Opened in 2008 in the Alcântara docks , this huge cultural centre is located in the former refrigerated cod stores. The museum documents Portugal’s long-established relations with the Orient: Chinese porcelain, Indo-Portuguese furniture, textiles, p..

This masterpiece of Manueline art is of dazzling sculptural richness, measures 55m across, and is laid out over two levels: the lower one, by Boytac, has broad arcades with fine colonnettes decorated in the late Gothic and Renaissance styles; the upp..

Gothic and Manueline styles blend in this uplifting cloister. The simplicity of the Gothic remains undiluted by the Manueline features; the balustrade of fleurs de lys and floral pinnacles contribute to a harmonious whole along with the Manueline emb..

Not far from Sagres, Cape Finisterre drops dramatically into the sea. This southwesternmost point in Europe is imbued with history. It was here in the 15C that Henry the Navigator established a school of navigation, which was to be crucial in the gre..

A very interesting trip allowing visitors to see a variety of islands, reefs, arches and most notably the sea caves hewn into the reddish cliff. The Furado Grande is a marine tunnel (70m) long which opens out onto a small creek ( Cova do Sonho ), l..

The museum occupies the 17C palace of the counts of Alvor at the foot of Lapa Hill. The displays of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts from the 12C to the early 19C all reflect the history of Portugal, in that they are all by Portuguese artist..

This magnificent 16C Hieronymite monastery was built in 1502 and is a glorious result of the great discoveries of the period. Vasco de Gama had returned from India with his vessels laden with riches, thus enabling the architects to embark on a very a..

The south door has an abundance of statues, including one of Henry the Navigator. The interior is outstanding, in particular the vault which surprisingly withstood the 1755 earthquake and the slender architectural lines of the pillars of the nave. ..

The tower was originally built in 1519 in the middle of the Tagus to defend the Hieronymite monastery and to serve as a lighthouse. Since the earthquake altered the course of the river, this five-storey Manueline tower now stands next to a beach. The..

Situated in undulating gardens dotted with water features (on which glide geese and ducks) and modern sculptures, this museum opened in 1995 to house the Gulbenkian Collection. It displays its exhibits particularly well and is especially rich in Euro..

Situated at the bottom of a green valley, the monastery of Batalha (derived from “battle”) was built in the 15 and 16C, before the Monastery of the Jeronimos. It is a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline art with Unesco World Heritage site status. Fro..

This is the highest point of the island of Madeira. Ruivo peak, which reaches a height of 1862m, has slopes planted with trees and giant ferns and offers an inimitable panoramic view from its summit. It is only accessible to experienced walkers unaff..

Sagres Point is partly taken up by the fortress which was built in the 16C. Badly damaged by the earthquake of 1755, it was repaired by the “New State” in 1940 and recently restored. Having gone through the gate, visitors enter a large courtyard on w..

This is a half day trip taking you to the most beautiful parts of the island and its enchanting landscapes.

This extraordinary site has inspired many stories, including one about seven bishops who, fleeing Portugal on the arrival of the Moors, took refuge on the "undiscovered islands" and built there the seven cities of Sete Cidades. It is well w..

To discover this volcano and its composition, it is best to go on foot. In a re-built house near the light-house, a museum charts the different stages of the eruption of 1957-1958. Between Capelinhos and Praia do Norte, you will pass through Morte Pe..

The work of architect Diogo de Arruda between 1510 and 1513, this is the most striking example of the Manueline style anywhere in Portugal. From the roots of a cork-oak, supported by the bust of a captain, springs forth a twisting decoration that cli..

This beautiful hunting lodge, built by João Mascarenhas, the first Marquess of Fronteira, in 1670, shows a strong Italian Renaissance influence, particularly in the gardens. The quality and variety of the azulejos , covering every conceivable flat s..

This cape, the southwesternmost point of Europe, dominates the ocean from a height of 75 m. It has always been regarded as a sacred place and the Romans named it "promontorium sacrum"... The old fortress situated on the cape was converted i..

Opened in 2007, this museum located at the heart of the cultural centre displays part of the collection of Madeiran tycoon J Berardo. A chronolgical and thematic tour covers the major European and American art movements of the 20C and 21C, taking in ..