Many people know that Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe. But do they know which is the oldest city in the country? Many of them were erected and disappeared for the most diverse reasons, still shrouded in mystery and without a proven explanation. Among the cities that disappeared are Ammaia, in Alentejo. Others were simply abandoned and buried by new construction, such as Aeminium, in Coimbra.
This happened all over the world, cities disappeared and others ended up overlapping others. Discover the 7 oldest cities in Portugal below.
1 – Évora (prior to the formation of Portugal)
Known for its imposing cathedral, the beautiful city of Évora, built on a large hill in Alentejo, is also famous for the Temple of Diana (a Roman construction), the Chapel of Bones and the beautiful beauty of the walls that surround the city. Because it is so historically important, Évora has the UNESCO seal as a World Heritage Site.
The city is really old: it was refounded by the Romans as Ebora Cerealis and then Liberalitas Julia, about a Celtic village in 27 BC. Until the year 1165 the city was dominated by the Moors when it ended up being reconquered.
2 – Braga (prior to the formation of Portugal)
Braga is a city located in the Minho region, in the north of Portugal, famous for its natural beauty, with lots of greenery and mountains that surround it. It is one of the most beautiful Portuguese cities and also one of the most religious, being one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. Braga Cathedral is one of the city's greatest architectural highlights and is the oldest in the country.
The city of Braga is the second oldest in Portugal. It was founded by the Romans in the year 14 BC and its first name was Bracara Augusta, being at the time the largest city in what is now Portuguese territory. It is also known as City of Archbishops or Portuguese Rome.
3 – Porto (prior to the formation of Portugal)
The city of Porto is known as the capital of northern Portugal and the second largest city in the country. It is so old (it was conquered in the year 868) that it gave its name to the country and also to the wine of the same name known and appreciated throughout the world – Port Wine.
The city of Porto is affectionately called undefeated because he has always asserted his will against impositions and invaders. It was built on the hills at the mouth of the Douro River, its architecture is recognized worldwide and the city's historic center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
4 – Lamego (prior to the formation of Portugal)
Lamego is an important urban center in the Douro region. It was in Lamego, in the Church of Almacave, that Dom Afonso Henrique gathered the First Cortes, when Portugal was born as an independent nation. One of the most imposing churches in Portugal was built in the city, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Sanctuary, on top of a mountain.
The city's economy has developed, since ancient times, through the cultivation of vineyards that gave rise to famous and quality wines. Furthermore, the region has cultivated olive trees and cherries for centuries. Lamego was reconquered from the Moors in the year 1057.
5 – Viseu (prior to the formation of Portugal)
Surrounded by green on all sides, the beautiful city of Viseu was born right in the center of Portugal. It is located on a plateau surrounded by mountains and bordered by two rivers. The city received the award for preserving its green spaces, an example for the country.
In the city, the highlight is its ancient and imposing Cathedral, built during the Roman occupation. Viseu was reconquered from the Moors in 1057.
6 – Coimbra (prior to the formation of Portugal)
Coimbra is famous for being the seat of the oldest university in the country and one of the oldest in the world, founded in 1290. It is the most important city south of the Douro River and was for some time the residence of Count Dom Henrique and Dona Teresa, parents of the first king of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques, who was born in the city. By his hand, it was integrated into Portuguese territory in 1131.
The city was reconquered from the Moors in the year 1064. Soon after the reconquest, the city became the capital of the kingdom and some of the city's most important monuments were erected: the Old Cathedral and the Churches of São Tiago, São Salvador and Santa Cruz, representing the religious authority and the various orders that here have established themselves.
7 – Lisbon (prior to the formation of Portugal)
Lisbon arose on 7 hills over the Tagus River and is therefore mountainous and full of breathtaking alleys and viewpoints. It is known as the City of Seven Hills. