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December 1st is the Restoration of Independence Day and celebrates the independence of Portugal from Spanish rule, regained in 1640 after 60 years of dynastic union under Spanish control. The Iberian Union began in 1580, after the death of King Sebastian without heirs, allowing Philip II of Spain to assume the throne of Portugal. This period lasted until 1640, during which Portugal lost autonomy and saw its colonies attacked by rivals of Spain. On December 1st, 1640, the Forty Conspirators led a coup that deposed the Spanish regent and restored Portugal's independence, crowning King John IV of the Braganza dynasty. The Restoration Wars continued until 1668, when Spain formally recognized Portuguese independence. Restoration Day is celebrated with patriotic events and tributes, especially in Lisbon.

National Castle Day is celebrated on October 7th in Portugal . This date was created to promote the appreciation and preservation of the historical and cultural heritage represented by the country's castles. Castles, which date back to different periods in Portuguese history, are important architectural and tourist landmarks, as well as symbols of national identity. During this day, several activities are held in many castles, such as guided tours, historical reenactments, workshops and exhibitions, allowing the public to learn more about the history and importance of these monuments.

Saint Mafalda 's Day, celebrated on May 2 , honors the life and virtues of the Portuguese infanta, known for her beauty and grace. She became queen of Castile at the age of 12, after marrying King Henry I, but the marriage was dissolved within just a year. Instead of seeking his inheritance after his father's death, he chose to distribute his assets among the poor and monasteries, dedicating himself to religious life and serving those in need. After her death on May 1, 1256, she was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1973. Her incorrupt body, discovered during exhumation for transfer, became the object of great religious devotion. The day is an opportunity for the Portuguese to reflect on their values and contributions to society.

The first legend of the Lady with the Crow's Feet originates from Beira Alta, in the village of Marialva. She lived in a small castle and attracted many suitors due to her beauty. However, she challenged suitors to bring shoes that fit their feet as a condition of marrying her. A knight, with the help of a handmaid, created shoes molded to the shape of her feet, using flour on the ground to obtain the mold. When he handed over the shoes, she, horrified to learn that her secret was known, threw herself from the castle tower and mysteriously disappeared. This gave rise to the name of the village of Marialva.

Saint Philip , celebrated on May 3 , was one of the first followers of Jesus, born in Bethsaida, Galilee, and was previously a disciple of Saint John the Baptist. Although mentioned little in the Gospels, he played an important role among the disciples. He presented the discovery of Jesus as the Messiah to Nathanael and had a notable participation in the multiplication of the loaves. At the Last Supper, his question about seeing the Father resulted in a profound revelation of Jesus' divinity. After the resurrection of Jesus, Philip dedicated himself to preaching the Gospel in Greece and Phrygia, accompanied by his family. Accounts of his death vary, with some indicating that he was crucified upside down and others that he was stoned. His devotion and sacrifice exemplify his dedication to the Christian faith.

Cristo Rei, located in Almada, on the south bank of the Tagus River, is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Portugal. Inspired by Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, the monument attracts visitors from all over the world thanks to its grandeur and the spectacular view of Lisbon it offers.
History and Symbolism
Opened in 1959, Cristo Rei was built as a vote of gratitude for Portugal being spared the direct horrors of World War II. The idea for its creation arose in 1934, after the cardinal-patriarch of Lisbon, Dom Manuel Gonçalves Cerejeira, visited Brazil and was impressed by Christ the Redeemer.
At 110 meters high, including the statue of Christ and the pedestal, the monument is one of the largest buildings in the country. The statue with open arms, designed by sculptor Francisco Franco de Sousa, symbolizes peace and welcome, while the chapel at the base is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, reinforcing the spiritual value of the place.
Cultural and Religious Landmark
In addition to being a tourist destination, Cristo Rei is a point of religious pilgrimage. Its majestic presence in the landscape of Almada makes it a symbol of faith, gratitude and an invitation to contemplate the beauty and history of Portugal.

Portugal is a charming country and has a lot to offer visitors. The capital of Portugal, Lisbon, is a vibrant city with a lot of history, culture, gastronomy and nightlife. Visitors can explore the historic center, São Jorge Castle, Jeronimos Monastery and Belém Tower. There are also many museums and art galleries to visit, as well as excellent restaurants and cafes. The city of Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and is famous for its port wine production. Visitors can take tours of the Port wine cellars, boat trips on the Douro River, explore the historic center and visit Torre dos Clérigos and Livraria Lello. Portugal has many beautiful beaches, especially in the Algarve region in the south of the country. Portuguese cuisine is diverse and delicious, with dishes such as cod, Portuguese stew and the famous custard tarts. Visitors can sample the food at many restaurants and cafes across the country.

The Belém Tower is a historic tower located in the city of Lisbon, Portugal. It was built in the 16th century as a fortification to defend the entrance to the port of Lisbon on the Tagus River. The tower is an example of the Manueline architectural style, with decorative elements including carvings and stone details, representing the Age of Portuguese Discoveries. The Belém Tower is one of Lisbon's most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is open to the public for tours, allowing tourists to explore the tower and learn about its history. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Lisbon, including the Tagus River and the 25 de Abril suspension bridge. The Belém Tower is one of the main tourist attractions in Lisbon and an important symbol of Portuguese history and culture.

Alfama is a historic and picturesque neighborhood located in Lisbon, Portugal. It is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, with narrow and winding streets, many old houses, churches and viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the Tagus River. It is famous for its bohemian and cultural atmosphere, with fado restaurants, bars and craft shops. Alfama is home to several historic sites such as the Lisbon Cathedral, São Jorge Castle and the Fado Museum, and is one of Lisbon's top tourist attractions. The neighborhood is a popular destination for anyone seeking an authentic experience of Portuguese culture and lifestyle.

