Do you know Portugal for its excellent gastronomy,the golden sand of Algarve or the fascinating city of Lisbon? Portugal conceals hidden wonders that you won't want to miss during your vacations, especially if you have a special interest in discovering the country's unique history and heritage. At Villanovo, we have therefore set out to discover the secrets of Portugal's history and have concocted a selection of unmissable castles and palaces. Discover them quickly!
Being one of the most visited sites in Portugal, we doubt that you have never heard of this marvel. The Palácio de la Pena is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is without any hesitation one of the most beautiful monuments in the world, so much the extravagance of its colours is captivating. Located in the heart of a park in Sintra and only twenty kilometres from Lisbon, you will not be able to miss this palace dating back to 1885. Although it is relatively recent, you will discover a singular history and a unique mix of styles. You won't regret your visit and the magnificent pictures that the Palácio de la Pena will offer you!
The historical Castelo de Tomar
It is in the heart of the small town of Tomar that we discovered the majestic castle of the Templars of Tomar. The latter is connected to the most famous national convent of Portugal, which makes all the greatness of this site. Much older than the previous Palácio de la Pena, the castle of Tomar dates back to 1160 and like many castles of that time, it was built on the banks of the Tagus. One of the main characteristics of this imposing historical site is the different styles that can be found such as the Manueline style widely used in the Gothic architecture of Portugal.
The intriguing Quinta Da Regaleira
Beyond its sumptuous architecture, what made us fall in love with this palace is the beauty of its gardens where we walk tirelessly. Indeed, the luxuriant vegetation, but also its nooks and crannies such as small bridges, caves or statues will offer you a moment of total escape. Let's return to the palace, which was built at the end of the 20th century in a Manueline style different from what we have seen before, this luxurious residence was built on a former quinta and belonged for a long time to a powerful Portuguese millionaire before being opened to the public.
The old castle of Leiria
Magnificent testimony of Portugal's medieval past, the castle of Leiria is a must if you want to learn more about the history and successive conquests of the country, through the great battles that this castle has seen over the years. Located in the central region and near the river Lis, Leiria Castle is in an area with the most important archaeological discoveries in Portugal, making it an unmissable site and attracts many tourists every year. You will enjoy taking a step up from the castle's ramparts and discovering its inner courtyard and its unique architecture.
The charming palácio of Monserrate
Located in Sintra not far from the Palácio de la Pena, the Palácio de Monserrate is a real little jewel of Portuguese heritage with English influence. Indeed the palace has successively belonged to English people before being opened to the visit. We are immediately seduced by the mixture of colours and the romantic architecture of this building where the orange tones blend harmoniously with the flowers and the luxuriance of one of the most beautiful gardens in Portugal. You will also be fascinated by the beauty of the interior spaces of the palace where you will find numerous floral representations on the walls and rich materials such as marble or walnut. You won't regret the visit of this little marvel!
Discover Villanovo's selection of luxury villas for Portugal
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