Arriving in Portugal and thought it out: "Now I understand why Brazil is like it is!" What is the difference? The age and thus the cultural relics that accompany it. Although the first impression is that I say this with critical tone, it is not 100%!

I understand that there are many problems which are consequences of our process of colonization, but also the way we are because of this too! The confusion that put into words mean? It means that despite all the bad that we inherited, we have one of the most expressive and charitable people in the world, as well as the Portuguese are mostly. Living in Germany I met a very organized system compared to ours, towns and countryside organized (so far seem to lie), but people (not all but most) are cooler, individualistic and indifferent to others. When I compare these realities, within my values, I am Brazil from ten to zero! For me the most important anywhere in the world are the people! It is the feeling that they emanate and the feeling that arises in me for them! Beautiful landscapes were made to observe, photograph and admire, but difficult to replace a brotherly hug!

Finally, we visited the following places in Portugal: Porto, Braga, Guimaraes, Coimbra, Batalha, Fatima Aveiro. I'll try to summarize below the main points of each city, no big news, after all urban tourism is always saved by companies that were indeed wonderful!

* Port - UNESCO Heritage

The Port is the center of the most populous urban area of ​​Portugal and the ninth largest in Europe. It is a prosperous city and known as the Capital City of the North or Invicta. It originated in a pre-Roman settlement. In Roman times is designated or Portus Cale, Cale, and the origin of the name of Portugal.

As tourist spots include the Tower of Clerics and Serralves Foundation, a museum of contemporary art. The Centro Historico is a World Heritage, classified by UNESCO. The area of ​​the County, is another highly tourist area, and by many considered the most beautiful area of ​​town.

The city of Porto has several spaces of cultural reference in the region and national level. Among the many museums of the city, stands the Museum of Contemporary Art, Casa do Infante, dating from the thirteenth century and where was born the Prince Henrique.

The dishes of the region are the Port Tripe dish history dating back to the time of the Portuguese discoveries. It also has the Codfish Gomes de Sa, and to close, the drink is named after the city: Port wine!

Photos of Porto!

* Braga

The district of Braga is in the province of Minho. It's probably the biggest religious center of Portugal, known for its Baroque churches, by the eighteenth-century houses and elaborate gardens and parks. The old town is majestic and ancient.

Braga is known for its festivals and folk festivals and the local cuisine.

The major landmarks include a cathedral of the XII century, the church of Santa Cruz dating from the seventeenth century and a library that contains very rare books and manuscripts. On a mountain, about 5km west, stands the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, which is visited on Pentecost Sunday by thousands of pilgrims and is famous for its eighteenth-century staircase.

Photos of Braga!

* Guimaraes

Not far away, the city of Guimaraes, known as the birthplace of the country, is undoubtedly a place to visit, not only for its glorious castle, but also the still perfectly preserved medieval quarter. Known in Roman times as Bracara Augusta and seat of the Portuguese episcopate XII century, the long history of Braga is visible in its monuments and churches, and perhaps still the main religious center of the country. The most impressive church is the cathedral, which displays various styles, from Romanesque to the Baroque.

Only the dungeon, the Port of Santiago and the Tower, the Tower of San Sebastian and the New Gate Tower survive to this day.

Guimaraes, a town of medieval origin, has its roots in the remote century X. The Countess Mumadona days, after having been widowed, built on his estate at Vimaranes - today Guimaraes - a monastery. The constant attacks by the Moors and Normans lead to build a fortress to guard and defend the monks and the Christian community living around it. Thus arises the primitive castle of Guimaraes.

In a dominant position overlooking the Campo de Sao Mamede, this monument is connected to the foundation Portucalense and struggles for independence from Portugal, and is popularly known as the cradle of nationality. Classified as a National Monument in 2007 was elected informamelmente one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.

Says the little mouth that here was born the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques. The sink where he claims to have been baptized is in the Romanesque chapel of the Church of Sao Miguel de Oliveira.

Photos of Guimaraes!

* Coimbra

Coimbra is known as the "Student City" or "AFP-Athens", mainly because one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe - the University of Coimbra (UC).

The large museum space par excellence of Coimbra is the National Museum Machado de Castro, located in the former Bishop's Palace in the city. Considered one of the most important museums in the country, has important collections of paintings, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics and textiles.

Photos of Coimbra!

* Battle

Battle is a Portuguese town founded by King John I, together with the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitoria, to thank the supposed divine assistance granted victory in the battle of Aljubarrota (August 14, 1385).

The Monastery of Batalha Monastery of Santa Maria officially da Vitoria, was recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO, one of the most important churches in Europe and is in perfect condition. I was particularly mesmerized by the height and the delicacy of the craftsmanship in every detail done in this monastery. In some of our trips I visited many churches, especially on this trip to Portugal, but had nothing left so impressed me positively. Inside there is almost nothing, such as saints or the like. In fact, I think even so this monument has become even more beautiful! Her beauty is all in its structure, its stained glass windows and in its details completely different from any other piece of fruit Catholic empire of Europe. It's worth knowing too!

This monastery is the most striking symbol of the Avis dynasty.

Pictures of Battle!

* Fatima

Fatima has become world famous for Marian apparitions to three shepherd children. The construction of the Shrine of Fatima brought to the site development, managing to be a city in July 1997.

Fatima has just won the fourth largest church in the world! Just seeing it to believe it is incumbent upon the size ... about 9,000 people sitting! It cost ... there are faithful to the tune of approximately 80 million Euros! Detail, the whole amount is the result of donations of the faithful. Church in the "zoropa" is another story ...

Photos of Fatima!

* Mealhada

Sitauda conveniently between the thermal centers of Luso and Curia, Mealhada is part of the Wine Route Bairrada. The best card is the poor little pig roast, appearing on all restaurant menus of the region. As a follow red wines are served Bairrada, particularly the caste belonging to the local cooperative. Well, as I have related trauma to the slaughter of pigs, not eaten, but ensures that those who ate the true satisfaction!

We visited the "Caves of the Messiah," to understand a little about the manufacturing process of the wines of the region and, of course, to earn a wine on track in time to taste! In order to prove the semi-sparkling wine, and fall, cachaca! When I visit these caves understand why there is so fresh in the art of drinking wine. If everyone knew the work it takes to manage a quality wine, no one else would be drunk with good wine! Believe!

Photos of Mealhada!