In search of some details about Portugal? Portugal is a land of nice meals, nice seashores, nice browsing, and a number of the most gorgeous outdated cities you’ve ever seen.
There’s numerous historical past in Portugal, and so many attention-grabbing Portugal details to know. We’ve tried to slender down a number of the finest. Let’s dig in!
33 Random Info about Portugal
1. Portugal based the primary world empire
We’ll begin off with one of the crucial attention-grabbing details about Portugal. From the fifteenth century, Portugal actually began upping their abroad colonies recreation. They did so properly at it that it lasted for over 600 years and unfold from Europe to Africa, South America, North America, Oceania, Southeast and South Asia. It was actually huge and highly effective. When Macau was handed over to China in 1999, it marked the true finish of the Portuguese Empire.
2. There are 250 million Portuguese audio system world wide
Okay, now that is considered one of my favourite enjoyable details about Portugal. This leftover of the empire implies that there are numerous completely different dialects – or creoles – of Portuguese spoken. From Angola, Mozambique, to Brazil, a lot of individuals throughout the globe converse this language. Enjoyable reality about Portugal: a Portuguese speaker is named a Lusophone.
3. Portugal is likely one of the oldest nation-states in Europe
It’s been constantly inhabited since prehistoric occasions. All through the ages, it has been the house of Celts, Carthaginians, and Romans, to call only a few.
4. It’s additionally one of the crucial peaceable international locations in Europe
With its low crime charges and excessive requirements of dwelling, it was ranked third out of 163 international locations analyzed on the International Peace Index in 2019. A great weight loss plan additionally implies that the common life expectancy is fairly excessive, too.
5. Rome invaded the Iberian Peninsula in 219 BC
That features Portugal too, clearly. It took over 200 years, and the navy brainpower of considered one of Rome’s best leaders – Julius Caesar – to correctly consolidate their forces and annex “Iberia” as soon as and for all.
6. Portugal’s oldest ally is… England!
Right here’s a enjoyable reality about Portugal for historical past followers. Courting again to centuries and centuries in the past, England signed a treaty with Portugal again in 1386 (the Treaty of Windsor, for those who should know). It’s additionally considered probably the oldest and longest-running alliance between fashionable nations ever.
7. Lisbon was struck by one of many worst disasters in world historical past
Lisbon is likely one of the most wonderful locations to go to in Portugal, however do you know it has an attention-grabbing historical past as properly? A brilliant-violent earthquake, estimated at a magnitude of 8.5 to 9, introduced utter destruction to Lisbon in 1755.
Not solely was there the earthquake injury, however there was additionally widespread fireplace and even an enormous tsunami that every one however worn out town. Wow.
8. Then town got here up with an ingenious manner of earthquake-proofing
Following the earthquake, Lisbon was rebuilt, naturally. However what was wonderful was the best way that they examined the power of recent buildings. With out the gizmos and devices of the modern-day, Portuguese authorities got here up with an incredible answer: get troopers to march round tiny fashions of buildings to simulate the bottom shaking in an earthquake.
9. Lisbon’s Vasco de Gama bridge is de facto, actually lengthy
The truth is, it’s Europe’s second-longest bridge at 10.7 miles. That’s fairly lengthy for any bridge, let’s be sincere. It crosses the Portuguese capital’s well-known river, the Tagus, and is considered one of solely two bridges spanning the Tagus in Lisbon.
10. Probably the most well-known dessert in Portugal is a custard tart
However it’s not simply any outdated custard tart; that is the well-known Pastéis de nata. These had been created by a bunch of Catholic monks someday earlier than the 18th century.
On the monastery, they used egg whites for starch (laundry and all that), however what to do with the egg yolks? Bake ‘em into stuff, in fact! Thus the tastiest custard tart on this planet was born. You may get pleasure from it in all places from Brazil to Japan, however Portugal is the perfect place for it.
11. Tempura is Portuguese
What? Tempura? That the majority Japanese of delicately fried goodness originates in Portugal. On their adventures world wide, the Portuguese got here throughout Japan within the sixteenth century.
Earlier than Japan determined to shut its doorways to commerce, Portugal offloaded a lot of gastronomic goodies onto the island nation – tempura being simply considered one of them. The custard tart we simply talked about, castella cake, and even bread are liked by Japanese folks right this moment. That is positively considered one of our favourite details about Portugal (how couldn’t or not it’s?).
12. The very best mountain in Portugal is Mount Pico
However it’s not on the Portuguese mainland. It’s really located on the island of Pico, within the far-flung Atlantic archipelago of the Azores. It’s tremendous fairly, Fuji-level outstanding, and towers a powerful 7,713 toes above sea stage. It final erupted in 1720, and sure, it’s nonetheless lively.
