10 fun and interesting Portugal facts

1. Lisbon: A City of Culture, History, and Life

Portugal's vibrant capital city, Lisbon, is a bustling metropolis full of culture, history, and life. Located on the Tagus River, Lisbon is the largest city in Portugal and is home to a variety of attractions, including the Jeronimos Monastery, the Belem Tower, and the Castle of Sao Jorge. With its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is a must-see destination for any traveler.

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2. A History of a Vibrant and Diverse Country

Portugal was founded in 1152, making it one of the oldest countries in Europe. It was established as a kingdom by Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, after he successfully drove out the Moors who had occupied the Iberian Peninsula. Since then, Portugal has gone through a number of changes, including a period of Spanish rule in the 16th century and a revolution in the 19th century. Today, Portugal is a vibrant and diverse country, with a rich culture and history.

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3. Portugal's Major Step Towards Ending the Slave Trade

In 1850, Portugal took a major step towards ending the slave trade by outlawing it. This was a significant move in the fight against slavery, as Portugal had been one of the largest participants in the transatlantic slave trade. The Portuguese had been involved in the slave trade since the 15th century, and the 1850 law was a major step towards ending the practice. The law was met with mixed reactions, with some praising the move and others criticizing it. Despite the criticism, the law was a major step towards ending the slave trade in Portugal and the wider world.

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4. A Country of Catholicism

Portugal is a predominantly Roman Catholic country, with an estimated 94% of the population identifying as Catholic. This is largely due to the country's long history of Catholicism, which dates back to the early 16th century when Portugal was the first nation to recognize the authority of the Pope. The Catholic Church has had a strong influence on Portuguese culture and society, and continues to be an important part of the country's identity today.

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5. Portugal's Delicious Cuisine

Portugal is renowned for its unique and delicious cuisine, with its most famous dishes being Port Wine, Azulejos and Salted Cod. Port Wine is a fortified wine produced in the Douro Valley, and is one of the oldest wines in the world. Azulejos are traditional Portuguese tiles, often used to decorate the walls of churches and other buildings. Salted Cod is a popular dish in Portugal, made from cod that has been salted and dried, and is usually served with potatoes, onions and olives.

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6. Dial Romantic Vacation Awaits!

If you're looking to make a call to Portugal, you'll need to dial (00) 351. This is the international dialling code for the country, located in the southwestern part of Europe. Portugal is bordered by Spain to the north and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west. It's a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine.

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7. The Benefits of Joining the European Union for Portugal

For almost two decades, Portugal has been a proud member of the European Union. Since joining in 1986, the country has benefited from the EU's economic and political stability, as well as its commitment to free trade and the free movement of people, goods, and services. Portugal has also been able to take advantage of the EU's common agricultural policy, which has helped to improve the country's agricultural sector. Additionally, Portugal has been able to benefit from the EU's investment in infrastructure, which has helped to modernize the country's transportation and communication networks.

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8. Portugal's Literary Heritage: Two Poets Who Shaped the Nation

Portugal is renowned for its rich literary heritage, with two of its most celebrated poets being Luis de Camoes and Fernando Pessoa. Camoes is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of the Portuguese language, having written the epic poem Os Lusíadas, which is considered to be the national epic of Portugal. Pessoa, on the other hand, is known for his modernist and avant-garde poetry, which has been highly influential in the development of 20th century literature. Both poets have had a lasting impact on Portuguese culture and literature, and their works are still widely read and studied today.

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9. Santos Populares: A Celebration of Portugal's Three Beloved Saints

In Portugal, the month of June is a time of celebration and festivity, as it is dedicated to three beloved saints known as Santos Populares. These saints are Saint Anthony, Saint John, and Saint Peter, and each of them is celebrated with a unique festival. During these festivities, people gather in the streets to enjoy traditional Portuguese music, food, and dancing. The festivities are a great way to experience the culture and history of Portugal, and to honor the three saints who are so important to the country.

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10. Portugal's Regional Dishes: A Taste of the Country's Unique Cuisine

Portugal is a country renowned for its delicious cuisine, with each region boasting its own unique dishes. From the hearty stews of the north to the succulent seafood of the south, the country's traditional dishes are made from a variety of meats and seafood. Whether it's the spicy chorizo of the Alentejo or the grilled sardines of the Algarve, Portugal's regional dishes are sure to tantalize the taste buds.