Portuguese history Archives - Portugal Confidential

São Martinho in Portugal: Celebrate St. Martin’s Day, 11 November

Greg Boegner — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:06:00 +0000

In many parts of the world, November 11 is celebrated as St. Martin’s Day. It is a religious holiday honoring Martin of Tours, a 4th century Roman soldier who is known for a certain miracle… Riding on horseback in a snowstorm, Martin came upon a nearly naked beggar. Not having any money or food, Martin took his sword, cut his cloak in half and gave the cloth to the beggar. Legend has it that clouds dispersed, the sun came out, […]

The post São Martinho in Portugal: Celebrate St. Martin’s Day, 11 November appeared first on Portugal Confidential.

Palácio Chiado – Gorgeous Setting for Portuguese Cuisine of Manuel Bóia

Ann Abel — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 15:04:03 +0000

Quite possibly the most (old-school) gorgeous restaurant in Lisbon, Palácio Chiado occupies an art-filled 18th-century palace on one of the most prime streets in the posh Chiado neighborhood. Lavish artworks still depict themes based on curious Portuguese expressions like “farrobodó,” which loosely translates to a loud and lively party. Things are a bit more subdued now, but it’s still a place that drips with history and glamour. A sweeping staircase takes you from the relatively casual ground floor bar and […]

The post Palácio Chiado – Gorgeous Setting for Portuguese Cuisine of Manuel Bóia appeared first on Portugal Confidential.

Portuguese Crown Jewels at the Royal Treasury Museum in Lisbon

Maria João Proença — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 10:52:04 +0000

Suppose the idea of admiring some of the most beautiful and valuable jewels of the Portuguese Crown makes your eyes shine brighter. In that case, we’ve got the place for you. Located in the west wing of the Ajuda National Palace – one of the most emblematic monuments in Lisbon, the Royal Treasury Museum (Museu Tesouro Real) is the new home for the Portuguese Crown jewels that, for the first time, have their own permanent address. The exhibition, made up […]

The post Portuguese Crown Jewels at the Royal Treasury Museum in Lisbon appeared first on Portugal Confidential.

Biblioteca Joanina – Grand & Historic Library in Coimbra

PC Staff — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 15:12:15 +0000

Who would guess that Portugal has some of the most interesting and awe-inspiring spaces devoted to books? Porto is home to the most beautiful bookstore in the world, Livraria Lello. But, the University of Coimbra in Central Portugal is the location for one of the world’s grandest and unique libraries, the Biblioteca Joanina.

The post Biblioteca Joanina – Grand & Historic Library in Coimbra appeared first on Portugal Confidential.

National Museum of Ancient Art in Lisbon

Greg Boegner — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:17:39 +0000

The National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga in Portuguese) in Lisbon is considered to be among one of the most important art museums in Europe. The collection reflects the history, culture and role played by Portugal in the world during those eight centuries.

The post National Museum of Ancient Art in Lisbon appeared first on Portugal Confidential.

Chalet Condessa d’Edla – Renovated & Re-opened in Sintra

PC Staff — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:10:04 +0000

The Chalet was originally built between 1864 and 1869 by King Ferdinand II for his second wife, Elise Hensler, Countess d'Edla. It is modeled on Alpine chalets popular at the time, and it sits in the large Pena Park facing the grand Pena Palace. It was intended as a private recreational house for the Countess.

The post Chalet Condessa d’Edla – Renovated & Re-opened in Sintra appeared first on Portugal Confidential.

10 Intriguing Cemeteries of Portugal

Greg Boegner — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 08:35:16 +0000

In honor of All Saints’ Day (1 November), Portugal Confidential is checking out cemeteries across the country. Whether you consider cemeteries sacred or macabre, these bone yards are interesting, historically cool, sometimes significant, and often, architecturally amazing.

The post 10 Intriguing Cemeteries of Portugal appeared first on Portugal Confidential.

Mãe d’Àgua – A Hidden Water Temple in Lisbon

Greg Boegner — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 10:56:18 +0000

Moving around Lisbon, one can’t help but notice the massive 18th century aqueduct that runs for 19 kilometers throughout the city. Yet, what many people do not know, the aqueduct feeds into a beautifully designed reservoir known as the Mãe d’Água (Mother of Water). Located in the heart of the city, in front of the Amoreira Gardens, is the entrance to this “temple of water.” Completed in 1834, the facility was the key water reservoir for Lisbon. Modern technology has […]

The post Mãe d’Àgua – A Hidden Water Temple in Lisbon appeared first on Portugal Confidential.