10 historical facts about Portugal.
Portugal has a vastly colourful and historical past. Here´s our ten most interesting historical facts about Portugal…
10 historical facts about Portugal
- Portugal´s early settlers were in fact Celtic people.
- Later, the Phoenician Empire and the Carthage Empire would both come to this area of the Iberian Peninsular.
- During the Roman Empire, Portugal was under Roman occupation from 45BC to 298BC.
- In 711AD the Moors invaded. They conquered the Iberian Peninsular and stayed from some hundreds of years.
- The Reconquista period was when Christian nations conquered the Moors.
- It was in 1139 that the Kingdom of Portugal was formed, with Alfonso Henriques becoming the first King of Portugal.
- By the 14th century, Portugal had become a major colonial power in the Age of Exploration. Explorers such as Vasco de Gama began to establish colonies in South America, Africa and the Far East.
- Lisbon 1755 earthquake and tsunami saw over 90% of buildings lost and over 75,000 people dead.
- In 1974 a left wing military coup took over the country and made drastic democratic reforms, including granting independence to all of Portugal´s African colonies.
- Today Portugal is a member of the European Union and was a founding member of NATO.
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Classic Portugal is a luxury tours and bespoke tours agency. As travel designers we thrive on curating private tours and custom travel across Portugal. We design intimate experiences to make your trip to Portugal especially memorable. Uncover a unique journey though Portugal and its wonders: gastronomy, art, culture, wellness and more all await you. From prestigious wineries to chic beach clubs; from sleepy, hidden villages to dazzling city nights; from luxurious spas to Michelin star restaurants, your bespoke tour will include all the best Portugal has to offer.
Portugal is a European gem, with distinct locations and beautiful scenery. We seek out Portugal´s best, curating tours for our clients which they will carry in their hearts forever. Our specialities include luxury wine tours, luxury bespoke tours, luxury travel in Portugal, private travel and tours, luxury mini-breaks, luxury stays and luxury holidays. We partner with some of the most acclaimed luxury hotels, wineries and restaurants in Portugal. All of our bespoke travel itineraries are private and personal. We publish your itinerary in our travel app, giving you constant visibility and access to your luxury trip. Our professional chauffeurs and certified tour guides guarantee you are taken good care of and have the most wonderful experience of this beautiful, warm and charming country.
Our vision as a company is to offer world-class client services, with meticulously designed travel itineraries and the most luxurious experiences. We will take care of all your needs and desires in Portugal. Our concierge service is available on all luxury bespoke tours. From private cars, to fine dining to tickets for concerts and sports events, we take care of it all. Our values are important to us. We are inclusive and culturally aware. We believe in social change and equality for all. Inclusion and diversity ignites our creativity, bringing us closer to our clients and our communities. We are experienced in working with global clients, always working in a transparent and communicative way, seeking out new ways of engagement and innovation. Our mission to be the leading lifestyle experts and travel specialists for luxury journeys across Portugal. Please see our full tour programme. If you liked 10 historical facts about Portugal you may also enjoy What to Wear in Lisbon and Hilarious Portuguese Expressions post!
