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Places to See Lisboa Region Castles south of Lisboa
Places to See Lisboa Region Castles south of Lisboa | Castles south of Lisboa |
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Many
fortifications remain to mark Portugal’s foundation and military
history. Palmela, Sesimbra and Setúbal castles have since become
prominent features of the Costa Azul. Many fortifications remain to mark Portugal’s foundation and military history. Palmela, Sesimbra and Setúbal castles have since become prominent features of the Costa Azul. Palmela Castle stands on the last outcrop of the Serra da Arrábida, from where you can look out over the vast plain from Sines to Sintra. Today it is the home of an extremely beautiful Pousada. All that now remains of the castle’s original Roman foundation is the circular towers; the square towers have been attributed to the Arabs, whereas the keep is attributed to the Master of Avis. The modern fortifications, which were used as defence for cannon fire, are the work of Dom Pedro II. Situated close to Setúbal, the Fortaleza de São Filipe enjoys a privileged position at the mouth of the River Sado. Overlooking the scenic beaches of the Tróia Peninsula, the mountains of Serra da Arrábida act as its backdrop. It is the work of the Italian architect Filipe Terzio and was built at the orders of King Filipe II to protect the entrance to the Sado estuary. Nowadays, it is also a Pousada. Sesimbra Castle, built in 1200, dominates the whole of the bay. With an irregular-shaped ground plan, and adapted to the contours of the hill on which it was built, it consists of a citadel with a keep, cistern and extensive high walls, reinforced with a watchtower and sloping bulwarks. Make sure you find some time to visit these fortifications, each of them just a stone’s throw from Lisbon. They offer fascinating architecture, plus stunning views of their respective regions. |
Contact Us:
00 351 913 591 282
or
00 351 282 417 463
(office hours)
00 351 913 591 282
or
00 351 282 417 463
(office hours)
| Capital (and largest city) |
Lisbon 38°46′N, 9°11′W |
|
| Official languages | Portuguese | |
|---|---|---|
| Recognised regional languages | Mirandese | |
| Demonym | Portuguese | |
| Government | Parliamentary republic | |
| - | President | Aníbal Cavaco Silva |
| - | Prime Minister | José Sócrates |
| Formation | June 24, 1128 | |
| - | Founding of the First County of Portugal | 868 |
| - | Battle of São Mamede | June 24, 1128 |
| - | Kingdom | 25 July 1139 |
| - | Recognized | 5 October 1143 |
| - | Republic | 5 October 1910 |
| - | Carnation Revolution | 25 April 1974 |
| EU accession | 1 January 1986 | |
| Area | ||
| - | Total | 92,345 km² (110th) 35,580 sq mi |
| - | Water (%) | 0.5 |
| Population | ||
| - | July 2007 estimate | 10,848,692 (75th) |
| - | 2001 census | 10,148,259 |
| - | Density | 114/km² (87th) 295/sq mi |
| GDP (PPP) | 2006 estimate | |
| - | Total | $229.881 billion (40th) |
| - | Per capita | $23,464 (2007) (34th) |
| HDI (2005) | ▼ 0.897 (high) (29th) | |
| Currency | Euro (€) (EUR) | |
| Time zone | WET | |
| - | Summer (DST) | WEST (UTC0) |
| Internet TLD | .pt | |
| Calling code | +351 | |