There are 8 cities to discover in Portugal 

Silves

 

Silves  was, in past centuries, the capital of the Algarve, but lost its status, partly due to the silting of the Arade River, which diminished its economic importance. Xelb (or Shelb) was the name given to the city of Silves during Muslim rule. Previously, during the Roman domain, it would be called Cilpes, name that appears in some Roman coins minted in that place in Century I BC. One of the specimens found presents in the obverse the name CILPES between two ears lying down and in the reverse a galloping horse to the left.

To take

 

Known as the city of the Templars, there are in Tomar other testimonies of its influence, namely the Mata dos Sete Montes where, according to tradition, there were initiatory rituals, and the Church of Santa Maria do Olival that they founded in the 19th century. XII and conserves the tombs of several Masters of that Order.

The Order of the Templars was extinguished in France at the beginning of the century. But in Portugal it was transformed into the Order of Christ by proposal of King D. Dinis, later approved by the Pope, and it was determined that the immense possessions that it possessed should be transferred to the Order of Christ which came to play a leading role in the epic of the Portuguese Discoveries.

 

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They presumably built the first wall that surrounded the population; they built Trajans imposing  bridge over the Bracara-Asturica road; took advantage of the warm mineral-medicinal waters by setting up thermal spas; exploited gold lumps and other soil and subsoil resources. So much importance acquired this urban nucleus at that time, which was elevated to the category of Municipality, when in the year 79 dominated Vespasiano, first Caesar of the Flavia Family. This will be the origin of Aquae Flaviae, former designation of the current city of  Chaves .

 

Guimarães

 

It is a historic city, with a crucial role in the formation of Portugal, and which has been in existence for over a millennium since its formation, when it was designated as Vimaranes. This place-name may have originated in Vímara Peres in the mid-ninth century, when it made this place its main governing center of the county of Portucalense that had conquered for the Kingdom of Galicia and where it died. Guimarães  is one of the most important historical cities in the country, and its historical center is considered a World Cultural Heritage, making it definitely one of the largest tourist centers in the region.

 

Elvas

 

The Goths and Celts were the first settlers of  Elvas , this authentic fortress city, which today extends beyond its star-shaped walls. The Romans named it Helvas. In 714, the Arabs conquered it, leaving these first so many marks of its presence that some still last to this day. In the reign of D. Afonso Henriques, more precisely in 1166, Elvas was conquered to the Moors for the first time. It was later reconquered and lost again, being definitively integrated into Portuguese territory by DDSancho II in 1229.

 

Aveiro

 

Situated in the Baixo Vouga subregion, between the Atlantic Ocean and the mountainous areas of the adjoining districts, Aveiro boasts a very varied landscape, characterized by a long sandy coast, a beautiful estuary and several parks and gardens. Known as the  “Portuguese Venice” , the charming city of  Aveiro  is crossed by a canal and is considered one of the most charming destinations in the country, thanks to its colorful moliceiros, pastel-colored Art Nouveau buildings and tranquil atmosphere. Urban - an ideal setting for your vacation.

Evora

 

Evora owes its original name Ebora to the Celts and is one of the most beautiful historical cities in the world. The Romans built their glorious temple in honor of Emperor Augustus and the Portuguese nobility had imposing palaces, chapels, convents, churches and the majestic Gothic cathedral.

Traces of different eras and civilizations remain virtually intact in a city where people stroll along medieval cobbled streets. Wide arcades give way to picturesque squares, where there are handicraft shops and modern brand boutiques.

 

Tavira

 

Bounded by long beaches separated by an arm of the Ria Formosa estuary and gentle rolling hills covered with sweet-smelling orchards,  Tavira  is one of the most delightful cities in the Algarve, with its unique architecture. It has a charming mix of beautiful buildings, cobbled streets and squares that maintain the atmosphere of a traditional Algarve fishing village. The Gilão River, which runs along the city center, amplifies its charm. The city is full of elegant buildings displaying Taviras characteristic pyramidal roofs and is crossed by an ancient bridge, allegedly of Roman origin, whose best perspective can be obtained from Praça da Repúbli

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