Portugal is a country in southwestern Europe on the Iberian peninsula, bordered by the Atlantic ocean to the west and Spain to the east and north. Its territory is mostly mountaineous in the north while the south features mostly rolling plains and a climate somewhat warmer and drier than the one in the north. Portugal was originally settled by Celts and later occupied by a number of forein powers, including the Romans, Suevi, Buri, Visigoths, and finally conquered by Moors in the 8th century. Portugal first became an independent country in 1139 AD. In the 15th century Portugal embarked on a series of discovery voyages, which resulted in the establishement of a worldwide colonial empire. Following the loss of its last colonies in 1975 Portugal experienced a deep economic crisis. The economy has made substantial progress since 1975, but still lags the major European economies in terms of competitiveness. Portugal has a mild mediterranean climate and a rich cultural heritage.
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200 photos of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal on the river Tejo
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23 photos of the Queluz and Sintra palaces, Seteais, Monserrate, Colares, Cabo da Roca, Guincho and Cascais
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26 photos of the impressive Convento da Ordem de Cristo and the pilgrimage centre of Fatima
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43 photos of the monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaca and of the town of Obidos
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19 photos of Coimbra, a university city, the Oxford of Portugal.
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31 photos of the Alentejo region and itscapital Evora
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57 photos of Western Algarve with its stunning coast, beaches and beautiful villages
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25 photos of the east coast of Algarve, a relatively flat region with ancient fishing villages, islands and lagoons
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Related travelogues
- Portugal 2002: a two weeks trip through southern and central Portugal, visiting the Algarve, Lisboa, Alcobaca, Batalha and Coimbra in April 2002
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©Copyright Alfred Molon