Portugal may have declared its independence during the 12th century but you will find during your All Inclusive Portugal that is has always prepared the country’s defence by surrounding it with numerous castles on all sides. With more than 160 castles in Portugal, most of them built as a medieval military fort, you would have lots of difficulty deciding which of them you will visit on your All Inclusive Portugal.
Start your Portugal Holidays with a visit to the Belém Tower, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortification played a significant role in the history of Portugal especially in the Age of Maritime Discoveries as it was part of the defence system of the Tagus River. The 16th century tower would give you a good idea of the Portuguese Manueline architecture style. You will discover during your Portugal Holidays that the tower commemorated Vasco de Gama’s explorations. Romantic writer Almeida Garrett persuaded Queen Maria II in 1845 to restore the Belem Tower which was declared a national monument in 1907.
If there is one castle you should visit on your All Inclusive holidays in Portugal then it would be the Guimaraes castle. This is Portugal’s most mythical castle as it used to be the home of D. Afonso Henriques. This is also the very same castle where the wars for Portugal’s independence were planned during the 12th century by Henriques, who became Portugal’s first king. You will discover the ancient nature of the castle during your All Inclusive Portugal. After all, it dates back to 968 when it was built to defend the monastery against the Vikings.
The Almourol Castle should be included in your All Inclusive holidays in Portugal as it is a historical site, having been a stronghold of the Templar Knights during the Reconquista. You will discover during your Portugal All Inclusive that many of the ancient architectural features of the castle, which was completed in 1171, are still visible even if the Knights rebuilt it during their time. Check out the main gate and you will find an inscription that indicates its date of completion.
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