|

|
 |
 |
-
Full country name: Portugal
-
Population: 10 million
-
Capital city: Lisbon (pop 535,740)
-
People: 99% Portuguese, 1% African
-
Language: Portuguese, Mirandese
-
Religion: 97% Roman Catholic, 2%
Protestant, 1% other
|
 |
 |

The Portuguese Diet
Overwhelming Portions:
Portuguese food is cheap, delicious and served in gut-expanding
portions. Classic Portuguese meals include charcoal-grilled
sardines, cod fishcakes,and a soup of cabbage and potatoes.
Seafood dishes such as grilled sole and tuna steak are appetizing
staples. Meals can be washed down with Portugal's good-quality
wines (vinhos) or port - the drink synonymous with Portugal.
Note: Our restaurant offers many of the native dishes found
in Spain made from the original recipes. |
|
 |
 |

Portuguese Culture
Buildings, Music and Poetry:
Portugal's architecture is renowned for its Moorish and surrealist
flourishes. The nation's best-known musical form is the
melancholic fado (songs believed to have originated from the
pinings of 16th-century sailors), while traditional folk dancing
remains popular in rural towns. Portugal's rich literary tradition
also has its origins in the 16th century, with the publication of
works by the dramatist Gil Vicente and the poet Luís de Camões.
Note: Arguably the country's finest poet and dramatist to
emerge in the 20th century is Fernando Pessoa. |
|
 |
 |

Lisbon
The Capital:
Lisbon (Lisboa), the country's capital, stands breezily on the
banks of the Rio Tejo. The city's low skyline, unpretentious
atmosphere and pleasant blend of architectural styles conspire to
make it a favorite with many visitors. Lisbon's nightlife is
boisterous, and includes drinking in bars, raving at discos,
bopping to jazz and African rhythms or puzzling over fado.
Note: Local soccer matches and bullfights are the biggest
daylit thrills. |
|
|
|
|

|
|