Travel to Portugal

Monastery of the Hieronymites

The Monastery of the Hieronymites and the Tower of Belem are actually two separate sites, within walking distance of each other. The Monastery is huge, split into the elaboratedly decorated church where Vasco de Gama's tomb is located, as well as the Cloisters with its peaceful atmosphere. The Torre de Belem is on the waterfront and a famous landmark. Both places are worthy of your time and admiration.

Casa do Fado

This museum documents the history and development of the traditional music known as fado. It includes audiovisual displays, costumes and a wonderful collection of Portuguese guitars. There's also a shop with books and recordings that will make a great present for the ones you love.

Monastery of Santa Maria d'Alcobaça

The Monastery of Santa Maria d'Alcobaça, north of Lisbon, was founded in the 12th century by King Alfonso I. Its size, the purity of its architectural style, the beauty of the materials and the care with which it was built make this a masterpiece of Cistercian Gothic art.

Monastery of Batalha

The Monastery of the Dominicans of Batalha was constructed to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. It was to be the Portuguese monarchy's main building project for the next two centuries. Here a highly original, national Gothic style evolved, profoundly influenced by Manueline art, as demonstrated by its masterpiece, the Royal Cloister.

Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo is one of northern Portugal's best resorts. Located on the northern bank of the Lima estuary the town has a long sea-faring tradition. Explorers, traders and fishermen set sail from its port for South America, Africa and Newfoundland. The heart of Viana do Castelo is the elegant Praça da República - this lovely square of Renaissance buildings includes the Chafariz fountain at its center and the striking Misericórdia almshouse dates from 1589. The old town hall, Câmara Municipal, is another fine Renaissance building in the square.

Prado Museum

Considered one of the world's most important art galleries, it exhibits paintings by Goya, Velázquez, Murillo, Zurbarán, El Greco, Ribera, Titian, Boticelli, Tintoretto, El Bosco, Rubens, Van Dyck, Poussin and Durer. The collection of decorative arts features the Tesoro del Delfín. There are displays of classical Greek and Roman sculpture. Carlos III commissioned Juan de Villanueva to design this beautiful building, which was converted into an art gallery in 1819. There is a cafe, bookshop, souvenir shop, conference room, and reference library. Admission: EUR6; students, EUR3.