The Seven Wonders of Portugal

Located steps away from Belém Tower is Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos).

The massive monastery and church stretches for 275 meters (902 feet) along Belém’s waterfront. Its limestone exterior is a fine example of Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style architecture.

The highlight of the church is the Tomb of Vasco da Gama.

In 1499, Da Gama returned to Portugal with many spices and new intelligence which led to Portugal’s Golden Age.

Thankfully, the monastery survived the 1755 Lisbon earthquake without any significant damage.

Batalha Monastery is a Dominican convent located in the town of Batalha. Its official name is the Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory. The monastery, which celebrates a medieval battle, is considered to be one of Portugal’s finest architectural achievements.

Today, the exterior of the structure features a Flamboyant Gothic style with pinnacles, gargoyles, and stained-glass windows.

The highlight is the Founder’s Chapel which holds the tombs of King João I. The monastery also features the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, cloisters, and the impressive Unfinished Chapels.

Alcobaça Monastery is a Cistercian abbey church and monastery.

It is located 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Lisbon in the town of Alcobaça.

The interior is grand yet simple and bright with Gothic lines. The highlight of the church are the tombs of King Pedro I and his mistress, Inês de Castro. Their tombs face each other so that they will meet each other when they rise on Judgement Day. Pedro I, son of Afonso IV, was king of Portugal from 1357 to 1367.

Other than a church, the Alcobaça Monastery features two cloisters, a refectory, kitchen, and a dormitory.

The Castle of Óbidos (Castelo de Óbidos) is a well-preserved medieval castle located in Óbidos.

The town is one of Portugal’s most charming and touristy towns. While touristy, Óbidos is beautiful with whitewashed houses and cobbled alleys surrounded by medieval walls. One of the highlights of the town is the impressive Castle of Óbidos.

Thanks to the Romans and Moors, a fortification of some type has existed at this location for almost 2,000 years.

Today, the castle is a fancy hotel, or pousada, with nine rooms with grand views over the surrounding town.

Castle of Guimarães is a medieval castle located in Guimarães. The city is located about 42 kilometers (26 miles) northeast of Porto. Guimarães is a walled city first settled in the 9th century.

Over the centuries, the castle has been improved, remodeled, and expanded. Its present form, featuring Romanesque and Gothic architecture, dates back to the 13th and 14 centuries.

Today, Castle of Guimarães features eight rectangular towers, a central keep, and a military square.