YourHolidays - Fun Facts about Portugal

We have some interesting and fun facts about Portugal you might not know.

- Portugal is the oldest country in Europe. Portugal has had the same defined borders since 1139, making it the oldest nation-state in Europe. 

- Afonso Henriques was proclaimed the first King of Portugal in 1139 and the country remained a kingdom for almost 800 years thereafter, until 1910.

- Portugal and England have the oldest diplomatic alliance in the world. Signed in 1373, the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance is in force until this day! 

- The oldest bookstore in the world is in Portugal's capital Lisbon.

- Portugal is one of the world's top surf spots and has a coastline that spans 497 miles.

- The traditional musical style in Portugal is Fado and is often described as melancholic and/or nostalgic. This musical genre relies on complete mastery of stringed instruments (including the Portuguese guitar) and the voice of the singer.

- Did you know that tempura was introduced to Japan by Portuguese missionaries?

- Rio de Janeiro was once the capital of Portugal. For a short period of time, from 1808 to 1821, the capital was moved to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.  This was because the Royals had fled the country after the invasion by Napoleon.

- The Tower of Belem in Portugal was built in the 16th century as a tribute to Vasco da Gama, originally on an island in the Tagus. The tower . is now much closer to shore and believed to be due to an earthquake in 1755 changing the course of the Tagus and bringing it closer.

- Over the years the Tower of Belem has served simultaneously as a defence tower and as a ceremonial gateway. It also served as a prison and customs office, but now it is primarily a tourist attraction.