese artist is considered to be Amadeu di Soza Cardoso, who died at the age of 30, who received an art education in France and worked in avant-garde painting styles.

Language

Portugal is a country with a single government official language- Portuguese. It is spoken by more than 200 million people worldwide on three continents: Eurasia, Africa and South America. Portuguese is similar to Spanish, as both belong to the Ibero-Romance subgroup of the Romance language group, but with a similar grammatical structure, there are significant differences in pronunciation between them. The formation of the language was greatly influenced by the Germanic tribes and the Arabs (), from whom the Portuguese language borrowed many words, as well as the contacts of travelers, discoverers and merchants with Asian peoples.

In addition, the status of the official language of Portugal since 1999 has Mirandese, which is spoken by the population of a small area in northeastern Portugal (the municipalities of Miranda do Douro, Vimioso, Mogadoro).

The Galician language, which does not have official status, is quite widespread throughout Portugal and especially its northern part.

Religion

View of the monastery of San Vicente de Fora from the castle of Saint George.

About 90% of the population of the country professes Catholicism. Catholicism in Portugal has always been associated with local traditions, the population honored the memory of many popular local saints, whose memorable days are celebrated solemnly, like church holidays. The village, where in 1917 the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to three children, became popular place pilgrimages.

The first Protestant community in Portugal arose in the 17th century among British subjects. The preaching of Protestantism among the Portuguese began only in the 19th century. As of 2010, 373,000 Protestants lived in Portugal. The largest Protestant denomination in the country are Pentecostals and Charismatics (Neo-Pentecostals) (289,000).

Over the past 25 years, due to mass labor migration from Eastern European countries, the number of Orthodox Christians has noticeably increased in Portugal (60-80 thousand). Another 135 thousand Portuguese are followers of various pseudo-Christian religious organizations; primarily Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons.

Among the foreigners and migrant workers living in the country there are Buddhists (60 thousand), Muslims (26-65 thousand), Hindus (6.5 thousand), supporters of the Chinese folk religion (22 thousand). During the 2011 general census, 615 thousand inhabitants of Portugal (6.8% of the population) identified themselves as non-religious).

Armed forces

Army, Navigation (Portuguese Navy, including Maritime Command), Air Force (Portuguese Air Force - FAP), National Republican Guard (GNR). 2004. Women are allowed to serve in the military forces of Portugal, in navy since 1993, but it is forbidden to be in any combat specialties (order 2005).

• Citizens for the armed forces: men (16-49 years old) - 2,573,913; women (16-49) - 2 498 262.
• Citizens fit for service in the armed forces of Portugal: men (16-49) - 2,099,647; women (16-49) - 2,060,559.

Every year, the number of citizens of the Portuguese Armed Forces increases by 64,910 men (aged 16 to 49) and 58,599 women (aged 16 to 49).

Military spending is 2.3% of annual GDP.

see also

• Transport in Portugal
• Foreign relations of Portugal
• PSI-20 (stock index with Portuguese companies)
• Colonies of Portugal

Notes

1. World Atlas: Maximum detailed information/ Project leaders: A. N. Bushnev, A. P. Pritvorov. - Moscow: AST, 2017. - S. 14. - 96 p. - ISBN 978-5-17-10261-4.
2. census.gov. country rank. Countries and Areas Ranked by Population: 2013. U.S. Department of Commerce (2013). Retrieved May 9, 2013. Archived from the original on May 9, 2013.
3. Portugal. International Monetary Fund. Retrieved October 1, 2009. Archived from the original on August 21, 2011.
4. Before 2002 - Portuguese escudo.
5. Also .eu, as a member of the EU.
6. Cupulas Ibero-Americanos: http://www.cumbresiberoamericanas.com/
7. Portal do Governo: http://www.portugal.gov.pt/Portal/PT/Governos/Governos_Constitucionais/GC17/Ministerios/
8. - Camara Municipal da Lisboa - Lisbon City Hall website
9. Ministerio do Ambiente, do Ordenamento do Territorio e do Desenvolvimento Regional
10. Portugal and integration processes in modern world: political aspects. E. B. Pavlova, St. Petersburg: 2001
11. http://www.ieras.ru/pub/monografii/coseuropa.pdf
12. Countries and regions of the world: an economic and political reference book. A. S. Bulatova. - M.: 2006
13. The war in Syria brings down the Asian markets - General news - Finmarket
14. - The World Fact Book - CIA website data on regions and countries of the world
15. Feriados da Alemanha 2010
16. Periodicos de Portugal: http://www.mediatico.com/es/periodicos/europa/portugal/
17. Lusiads. World Digital Library(1800-1882). Retrieved 2 September 2013.
18. Portuguese literature
19. Jason Mandryk. Portugal // Operation World: The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation. - InterVarsity Press, 2010. - P. 692-694. - $978 - (Operation World Set). - ISBN 0-8308-5724-9.
20. Global Christianity (English) . The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life (December 19, 2011). Retrieved May 13, 2013. Archived from the original on May 23, 2013.
21. Tiago Santos, Pedro Soares, and Miguel Farias. Portugal // Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices / J. Gordon Melton, Martin Baumann. - Oxford, England: ABC CLIO, 2010. - S. 2278. - 3200 p. - ISBN 1-57607-223-1.
22. The Future of the Global Muslim Population (English) . Pew Research Center (January 2011). Retrieved March 7, 2014.
23. Instituto Nacional de Estatistica Statistics Portugal. POPULACAO RESIDENTE COM 15 OU MAIS ANOS, SEGUNDO A RESPOSTA A PERGUNTA SOBRE RELIGIAO// Censos 2011 Resultados Definitivos - Portugal / Alda de Caetano Carvalho. - Lisbon: Instituto Nacional de Estatistica, I.P., 2013. - P. 530. - 560 p. - ISBN 978-989-25-0181-9.
24. Exercito POrtugues - Website of the Portuguese Armed Forces

