Portugal Culture

Portugal has a rich history that dates to prehistoric times. The first settlers left amazing art behind in the form of rock carvings and rock monoliths. Even though Portugal is probably best known for exploring the world during the Age of Discovery, the history of mainland Portugal is rarely described outside of the country. The purpose of this audiobook is to familiarize English speakers with the events and personas that built the Portuguese kingdom, its overseas empire, and the state that Portugal is today.

Legend has it that when Caesar’s general arrived on Portuguese soil in the first century CE, he claimed to have discovered a country blessed with a mild climate and a beautiful coastline, but whose inhabitants were ungoverned and ungovernable. Today, the Portuguese are still impulsive, set in their ways, and resistant to change, yet they are ever charming, romantic, and nostalgic, with an unshakable loyalty toward family and friends.

Conquerors tells the almost forgotten story of how Portugal's navigators cracked the code of the Atlantic winds, launched the expedition of Vasco da Gama to India, and beat the Spanish to the spice kingdoms of the East - then set about creating the first long-range maritime empire.

On the western part of the Iberian Peninsula, touching the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean lies a nation with a proud history that influenced Europe and the rest of the world. But the Portugal of today carries within its soil the history of bygone eras, one that you can trace back to prehistoric times.

Empires of the Sea tells the story of the 50-year world war between Islam and Christianity for the Mediterranean: one of the fiercest and most influential contests in European history. It traces events from the appearance on the world stage of Suleiman the Magnificent through "the years of devastation" when it seemed possible that Islam might master the whole sea, to the final brief flourishing of a united Christendom in 1571.

This is a comprehensive history of Portugal that covers the whole span, from the Stone Age to today. An introduction provides an understanding of geographical and climatic issues, before an examination of Portugal's prehistory and classical Portugal, from the Stone Age to the end of the the Roman era. Portugal's history from AD 420 to the 13th century takes in the Suevi, Visigoths and Moors. Then, a look at medieval Portugal, covers the development of Christian Portugal culminating with the expulsion of the Moors, with a focus on key sites.  

Planning a trip to Portugal? This guide has everything you need for a stress-free, unforgettable adventure—without spending weeks researching! Portugal is a top travel destination, but navigating a foreign country can be overwhelming. Without proper planning, you risk falling into tourist traps, overspending, or missing must-see spots.

The author who unforgettably captured the experience of starting a new life in Tuscany in bestselling travel memoirs expands her horizons to immerse herself—and her readers—in the sights, aromas, and treasures of twelve new special places. A Year in the World is vintage Frances Mayes—a...

Stop Speaking "Portuñol" and Start Speaking Portuguese. Did you grow up with Spanish in the classroom, only to find yourself linguistically stranded at the Portuguese border? You aren't alone. For many English speakers, Spanish is the "familiar tongue"—but when it comes to Portuguese, that familiarity can be a double-edged sword. In Portuguese: An Exceptional Language, retired Communications Professor Bruce H. Joffe unpacks the "why" behind the language with the keen eye of a scholar and the humor of a frustrated student. This isn't your average textbook; it’s a linguistic adventure ...

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Portugal with our comprehensive travel guide, meticulously crafted to enhance every step of your adventure. Whether you're drawn to the historic charm of Lisbon, the sun-kissed beaches of the Algarve, or the picturesque vineyards of the Douro Valley, our guide is your trusted companion, offering invaluable insights and expert recommendations to help you make the most of your visit.

Was Diogo Alves really Portugal’s first - or biggest - serial killer, or just the subject of legend? Stories claim he threw dozens of victims from Lisbon’s famous aqueduct, that he was the country’s most infamous murderer, and that his severed head was even preserved for study. But how much of it is true? This book is an adaptation of Os Segredos de Diogo Alves, offering an English-speaking audience a look into the essentials of the research behind the legend. Instead of lengthy historical documents, it presents just the key findings, the myths, and the real story behind Portugal’s ...

Conocer un país significa comprender, de la manera más exacta posible, su paisaje, su cultura y el pueblo que lo habita, por eso José Saramago viaja a Portugal y ofrece al oyente el auténtico rostro de una tierra inagotable.

You find yourself caught between the familiar and the unknown — feeling that quiet tug to start something new. Maybe it’s the dream of simpler days, warmer light, or a fresh chapter filled with curiosity and connection. Let’s Move to Portugal invites you to follow that feeling and discover how to turn your dream of living abroad into a beautiful, practical reality. This book walks beside you every step of the way — blending heartfelt storytelling with hands-on advice to help you build a new life in Portugal with confidence and joy.

Now with an extra chapter, the beginning of the sequel Our Little Piece of Paradise. A warm-hearted, autobiographical story about the location and lifestyle in a small village in the Algarve, as seen through the eyes of Karen, and her husband Nick, who made the move seeking a quieter, more serene way of life. What lurks in the shadows of paradise, however, is a life-changing illness she has struggled with in the past and now comes to the fore. They have made Portugal their home. Will they be able to navigate the health system and succeed in getting her the urgent operation needed, to ...

Are you ready to explore one of Western Europe’s most beautiful countries? Sofia and Rodrigo can't wait to take you back a step in time to tell you all about the ancient history of Portugal. Put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore huge rivers, beautiful beaches, and the oldest city in Europe. Sofia and Rodrigo will show you everything Portugal has to offer, from the sandy beaches in the south to icy mountain tops in the north.

Most books about Lisbon tell you which miradouro has the best sunset over the Tagus. This one gives you the story behind what you're seeing. Backstory Atlas Lisbon: 10 Reasons We Can't Stop Visiting The City on Europe's Edge explores how a river harbor on Europe's western edge became one of the continent's most visited capitals, and why Lisbon still feels like a place actively renegotiating its own history in real time. This isn't a city that got beautiful by accident. It got beautiful, and complicated, through two thousand years of conquest, empire-building, disaster, dictatorship, and ...

Your indispensable guide to feeling at home in Portugal ... even before you get there. Loaded with vital information, contacts, and connections, this little book tells you what webinars, blogs, podcasts, and Facebook groups don''t. Here's the stuff about Portugal living that takes years to learn without experience!

Geography plays a significant role in shaping the culture and lifestyle of both Spain and Portugal. While both countries share the Iberian Peninsula, each has its own unique landscape, language, culture, and customs. Is either country — or both! — a good fit for you?

The author who unforgettably captured the experience of starting a new life in Tuscany in bestselling travel memoirs expands her horizons to immerse herself—and her readers—in the sights, aromas, and treasures of twelve new special places. A Year in the World is vintage Frances Mayes—a...

Explore the amazing country of Portugal. How they became a world power, nations they discovered and founded, the holidays, the culture, and the history of the country. Find out fun facts about Portugal. Great for five- to 12-year-olds. Discover Portugal today, and learn about a great country that has shaped world history.