10 Places Worth Seeing in Portugal

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Once considered as a pioneer of worldwideThe Mosteiro dos Jerónimos - Representative
explorations, today, Portugal's wealth lies in its art,of the inflow of wealth into Lisbon from European
architecture and tradition. Some of the places thatcolonies, this is the world's most distinctive Manueline
cannot be missed out on a trip to Portugal are:church with its royal baroque structures.
The Museu de Marinha - Considered as an importantThe Algarve - Popular for its sun, sand and sea, the
naval museum of the world, the Museu de MarinhaAlgarve is a must visit region that can leave one with
pays tribute to Portugal's Age of Exploration in aan unforgettable experience with its beautifully
very rich way. The museum hosts several models oflandscaped beaches that give access to otherwise
merchant marine vessels from the 15th centuryinaccessible grottos and caves.
complete with almost 80 dummy oarsmen. Also onÓbidos - A romantic destination, this
display are replicas of mythological sea creatures likewell-preserved 13th-century village was offered as a
the gilt dripping dragon heads, sea serpents andgift by loving husbands to their queens. For almost
monsters.600 years, the beautiful town of Óbidos was
Douro River Valley - Perfect for the deliciousthe personal property of Portuguese queens.
experience like wine tasting, the Douro Valley is aPalace Hotel do Buçaco - Giving visitors a
semi-remote area in north-eastern Portugal. On thechance to live life like a king, the Palace of
verge of becoming a hot spot with its various portBuçaco is the only royal palace that functions
wine estates, the valley is a good get away fromas a hotel and allows guests to live in the very
the hustle and bustle of modern cities.premises that was once occupied by royalty. A rich
Palácio Nacional de Pena - An architecturalone of a kind experience, it must not be missed!
marvel, this palace is symbolic of the royal ages ofAzores - An archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, these
the Portuguese kings and rulers with its richislands are considered to be the only parts of the
ornamentation evident on the walls of the palace.lost continent of Atlantis by mythologists. Today, it is
The palace is surrounded 495 acre park and is aa perfect place to unwind for travelers and was once
definite must see spot for tourists.considered as the end of the earth.
The Vasco da Gama AquariumViana do Castelo - A traditional town noted for its
Functional since 1898, this aquarium showcasesstrong beliefs in folklore, crafts like pottery and
preserved marine life like water birds, fish anddistinctive public buildings, Viana do Castelo is an
mammals along with tanks that have an assortmentarchitectural delight with its enviable collection of
of sea creatures from around the world. Live exhibitsManueline buildings and is a tribute to Portuguese
of the eared seals pavilion is by far its mainarchitecture.