Literature

• Kaplanov Rashid M. Portugal after World War II (1945-1974). Moscow: Nauka, 1992.

Links

• Presidência da República Portuguesa - Official website of the President of Portugal
• Camara Municipal da Lisboa - Lisbon City Hall website
• FM radio from Portugal - Radio stations broadcasting from Portugal
• Tourism in Portugal - Country Guide

The Portuguese capital is located to the west of all other European capitals. Can't be found in Lisbon a large number of historical monuments and architectural masterpieces.

The fact is that at the end of the eighteenth century the city was completely destroyed by an earthquake, and it had to be rebuilt from the very beginning. But walking around the city, you can find many reminders that this was once one of the world's greatest maritime empires. The history is rich, like that of. Here, most of the houses of ordinary residents of the city can delight no less than any historical architectural monument.

What hotels can you stay in

Lisbon is filled with various hotels and inns. Here you can stay in a fairly cheap two-star hotel or in an expensive five-star hotel. Many hotels in Lisbon are built in the style of traditional national architecture.

Hotel "Duas Nachos" offers its customers rooms in a hotel, which is located right in the center of the old city of the capital. Here you can enjoy Portuguese radio and watch satellite channels on TV. Also, the two-star Americano Hotel offers tourists rooms with a balcony, wooden floors and satellite TV.

Three-star hotels have better accommodation conditions, as well as better services. The Phoenix Garden Hotel is decorated in a rather interesting style. The hotel rooms offer free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a private bathroom, and cable TV.
The four-star Memo Alfama hotel is made in a very interesting building style. The hotel itself is housed in a nineteenth-century building with modern touches. Here you will be offered comfortable rooms with all amenities and a large flat-screen TV.

The Epic Sana Lisboa is a five star hotel. Here, the cost of services will include access to the fitness room, swimming pool, which is located on the roof, as well as a daily breakfast in the form of buffet for each client of the hotel.

Restaurants worth visiting

The capital of Portugal has a large number of different restaurants and cafes. Here you can find restaurants that cook Portuguese cuisine, you can find establishments specializing in cooking vegetarian cuisine and many, many others.

The restaurant "Ba Wine Bar do Bairo Alto" offers a wide range of wines. You can also order meals here. Portuguese cuisine, and live music will leave an indelible impression for a long time. If you just want to have a bite of Portuguese food, then the Belcanto restaurant can be an ideal option.

In "Madragoa Cafe" you can order any dish to your taste from those offered. Here you can order vegetarian dishes, dishes of European and Portuguese cuisine.

For lovers of desserts and pastries, you can offer the cafe "Casa Pastes de Belem". In this establishment you will be offered amazing buns and cakes made according to the unique recipes of Portuguese chefs.

If you want to try seafood dishes, you can dine at the Carviyaria Romiro restaurant. It offers a wide range of dishes, accompanied by a glass of Portuguese wine. And fast food lovers can taste something similar, only in Portuguese style, in the Laferal Bistro cafe.

How to get to Lisbon

In Lisbon, in its north, is located international Airport Portela. The airport accepts international flights as well as local flights.

You can get to Lisbon from Moscow at certain times of the year, when there are direct flights between these cities. Otherwise, you will need to look for flights with several transfers. This is due to the fact that between cities there are four thousand kilometers or five and a half hours of flight. This can become a serious problem for an aircraft in the winter season, so all direct flights are carried out in the spring and summer.

