HomeHistory and Culture

History and Culture

The History of the Knights Templar in Portugal

Who Were the Knights Templar? The Knights Templar, officially known as the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, was a Catholic...

Portugal’s Legendary Creatures

Did you know that Portugal has its own unique legendary creatures? Picture a night under the vast Portuguese sky as the veil between the...

Haunted Portugal

Portugal, a land blessed with abundant light, also has a dark side. Ghost stories, unsolved mysteries, and sinister apparitions mark some of the country's...

The 10 Best Portuguese Painters

Portuguese art has a rich and varied history, with many painters who have made significant contributions to both national and international art movements. From...

9 Incredible Facts about Fernando Pessoa

We, bibliophiles, are well-acquainted with Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, and other iconic Modernist figures. Although a prominent Modernist writer himself, Fernando Pessoa is still...

5 Best Street Artists in Portugal

Beyond its castles, beaches, and sunshine, Portugal has more recently emerged as a creative hub for street art, with Lisbon and Porto transformed by...

The History of Calçada Portuguesa

Calçada Portuguesa, or Portuguese pavement, traces its origins back to the Roman Empire. Romans used stone mosaics to pave their roads, a technique that...

Celebrating August 15th in Portugal

The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is celebrated in Portugal on August 15th as a national holiday. According to Catholic tradition, the Virgin Mary...

Portuguese Citizens and Residents Can Now Visit Museums for Free for 52 Days a Year

Being a citizen or resident of Portugal now comes with free access to 37 museums, monuments, and palaces across the country for 52 days...

Celtic Portugal

Portugal - land of fine wines, golden beaches, and a rich history that stretches to the ends of time. However, there is a deeper...

9 Incredible Facts about Calouste Gulbenkian: Portugal’s Oil Baron and Philanthropist

Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian was one of the wealthiest men of the early 20th century and moved to Portugal during the middle of World War...

The 11 Richest People in Portugal

Ever wonder who the wealthiest individuals in Portugal are? We did a deep dive and discovered that they come from diverse industries ranging from...

10 Famous Movies and TV Series Filmed in Portugal

Portugal, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and charming architecture, has been a favorite location for many renowned films and television series. From mystical...

7 Best Podcasts to Learn Portuguese

Learning Portuguese can sometimes feel like an impossible task, especially for those of us who didn't grow up speaking Latin-based languages. But fear not!...

Monsanto: The Fascinating History of Lisbon’s Largest and Strangest Park

Look at any current map of Lisbon and you can’t help but notice a massive expanse of green on its western side. Zooming in...

8 Interesting Facts about Lisbon before the 1755 Earthquake

In the years leading up to the devastating earthquake of November 1, 1755, Lisbon, the illustrious capital of Portugal, was a bustling hub of...

Roman Portugal

The Roman conquest of the Iberian Peninsula seems like an epic, a story etched in blood and sweat, stretching back to the 3rd century...

The History of the Popular Saints Festivals in Portugal

Every year, during almost the entire month of June, Portugal gets filled with colors, light, and life.It is a special time when we celebrate...

Moorish Portugal

In the dark splendor of the stone walls and in the narrow alleys of Lusitanian cities, there is a story whispered by the wind,...

25 Things NOT to Do in Portugal

Portugal is an endlessly fascinating country with a deep history and an interesting mix of tradition and modern comforts, but to fully enjoy your...

13 Abandoned Places in Portugal That Will Shock You

Did you know that Portugal is home to many fascinating abandoned places? From dilapidated palaces to convents and even a deserted water park, these...

Pimba: The Cheeky and Playful Soundtrack to Portugal’s Santos Populares Festivals

You’ve heard of fado, Portugal’s expressive and melancholic music, but what about pimba? As playful as it is risqué, pimba is the energetic counterpoint...

5 Interesting São João Festival Traditions in Portugal

Portugal’s summer festivals are a time of vibrant celebration, bringing communities together to honor saints and local traditions. Among these festivities, São João, or...

Prehistoric Animals that Lived in Portugal – Dinosaurs, Pterosaurs, and More!

Have you ever wondered what creatures roamed the territory we now call Portugal millions of years ago? ‘Cause we certainly have! And today, we’ll...

Portugal from A to Z

How well do you know Portugal? Have you ever thought about it from A-Z in Portuguese? If we said "A," what Portuguese word comes...

The Battles That Shaped Portugal

In the annals of Portugal's storied past, different battles have etched their indelible mark upon the tapestry of its history. These clashes, waged amidst...

Apply for 2024/2025 Season Tickets in Lisbon for the Gulbenkian Orchestra and Choir Series – Applications Only Accepted during the Last Week of May!

Last year, a friend of mine invited me to the Grand Auditorium of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon for the first time. I...

Two Days To Freedom – April 25th and the Carnation Revolution

Step back in time to the storied streets of Lisbon, where the air was electric with anticipation on that fateful day of April 25th,...

The Greatest Portuguese Explorers

Throughout centuries of history, countless Portuguese navigators and explorers explored new territories and continents, leaving an indelible legacy for future generations. Their intrepid journeys...

Romanesque Architecture in Portugal – Characteristics and Landmarks

Portugal is an incredibly rich country in terms of history and culture. Its territory is filled to the brim with awe-striking buildings that stand...
Stay Connected
475FansLike
4,826FollowersFollow
159FollowersFollow
Latest Articles
Stay up to date
Subscribe To Portugal.com's Newsletter

Receive the latest news, travel information, stories, offers and more!

Invalid email address
Give it a try. You can unsubscribe at any time.