• Culture

Portuguese culture is based on a past that dates back to prehistoric times and has been heavily influenced by a rich variety of countries and customs over the years. The eras of the Roman and Moorish invasions as well as the ancient societies before that have all left their traces in a rich legacy of archaeological remains that can be found throughout Portugal.

The ancient cave paintings at Escoural, the Roman township of Conímbriga, the Temple of Diana in Évora and the typical Moorish architecture of the southern towns Olhão and Tavira are just some examples of extraordinary cultural gems that can be found in the country.

Throughout the centuries, Portugal's arts have been enriched by foreign influences, including Flemish, French and Italian. The voyages of the Portuguese discoverers opened the country to Oriental inspiration and the revelation of Brazil's wealth of gold and jewels fed the Baroque flame in decoration. Portugal has a huge cultural heritage that is just waiting to be discovered…