From St. Petersburg there is no way to get to Lisbon by direct flight. But at the same time, a plus for the northern capital is the railway connection with Finland. From its capital, the city of Helsinki, direct flights fly all year round to the capital of Portugal.

If you still decide to go with transfers, then it is not necessary to transfer to another plane to Lisbon. You can fly to Madrid and from there go to the capital of Portugal by train or bus. By bus, by the way, you can get to Lisbon even from France. You can also not wait for the bus or train to leave, but rent a car and drive to Lisbon yourself if you know the way.

Shopping in the shops of Lisbon

Lisbon cannot be called a fashion center or a shopping capital. But this conclusion follows, based on the fact that a person has visited other major cities Europe like Milan. If you are in Lisbon for the first time, then you will like local shopping. There is not the slightest doubt about this.

Here, as in any other self-respecting city in Europe, you can find a large number of boutiques with clothes and shoes from the world's leading brands. They say that a man has a much higher chance of choosing what he likes than women, but it depends where you look.

Shoes from local manufacturers are very popular. It has long been known that Portuguese shoes are not only not inferior in beauty to famous shoe brands, but can also surpass them in strength and durability. Prices for comparable goods here are even lower than in Moscow. Therefore, if you are a Muscovite, then you have the opportunity not only to relax in the capital of Portugal, but also to save money.

Items for sale can be found both in indoor stores and on outdoor tables. Cheaper are those things that are sold in large malls. If you decide to be stingy in a boutique, then the price in it may be somewhat higher than in the shopping center.

Popular excursions for tourists

Despite the fact that there are few grandiose historical sights in Lisbon, it is impossible to say that they do not exist at all. If you are in the capital of Portugal, then you should start your tour from the historical center of the city - the Castle of St. George. The fortress was built many hundreds of centuries ago, and the purpose of the castle changed depending on the era in which it existed. He managed to visit the residence of the Mauritanian emir until the middle of the twelfth century. Thereafter, the castle served as the home of the kings of Portugal until the sixteenth century.

Then you can go to the old city of the capital. The Alfama district is the oldest in all of Lisbon. The intertwining streets that were characteristic of the medieval period are still preserved here. In the same area, you can find a large number of residential buildings, which are painted in a beautiful artistic style.

It has already been said about the terrible earthquake of the eighteenth century, which caused the destruction of many of the beautiful architectural structures of Lisbon. But some of them survived. This is the Carmo Monastery, and the Se de Lesboa Cathedral, which was built on the site of a mosque destroyed by an earthquake.

Lisbon establishments: clubs, museums, lookouts

In Lisbon, you can find several museums that are quite interesting for tourists. Here you can find a museum dedicated to the works of the famous Gulbenkian, which contains a large number of paintings and sculptures made by the hands of this wanderer. The expositions are temporary, so it is not always possible to get to see his works.

Lisbon has the largest oceanarium in all of Europe. Here you can find a large number various kinds sharks, a huge number of small fish that are used to swimming in flocks, unique rays and swordfish. Also, for lovers of performances, various competitions with dolphins are held here.

The Maritime Museum will appeal to those who are interested in the history of the development of maritime shipbuilding. Here are collected the prototypes of those ships on which the famous discoverers sailed. All history from elementary ships to increasingly complex and modern ships can be seen in this museum.

The military museum in the Alfama district has collected inside itself exhibits of military paraphernalia, which was at least somehow connected with the capital of Portugal. Walking along the streets of the city, you can find many more different museums that can appeal to any tourist.

Climate of Lisbon

Lisbon has a very mild climate. Average annual temperature is fifteen degrees Celsius, while precipitation falls in a year no more than seven hundred and fifty millimeters. In summer, the air temperature is about thirty degrees above zero. There are days when it can rise to forty degrees, but, as a rule, these days do not last long.

In winter, the average monthly temperature is plus ten degrees Celsius. Even the absolute minimum in Lisbon did not reach a minus mark. The ideal time to travel to the capital of Portugal is summer, when it is warm and there is practically no rainfall.

Port of Lisbon

The port of the capital of Portugal throughout its seven-century history has played a huge role for Portugal and all of Europe as a whole. This port played great importance when maritime trade was just beginning to develop. The ships of the great discoverers sailed from here, such as Vasco da Gama, who found a shorter route to India, Christopher Columbus, who discovered America, and many others. After the discovery of America, the port began to flourish due to constant cruises in the forward and reverse direction. Today, the port plays more of a tourist role, sending tourists to the city on various cruises.

