See Portugal

In the classic Humphrey Bogart film Casablanca, everyone wanted to be on the plane to Lisbon. Some things never change. Portugal, being one of the most beautiful destinations around, offers many possibilities for those still looking to be on that plane. This post will look at some options available to make your way to Portugal.

Read more »

Portugal’s flag is a bi-color, divided into two unequal stripes. One green, the other red. The national coat of arms is centered between the two colors, positioned equally from the top and the bottom.

The flag as seen today was adopted on June 30, 1911. This flag replaced the one used under the constitutional monarchy.

The green in the flag was not traditional for Portugal, and if fact represents the breaking away from the more religious monarchical flag. Read more »

Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, one of the 20th Century’s wealthiest, and best known philanthropists, adopted Portugal, leaving her his entire, world famous art collection. This collection, and the Gulbenkian Foundation, is Portugal’s finest art treasure. The Gulbenkian Foundation is also Lisbon’s best museum.

The Gulbenkian Collection is home to more then 6000 pieces, however the permanent exhibition has about 1000 of its best on display.

There are two main collections, the first highlighting the Oriental and Classical Art, the second covering European Art.

Inside the Oriental and Classical section, you will find Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Mesopotamian, Eastern Islamic, Armenian and Far Eastern Art.

The European section covers various artistic trends from the 11th century to the mid-20th century.

The Gulbenkian is an overlooked museum. It is definitely an important collection, and art lovers visiting Lisbon should be sure to see it. The Gulbenkian not only displays beautiful works of art, but the building itself, along with the garden are both Lisbon highlights. After your tour through the Gulbenkian, be sure to have a walk through the garden. It is a perfect spot to regroup and relax.

For more information, visit the Gulbenkian.

The Gulbenkian is located on Av. de Berna 45A

Metro Stop - S. Sebastião or Praça de Espanha stations
Buses - 16, 726, 56, 718, 742

Business hours for the Gulbenkian are as follows:

Tuesday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5.45 p.m.
Closed on Mondays, and on the following holidays:
January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1,
and December 25

Coimbra is one of Portugal’s major cities. This former capitol city is home to one of the oldest European universities, the University of Coimbra. Based on the importance of the university, Coimbra is a college town, however, historically and economically, Coimbra offers more then just students. There is much to see and do while visiting Coimbra.

With Lisbon and Porto being Portugal’s biggest cities, Coimbra occupies its importance in Central Portugal. Coimbra is home to a few archaeological remains which date back to when it was not Coimbra, but the Roman town of Aeminium. Coimbra’s well preserved aqueduct is an example of its Roman origins. Coimbra also proudly displays its history dating back to when it was the capitol of the Kingdom of Portugal, in the Late Middle-Ages.

Coimbra sits in the middle of Portugal, 120 km south of Porto, and 195 km north of Lisbon. The city sits on a hill which overlooks the river Mondego. If you are traveling to Coimbra, there are many things worth seeing.

The most popular landmarks for visitors, are the Sé Velho, and the University of Coimbra. Built in the 12th Century, the Sé Velho is one of the best examples of Romanesque churches in Portugal. While there, be sure to visit the Cloister.

The University of Coimbra was founded in 1290 by Dom Dinis. Being one of the oldest universities, it is an interesting place to wonder around. The students have preserved many traditions over the centuries, and if you go in the right time, it may be possible to witness some of them.

Coimbra offers visitors a step back into history. If you make it there, give yourself time to walk around and discover the little, overlooked areas of the city. Be sure to visit the main attractions, but head down a side street, and see what you find.