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Lisbon
and Portugal - History and Culture by Robert Carlton
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Portugal has always been
known as the land to the left of Spain on the Iberian Peninsula, caught
among its traditional way of life - fishing and agriculture. But thanks
to the technology and the integration, Portugal´s 91.985 km2, of
which 88.944 km2 correspond to the mainland territory and the rest to the
beautiful islands of the Azores and Madeira. The country is divided into
11 regions, with 18 districts headed by a Governor and these districts
each have their own Town hall and Mayor.
 
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Since Early Times
At the beginning, Portugal
was not differentiated from the northern part of Spain called Galicia because
it was a homogeneous cultural unit. The first boundary stone was initiated
in the Neolithic period when the Castrena Culture began with fortified
huts in a circular pattern topped with cone shaped straw roofs. While in
the fertile southern plains the Tartarians, Greeks and Phoenicians started
rich colonies, in the rough and granate like north of Portugal, the Lusitanians
presented their resistance.
The Roman conquest put an
end to this domain and for the first time in history, the Portuguese territory
was separated from the Galician. Braga was named the first capital of the
Swabian kings who reigned in Portugal from 408 to 585. Later the Visigods,
who had been established in Spain expanded their land into Portugal. But
as all the Iberian Peninsula, the Arabs extended their powerful arm and
in 711 also reach the south. But for unknown reasons, the Arabs left Portugal,
only leaving behind their culture and architecture. |
But Henry of Borgona, who
was Earl of Portugal and the father-in-law of King Alfonso VI of Castilla
had his own plans for Portugal and it was his son, Alfonso Henry, after
a decisive battle in Guimaraes was proclaimed King of Portugal in 1128.
From here, his successors extended the territory up until in the XIII the
Portuguese territory was completed.
In 1415, King Joao I wanted
to conquer more lands and started a campaign into the African territories.
This impulse also sent Portuguese naval ships to occupy Madeira in 1418
and the Azores in 1427. But they did not stop there, as we all know they
reached the Brazilian coast too.
Leaving Portugal without
any heirs, Philip II of Spain, who was born from the daughter of the king
of Portugal, was proclaimed King in 1580. But in 1640 with the Treaty of
Lisbon, Spain gave it its independence.
Coming up to more modern
times, Portugal joined the Atlantic Treaty in 1949 and the United Nations
in 1955. After having gone through many types of political parties, Portugal
nowadays is a stable country open to the world.
A Quick over view of Portugal
Portugal has a seducing enchantment
and anyone who surrenders to it will never regret it. The best way to see
Portugal is to do it by car and very slowly. By car because it is the most
comfortable way to stop and see all the spellbinding scenery that this
amazing place has to offer. It is known as the country with 101 castle
and we would like to see quite a few. Slowly, because the road ways, not
main highways, are very sinuous.
Lisbon capital and heart
of Portugal
| I would recommend starting
out from Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and its surrounding towns. Lisbon
is a city which makes you feel that time has never gone by, not only because
of its architecture but thanks to the people themselves and for not being
in a hurry. You can begin at the center in the Plaza do Comercio, set right
on the River Tajo and either head down towards the water and along the
port promenade or into the hub of the city to visit the numerous churches,
monuments and living history unfolding before your eyes.
Once you have visited the
city, I would head for the surrounding towns only a few hours to the south
in the region called El Algarve. There are incredible fishing towns and
beautiful sandy beaches. Once you have relax for a day or two, it would
interesting to venture into the countryside and take direction setting
north to the Alentejo region. |
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The main city in this region
is called Evora.
The oldest monument in the
town dates back to the II or III c. and it is the temple of Diana - A real
architectural beauty. There is a Pousada, reconverted castles and palaces
made into historical lodgings which are all over the Portuguese geography.
Still heading north but towards the Atlantic we come across One of the
most symbolic Catholic cities in the world, Fatima.
Whether you are a believer
or not, everyone has a favor or burning desire to help someone with problems
and the profound religious ambience found here is very special. An from
the religious to the intellect when we feast our sight on the very old
university city of Coimbra. Just visiting the university grounds is a trip
in itself. Still going up the coast, we come to the River Duero and the
city of Porto or sometimes called Oporto. This area together with the Mino
River valley make up the fertile vineyards for the famous Oporto wine.
Other than enjoying the green vegetation which are the green grapes that
make up this delicious wine, we can sip a few samples of the different
varieties and see the process at some wine cellars.
Portuguese Cuisine
Lick your lips and dig in.
Let´s see, I will try some Alentejana soup which are morsel of bread
with coriander herbs, garlic and poached egg. Or maybe Cacao soup made
from fresh fish. If it is chilly, I would like to try a typical meat dish
called Pork a la Alentejana which is pork seasoned with wine, coriandro
herb, onions and crushed almonds. Rabbit, hare or partridge with white
beans can also warm your heart and stomach. Spread some creamy sheep cheese
on some toasted bread or some hard, cured cheese from Evora with a touch
of olive oil. Cod fish done in a hundred different ways, especially with
tomatoes, onions, garlic and boiled potatoes which are all national products.
To accompany all this scrumptious food we need the right wine. And flaky
almond pasties to finish it all off.
Let yourself be overwhelmed
by Portugal´s picturesque details, shades of green, enticing bodies
of water, tiled murals, white washed houses and the warm feeling that the
Portuguese offer to all passesrby. The result is a total success, living
up to your every dream.
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