Prices in Lisbon

As mentioned above, shopping prices in the capital of Portugal are noticeably lower than in Moscow. As for hotels and restaurants, they are comparable in Lisbon to the same establishments in any other city in Europe.

The cost of hotels can start from thirty dollars and end with four hundred US dollars per night. Two-star hotels "Americano" and "Duos Nachos" are ready to host if you pay forty-three and sixty-five dollars, respectively. Three star hotels are more expensive.

In particular, a room at the Phoenix Garden Hotel will cost seventy-five dollars per night. A night at the four-star Memmo Alfama Hotel will cost one hundred and thirty US dollars. The room of the five-star hotel "Epic SANA Lisboa" will cost one hundred and seventy US dollars. The most expensive hotel is Pestana Palace. Here the cost of one night is from two hundred and eighty dollars.

As for restaurants, the prices here do not bite. For a full meal in a Portuguese restaurant, you will have to pay about thirty dollars. In the case of an additional order of Portuguese wine, the lunch can be fifty US dollars. In Portuguese fast foods, you can eat for no more than ten dollars.

What interesting places to see in Lisbon

It has already been said above about many places that are worth visiting upon arrival in the capital of Portugal. But there are a couple more places in Lisbon that could be of interest to true tourists and travelers.

The first of these places is the Statue of Christ. The thirty-meter statue has been towering over the city since 1959, after the funds of the townspeople were collected for the construction of the statue. This happened due to the fact that Portugal did not participate in the Second World War. Many townspeople considered this fact as God's grace, and in order to thank the Almighty, they began to donate their money for the construction of the statue.

Also, walking through the streets of the city, you can find several palaces, the construction of which dates from the fifteenth to the eighteenth century. One of these palaces is the Ajuda Palace built in the classical style. In the very center of the capital, you can find the Sao Bento Palace, which was built in the seventeenth century.

You can also take a walk around the outskirts of Lisbon. Here you can find several more castles of the Middle Ages. The most striking exhibit among such buildings is Almourol Castle, which was built already in the twelfth century.

Age of the Greats geographical discoveries, when the Portuguese discovered India and America, ended in the middle of the XVII century. Perhaps now, in the 21st century, the time has come for tourists to discover Portugal itself. Indeed, in Portugal there is not only football, but also ancient monuments of architecture, medieval fortresses and palaces, excellent wines, beautiful nature and beach resorts, many of which are popular with European aristocratic families.

Portugal is located on the famous Iberian Peninsula, in the south-west of Europe. In the north and east, Portugal borders on Spain, and in the west and south it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal includes the Azores and the Madeira archipelago. The total area of ​​this country is 301,338 sq. km.

The northern part of Portugal is occupied by mountains, and the southern part by plains and lowlands. The most high peak- Mount Estrela, whose height reaches 1,993 meters.

Several rivers flow through the territory of Portugal, the largest of them are Tajo and Duero.

The capital of Portugal is Lisbon, which is now home to more than 550 thousand people. Archaeologists claim that a human settlement on the site of modern Lisbon existed as early as 1200 BC.

The official language in Portugal is Portuguese, which belongs to the Romance group of the Indo-European language family. The second official language in Portugal is Mirandese, which also belongs to the Romance group of languages. This language is spoken in the northeast of the country.

More than 91% of the population of Portugal are Catholics belonging to the Roman Catholic Church. Another 3.2% of Portuguese consider themselves Protestants or Orthodox Christians.

According to the Constitution of 1976, Portugal is a parliamentary constitutional republic. The President is elected for 5 years.

The country's parliament is the Assembleia da República, consisting of 230 deputies elected for a 4-year term.

The main political parties in Portugal are the Socialist Party, the Social Democratic Party, and the coalition of the Portuguese Communist Party and the Greens.

The climate in mainland Portugal differs considerably in different regions, and depends on the relief and proximity to the sea. Winters are cold, especially in the hinterland of Portugal, while summers are hot and dry. In the coastal regions of the country, the air temperature is slightly lower, due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean.

The climate of the Azores is strongly influenced by the current of the Gulf Stream, and is characterized by hot summers and warm winters. In Madeira, the climate is subtropical, the average temperature in summer is + 24C, and in winter - + 19C.

Portugal is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal includes the Azores and the Madeira archipelago (they are located in the Atlantic Ocean). The coast of continental Portugal is 943 km.

The average temperature of the Atlantic Ocean in the south of Portugal in the Algarve:

January - +14C
- February - +14C
- March - +16C
- April - +16C
- May - +17C
- June - +19C
- July - +20C
- August - +21С
- September - +21C
- October - +19С
- November - +17C
- December - +15C

Most of the rivers in Portugal originate in the Mesete mountains. The largest of them are Tajo, Duero, Minho and Guadiana. Another large Portuguese river originates in the Serra da Estrela mountains.

