Think you know Portugal? Think again. While this sun-soaked country is famous for its stunning coastline, mouthwatering pastries, and soulful Fado music, there’s much more to discover beyond the postcard-perfect views. From quirky traditions and historical oddities to hidden gems and surprising firsts, Portugal is full of fascinating facts that often fly under the radar. In this post, we’re uncovering 21 intriguing facts about Portugal that you probably didn’t know—but will definitely want to share.
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1. Portugal is the oldest nation-state in Europe, having established its current borders in 1139 AD.
2. Portuguese is currently the fifth most spoken language in the world and an official language of Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe and East Timor. It is also used in Macau, territory under Portuguese administration until 1999, and in Goa.
3. Portugal is the world’s largest cork producer, responsible for over half of the world’s cork supply.
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4. The Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon is the longest bridge in Europe and the second longest in the world, spanning over 10 miles (17.2 kilometers). It's an impressive cable-stayed bridge spanning the Tagus River. Constructed between 1995 and 1998 to alleviate traffic congestion on Lisbon's other bridge, the 25 de Abril Bridge, the Vasco da Gama Bridge was inaugurated just in time for the Expo '98 World's Fair
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5. The Vasco da Gama Tower in Lisbon is shaped like a sailboat mast and is one of the tallest buildings in Portugal.
6. The University of Coimbra in Portugal is one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world, founded in 1290.
7. The Portuguese island of Madeira is famous for its New Year’s Eve celebrations, featuring one of the largest fireworks displays in the world.
8. Portugal is home to Europe’s westernmost point, Cabo da Roca, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
9. The Portuguese town of Óbidos is known for its annual chocolate festival, attracting visitors from around the world.
10. Portugal’s Algarve region is renowned for its stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque fishing villages.
11. The Azulejo, traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles, are used to decorate buildings, churches, and even train stations throughout the country.
12. The famous Portuguese pastry, Pasteis de Belem, was created by Catholic monks in the 18th century.
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Located near to the Jerónimos Monastery in Belem. The lines can get quite long, but make sure you are in the right line. There's one line to eat in the restaurant (which goes quickly because the restaurant is huge) and the one to take away.
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13. Portugal’s national symbol is the Rooster of Barcelos, which symbolizes luck, honesty, and integrity.
14. Lisbon’s São Jorge Castle offers panoramic views of the city and has a history dating back over 2,000 years.
15. Portugal is one of the world’s top producers of quality wine, known for its Port wine, Vinho Verde, and Douro wines.
16. The city of Porto is known for its historic center, UNESCO-listed port wine cellars, and iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.
17. Portugal has a long history of exploration, with explorers like Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and Bartolomeu Dias leading expeditions during the Age of Discovery. The Monument of the Discoveries, a monument location in Belém, Lisbon is dedicated to these discoveries.
18. Portugal is home to one of the world’s oldest bookshops, Livraria Bertrand, which opened in Lisbon in 1732.
19. The Portuguese island of Porto Santo is believed to be the first landing site of Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the Americas in 1492.
20. Portuguese cuisine features a variety of seafood dishes, including bacalhau (salted cod), grilled sardines, and seafood rice.
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21. Portugal abolished the death penalty for all crimes, including wartime crimes, in 1867, making it one of the earliest countries to do so.
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