5 unmissable attractions in Portugal – A place entangled in history and beauty

First built as a chapel for the Lady Pena during the middle ages and later rebuilt into a palace in the 19th century by King Ferdinand; the Pena National Palace is an iconic symbol of national pride. It sits high above a plateau and seems as though it was taken straight from the pages of a fairy tale. The palace can be seen from even Lisbon apparently on a clear day. The architectural style of the palace is actually a combination of both Moorish and Manueline and is often cited as one of the best examples of 19th-century romanticism.

Belem Tower is also known as St. Vincent's Tower and once served as a warning and greeting to enemies and friends. Built during the age of discovery; 1515 to be precise the tower stands on the remnant of an island in the Tagus River. The structure is 4 storeys and housed 17 cannons on its bastion. There is also a statue of our lady of homecoming which faces the sea and stands in memoriam of a bygone age when Portugal was a major seafaring power in the world.

Cais Da Ribeira is a colourful and charming area of Porto – it is even often called the 'soul of Porto'. The essence of the whole area seems as if it were misplaced in time. Many medieval streets criss-cross and end with a square by the Duoro River. The ancient buildings are now full of superb restaurants and cafes where you can try some of the best local delicacies. The area is very popular during festival times as many people gather here to watch the fireworks.

When travelling to Portugal check out Minor Hotels it's very reasonably priced and super-comfortable and belongs to a very prestigious international hotel group. Sao Jorge Castle is probably one of the biggest if not the biggest attraction in Lisbon. This amazing structure stands tall and proud over the city and can be seen from anywhere in Lisbon. First built by the Romans it was later fortified by the Moors in the 10th century and recaptured by crusaders in 1147 during the siege of Lisbon in the second crusade. There are still the walls standing and 18 towers that are open to the public.

The Alcobaca Church and Monastery are located in the small town of Alcobaca in the heart of Portugal. It was built by the first Portuguese King; Afonso Henriques in 1153. The church and monastery are claimed to be the first examples of Gothic architecture in the country. Alcobaca church is said to have maintained very close relationships with the country's royalty and is still considered one of the most important medieval monasteries in Portugal.