There are no large natural lakes in continental Portugal (there are only artificial reservoirs). However, there are several large lagoons here.

The history of Portugal dates back to the Celtic tribes who settled The Iberian Peninsula around 700 B.C. Later, the territory of modern Portugal was conquered by the Romans, and then the Moors (Arabs). Portugal (together with Spain) remained under Moorish rule for over 400 years.

Only in 1143 did Portugal become an independent state led by King Alfonso Enrique. In the 15th century, the expansion of Portugal abroad began, and the Portuguese built a huge colonial empire which includes Africa, South America, India and Far East. However, Spain conquered Portugal in the 16th century.

During the era of the Napoleonic Wars, Portugal was captured by the French armies of Napoleon Bonaparte, but the rule of the French was short-lived. England intervened in the war and, in the end, the Napoleonic soldiers left Portugal.

Throughout the 19th century, the decline of Portugal continues, and, in the end, at the beginning of the 20th century, a revolution took place in this country. The monarchy was dissolved in 1910, King Manuel II went into exile, and Portugal was proclaimed a democratic republic.

In 1928, a military coup took place in Portugal, and António de Oliveira Salazar came to power for many years. His reign lasted until 1968.

During World War II, Portugal declared its neutrality. After a military coup in 1974, Portugal recognized the independence of its African colonies.

In 1949, Portugal joined the NATO military bloc, and in 1986 it was admitted to the European Union. In 1999, Portugal handed over its Chinese colony of Macau to communist China.

Portuguese culture takes its traditions from the era of the Celts, who had a great influence on local folklore. In turn, Portuguese culture during the Great Geographical Discoveries had a great influence on the culture of some countries in Africa and South America.

Traditional Portuguese fado music has been influenced by Arabic, Greek, and Spanish musical traditions.

Portugal is a country of fairs, festivals and festivities. The most grandiose holiday is St. Anthony's Day, celebrated on June 13 every year in Lisbon. Saint Anthony was a Franciscan friar. He is considered the patron saint of sailors and poor people. On the night of June 12-13, Lisbon turns into one big fair.

June 23-24 in Porto celebrates the Day of St. John, who is the patron saint of this city. On the night of June 23-24, literally all the inhabitants of Porto take to the streets, and the city turns into one big carnival. The celebration of Saint John's Day has pagan roots, when the Celts celebrated the summer solstice.

If you are in Portugal in August, be sure to visit the village of Santa Maria da Feira. This village hosts a jousting tournament every year, during which knights in heavy armor and with swords fight each other.

In the 15th century, the Portuguese prince Henry the Navigator ordered all Portuguese sailors, merchants and travelers to bring without fail to Portugal exotic fruits, vegetables and plants that they will meet on their way. Therefore, as a result of the Great geographical discoveries, Portuguese cuisine was enriched with new products, as well as spices.

It was the Portuguese navigators who brought potatoes, tomatoes and tea to Europe. However, the Romans and the Moors also had a great influence on Portuguese cuisine.

Fresh fish and shellfish are on the menu of every regional Portuguese cuisine. The traditional national Portuguese dish is "bacalhau" (dried cod). The Portuguese claim that there are 365 ways to cook dried cod.

Other traditional Portuguese dishes include "caldeirada" (stewed fish or squid stew), "cozido à Portuguesa" (stewed vegetables with meat), "tripeiros" (pork sausages), "tripeiros" (meat dish), soup " caldo verde" (with potatoes, cabbage and sausage), and "pastel de nata" biscuits.

Portugal is famous for its wines. Tourists in this country are advised to try the local "Port" and "Madeira".

The Portuguese have always carefully preserved their historical monuments, so it is not surprising that there are so many attractions in this country. The top ten Portuguese attractions in our opinion include the following:

Torre de Belem castle

Pena Palace in Sintra

Village of Monsaraz

Monastery of Alcobaça

Templar Castle Convento de Cristo

The ancient Roman settlement of Conimbrig

Saint George Castle in Lisbon

Statue of Jesus Christ in Lisbon

Church of San Francisco in Porto

Bolsa Palace in Porto

The largest Portuguese cities are Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Amadora, Funchal and Setubal.

Continental Portugal has great places for summer holidays - Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura, Albufeira, Alvor, as well as the so-called. Lisbon Riviera (Cascais, Carcavelos and Estoril).

Banks work:
Mon-Fri: 08:30-15.00

Store opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 09:00-19:00 with lunch break
On Saturday, most shops are open until 14:00