Going on a trip or vacation, everyone wants to visit amazing places and cities that have their own spirit and atmosphere. Arriving there, you can instantly immerse yourself in their mood and feel how the locals live. It is this kind of relaxation that will leave indelible impressions that will warm your heart for a long time. Many, without even a doubt, go to Europe. And one beautiful European country, its capital and sights will be discussed in this article.
The sparkling pearl of the Atlantic
Portugal … This is a truly fantastic state! It extends to the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula and includes two archipelagos of the North Atlantic. Many are not mistaken in calling this country the pearl of the Iberian Peninsula. It covers approximately 100, 000 square kilometers and is washed by the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
It is believed that the first inhabitants who inhabited modern Portugal were the Celts. They were quite peaceful people, but if necessary, they knew how to protect their territory. They cultivated favorable Pyrenean soil and were engaged in cattle breeding.
Be that as it may, it is safe to say that this area has a fairly rich historical past. The country of Portugal has long been under Spanish rule, but after about 60 years after the conquest, it regained its long-awaited independence.
Lisbon - the oldest city in which time has stopped forever
The main attention of tourists who come to the country is directed to the inimitable Lisbon. The capital of Portugal is located in the westernmost part of the Iberian Peninsula, in the very place where the famous Tagus River merges with the Atlantic Ocean.
Lisbon, by the way, is many times older than cities such as Rome, Paris and London, and has been one of the most visited cities in the world and Europe in particular for more than a decade. And this is not surprising, because the city is quite interesting and offers many places in order to spend its free time pleasantly and profitably.
Local Attraction - St. George's Castle
Yes, the unique nature, excellent cuisine and excellent wines, combined with the benevolence of the locals make the country a truly paradise for travelers. However, Lisbon would lose its charm if the beautiful and impregnable castle of St. George was not located in its upland part.
This fortress is evidence of the proud and brave tribes that inhabited Portugal in the past. Having examined the building well, we can conclude that strong stone bricks and high walls made it almost invulnerable at that time.
Reconstruction and symbolism of the fortress
Regular military operations soon nevertheless affected the external state of the castle. That is why already in the X century. the Berber Moors (the tribes that inhabited the territory of modern Portugal at that time) began to repair the powerful castle and soon put it in order, thanks to which tourists can still admire its powerful fortifications.
Castle of St. George has its own unique symbolism. It is a white coat of arms in the shape of a shield, which also shows five small blue shields. All this indicates that the fortress had an important defense value.
The stormy history of the fortress
Later, the royal residence became located in the fortress.
St. George the Victorious was always considered the patron saint of England, therefore, after Portugal signed the Windsor Treaty with her, the castle, which has long demonstrated its power, received its current official name - St. George's Castle.