Baixa-Chiado is a historic and vibrant neighborhood located in the center of Lisbon, Portugal. It is a commercial and cultural area, with stunning architecture and many shops, restaurants, cafes, theatres, cinemas and art galleries. It is one of the most popular and busiest areas in Lisbon, with many tourists visiting the city to explore the area. Baixa-Chiado is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, and offers a wide range of activities for visitors.

The National Palace of Mafra is a baroque palace located in Mafra, Portugal, built during the reign of João V in the 18th century. It comprises a convent, basilica, library, pharmacy and richly decorated rooms. The basilica and library are especially impressive, and the palace is a popular tourist attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Pena National Palace is a 19th-century romantic palace in Sintra, Portugal, known for its extravagant architecture and impressive decor. It was built by King Fernando II in a romantic style, with elements of Medieval, Renaissance and Moorish architecture. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Óbidos is a medieval town in Portugal, surrounded by historic walls that protected the city for centuries. Óbidos Castle is the most prominent of its castles and was built by the Moors in the 12th century and renovated by the Portuguese in the 13th century. There are several other castles and fortifications within the city walls, which are well preserved. Today, Óbidos is a popular tourist destination, known for its cobbled streets, artisan shops and its annual chocolate festival.

The University of Coimbra is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Portugal, founded in 1290. Located in the city of Coimbra, it is famous for its rich history, impressive architecture and unique academic traditions. The university is made up of several historic buildings, including the Paço das Escolas, the Joanina Library and the Chapel of São Miguel. It is known for its academic traditions, research and offering a wide range of courses. The university is one of the main tourist attractions in Coimbra.

The Vista Alegre Museum is a museum located in the city of Ílhavo, near Aveiro, in Portugal. The museum is located in the industrial complex of Vista Alegre, which is one of the most famous and oldest ceramic factories in Portugal. The museum houses a collection of historic porcelain and ceramic pieces, which include items dating back to the creation of Vista Alegre in 1824. The collection includes works by renowned artists and designers, as well as important historical pieces, such as the first piece produced by factory. In addition, the Vista Alegre Museum offers visitors an opportunity to see ceramic production in action, with guided tours that take visitors through the various stages of the production process. There are also temporary exhibitions featuring contemporary art and modern ceramics. The museum is one of the main tourist attractions in the Aveiro region, attracting visitors interested in the history and art of ceramics, as well as seeing production in action.

The Palácio da Bolsa is a historic building located in the heart of the city of Porto, Portugal, built in the 19th century to house the Associação Comercial do Porto. It is famous for its neoclassical architecture and impressive interiors such as the Arab Hall. The Porto Stock Exchange still carries out its activities in the building, which is also used for cultural events.

Cabo da Roca is a rocky headland in Sintra, Portugal, known for its panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and for being the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Azenhas do Mar is a charming fishing village located on the west coast of Sintra, famous for its Mediterranean architecture and views of the sea. Both are popular spots for tourists and offer a unique combination of natural scenery and charming architecture.

Capela dos Ossos is a chapel decorated with human bones located in Évora, Portugal. It was built in the 16th century by Franciscan monks with the aim of reflecting on the transience of life and human mortality. The bones that adorn the walls, columns and ceilings of the chapel come from approximately 5,000 monks, whose remains were exhumed from city to be used as decoration. In addition to the bones, the chapel also has inscriptions in Latin, such as "We bones that are here, we wait for yours".The chapel was built as a place of meditation and reflection on death, and is still an important place of pilgrimage and tourism in Évora today. Despite its somewhat morbid decoration, the Capela dos Ossos is considered an impressive work of art and one of the most visited attractions in the city.

The Elevador de Santa Justa is a vertical elevator located in Lisbon, Portugal, which connects the Baixa (historic center) with the Alto neighborhood of the city. It was built in 1902 by Portuguese engineer Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, and is one of Lisbon's most popular tourist attractions. At 45 meters high, the Elevador de Santa Justa is made of wrought iron and is an impressive structure in the neo-Gothic style. It is decorated with stained glass, wood details and has a panoramic balcony at the top that offers incredible views over the city. The elevator is operated by cables and carries passengers in two wooden cabins to the top, where you can enjoy the panoramic views.Originally built as a means of transport between Baixa and Bairro Alto, the Elevador de Santa Justa is today used mainly by tourists. However, it is still an important historical landmark and an impressive example of ironwork architecture.

Portuguese wines have more than two thousand years of history and were introduced by the Romans. During the Middle Ages, Christian monks played an important role in the development of Portuguese wines. In the 15th century, Portugal began to expand its markets and exported wines to Europe and other parts of the world. In the 19th century, phylloxera destroyed most of the Portuguese vineyards, but the wine industry recovered and modernized in the 20th century. Currently, Portugal is known for its high quality wines, such as Porto, Vinho Verde, Dão, Alentejo, Douro, among others.

"Há Prova em Oeiras" es un evento de cata de vinos que se realiza todos los años en la ciudad de Oeiras, en Portugal. El evento es organizado por el Municipio de Oeiras y tiene como objetivo promover la cultura del vino portugués, brindando a los visitantes la oportunidad de probar vinos de diferentes regiones del país, así como conocer a los productores y sus historias. Durante el evento, que suele tener lugar en mayo, los asistentes pueden degustar una gama de vinos de diferentes productores portugueses, incluidos blancos, tintos, rosados ​​y espumosos. Además, también hay una variedad de productos regionales, como quesos, jamones y dulces típicos portugueses, para acompañar la cata de vinos. "Há Tasting in Oeiras" es un evento muy popular entre los amantes del vino y los turistas, y ofrece una oportunidad única para aprender más sobre la cultura del vino portugués y disfrutar del ambiente relajado y agradable de la ciudad de Oeiras.