13. Portugal was occupied by Napoleon
Yep, the large man of Europe himself discovered his technique to Portugal. He needed all the pieces, in spite of everything! So in 1807, French troops invaded Portugal, the royal household fled to Brazil (nonetheless a Portuguese colony on the time), however Portuguese forces and the British fought Napoleon off, finally.
14. Algarve was as soon as the title of an enormous slice of Portugal
The Algarve, a area in Portugal that’s now identified for its seashores, package deal holidays for Europeans, and a myriad of resorts, was as soon as the title of your complete nation. The Moors occupied Portugal for hundreds of years and referred to as it ‘Algarve’ – actually, ‘the West.’
15. And there are numerous Arab-origin phrases in Portuguese
Yep, all these years of Moorish conquest actually left their mark on Portugal. At this time, the language is affected by examples of Arab affect. There’s arrecife – coming from Arabic for “the platform” (ar-raṣīf), which means “reef” – there’s saloia, which means “rustic,” which got here from the Arabic which means the identical factor… We imply, there’s tons. We are able to’t listing all of them right here. Google it.
16. Portugal is house to a complete lot of birds
Due to its placement as a preferred avian stopover on their migrations from Africa to Europe, Portugal performs host to a unbelievable variety of hen species. To be extra exact, there are round 600 species of birds right here. The Azores and Madeira are standard stop-off factors for migrating African birds.
17. Nobody’s been executed for against the law since 1846
Capital punishment wasn’t carried out in any respect from 1846 and was lastly outlawed in 1867. The truth is, Portugal was the primary nation to abolish life imprisonment, too (1884). At this time, the utmost variety of years anybody can spend in jail is 25 years. Progressive or what?
18. One other factor Portugal is laid again about? Medicine
In 2001, Portugal decriminalized the leisure use of all “widespread medicine” – these embody hashish, cocaine, LSD, and heroin. Possession of those is just not unlawful. Nonetheless, for those who’re discovered to be in possession of greater than ten days’ value, then you definately may get some jail time. You’ll additionally get supplied rehab.
19. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims journey to Fatima in Portugal annually
This is likely one of the most attention-grabbing details about Portugal on this listing! This Catholic pilgrimage is huge information in Portugal. The numbers of pilgrims run from round six to eight million yearly. The story goes that three shepherds (already matches the invoice) allegedly noticed the Virgin Mary of their fields in 1917. A church was constructed on the location she was seen and hey presto, pilgrimage vacation spot. At this time, it’s one of the crucial vital Catholic shrines in existence.
20. The rooster is a logo of Portugal
It’s a joke really. It’s an extended one, however the normal gist is {that a} useless rooster helped an alleged prison show his innocence. The rooster, referred to as Barcelos, is widely known to at the present time. It’s a preferred memento merchandise and is available in many kinds – as a statuette, on a plate, a stuffed toy, and many others. Enjoyable reality about Portugal, proper?
21. Lisbon is older than Rome
Sorry, Rome, we love you, however perhaps you’re not the Everlasting Metropolis in spite of everything. Archaeological proof factors again to an indigenous inhabitants, with a settlement at Lisbon relationship again to no less than the eighth and sixth centuries BC. These folks traded with the Carthaginians, apparently.
22. Portugal was the primary nation to abolish slavery
Britain may need been probably the most publicized and well-known slavery abolishment, in 1833, however Portugal did it far sooner. In 1819, Portugal, which admittedly (like Britain) performed an enormous half in the slave commerce, then abolished it. Makes the British Empire look increasingly more like copycats in comparison with progressive Portugal.
23. Porto wine comes from the world’s third-oldest protected wine-producing area
Probably the most well-known product of Porto, its eponymous wine referred to as port, is an enormous deal. It’s been standard for an extended, very long time. The Douro wine-producing area, named after the Douro River, is the third-oldest protected considered one of its sort. That’s after Hungary’s Tokaj-Hegyalja (1730) and Italy’s Chianti (1716).
24. Romans used to affiliate Portugal with Bacchus
Due to all of the wine, the Historical Romans really used to affiliate the nation with Bacchus. The truth is, it went additional than simply an affiliation. The Roman title for Portugal was “Lusitania,” which is derived from Lusus, the alleged son of Bacchus – Roman god of wine and merrymaking.
25. Portugal has its personal martial artwork
Neglect East Asia with its kung-fu, taekwondo, and karate. Portugal has its personal mode of hand-to-hand fight. It’s referred to as Jogo do pau, which means “recreation of the stick.” Based mostly on extra knightly medieval strategies, it originated within the mountains of the north and was initially utilized by farmers as a type of self-defense. And it’s nonetheless practiced to at the present time!
26. Fado is a distinctly Portuguese type of singing
Courting again to the 1820s, Fado sprung up in Lisbon’s bars, cafes, and eating places, and have become an on the spot hit. Fado comes from the Latin fatum, which accurately means “destiny” however may imply “demise.” As you may anticipate, the music is loud and mournful, however in the end zapped with unmatched energy and power all of its personal. Which brings us to…
27. Portuguese are well-known fatalists
Believing of their destiny, whether or not it’s good or dangerous, is a part of Portuguese tradition. That’s what Fado is all about. One other good instance is the wonderful phrase, “saudade.” That is a type of allegedly “untranslatable” phrases which means an intense and sorrowful longing or nostalgia over somebody – or one thing – that you simply miss and might’t get again. Missingness, perhaps?
28. Portugal launched all the perfect meals to India
We imply, Indian delicacies wouldn’t be what it’s with out Portuguese commerce. Its colonies and buying and selling posts within the subcontinent (notably Goa) introduced in a wide range of meals from the New World. Notably the chili pepper, the tomato, and the standard potato.
29. Lisbon is house to the oldest bookstore on this planet
It’s referred to as Bertrand, and it’s lovely. This unimaginable bookstore has been in operation since 1732 and is properly value a go to – even for those who don’t really feel like shopping for any books. Simply stepping into right here, absorbing the ambiance, and marveling on the ornate interiors is sufficient.
30. Portugal is especially water
This will likely sound like one loopy reality about Portugal, however stick with us. The borders of Portugal really stretch tremendous far out into the Atlantic Ocean, capturing numerous watery space across the Azores and Madeira, which means that Portugal is principally about 95% water. Let’s do some extra numbers: Portugal’s sea territory accounts for greater than 18 occasions its land space.
31. Portuguese folks eat numerous fish
With all that water comes numerous fish. There’s numerous shoreline for fishermen to make use of as their base, and numerous sea to ply their commerce in. This provides as much as Portuguese folks consuming numerous fish. No, actually – Portugal is the third-highest shopper of fish on the planet. That’s after Iceland and Japan, in fact.
32. You’ll find Europe’s westernmost level in Portugal
A geography-based reality about Portugal for you now, and sure, it’s true: you could find Europe’s westernmost level on mainland Portugal. No marvel they ended up setting sail and founding a colossal empire – they’re proper out within the Atlantic Ocean! The westernmost level is named Cabo da Roca. The Romans referred to as it Promontorium Magnum.
33. Portugal is house to the world’s most lovely McDonald’s
Magnificence could also be subjective, however actually, there’s a McDonald’s in Porto that’s gorgeous past perception. It’s set in an incredible Artwork Nouveau constructing from the Thirties that previously housed the as soon as well-known and iconic Imperial Cafe. At this time, the McDonald’s right here has taken the legendary and iconic title, full with eagle statue and gold lettering above the door, ornate ceilings, and precise chandeliers hanging contained in the “restaurant.” Superb.
Fast Portugal Journey Ideas
- ‘Howdy’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Yasou” and “Efharisto”
- Forex: Euro – (EUR) – €
- Visa: Schengen visa. Which is 90 days within the European Union out of 180. Many nationalities are granted this on arrival free of charge. Verify together with your embassy to see if that’s you.
- Climate: The climate in Portugal is a Mediterranean local weather. This implies winters are delicate and wet, whereas summers are heat and dry with loads of sunshine all year long.
- What to Pack: Heat climate garments and a swimsuit, don’t neglect an excellent pair of garments to go and a jacket for cool nights. Examine what to put on in Portugal.
Plan and Pack for Portugal
Portugal is an extended and slender nation, and the climate within the North of the nation is commonly completely different to the South. The Algarve, within the South of Portugal, will get round 300 days of sunshine per 12 months. Porto and the North of Portugal, alternatively, has a really completely different local weather.
Throughout winter, the climate may be damp, grey, and moist. In the event you’re planning on visiting each the North and South of Portugal, particularly throughout winter, preserve this in thoughts as you’ll must pack appropriately for each kinds of climate.
Journey Insurance coverage
Journey Adapter
You’ll positively want an adaptor on your electronics in your packing listing for Europe. We at all times preserve one helpful in our carry-on luggage, that manner we will cost electronics on arrival or on the airport.
Portugal shops use the Europlug and I’d suggest getting one earlier than you land on-line. The value could also be doubled for those who present as much as Portugal in an outlet emergency.
Portugal Guidebook
As Lonely Planet Pathfinders who frequently go on task for the guidebook firm we like to have a bodily guidebook when touring. We spend sufficient time connected to our telephones in on a regular basis life and planning our journeys.
As soon as we attain a vacation spot like Portugal we put the telephone away and choose up a guidebook to assist with our journey.
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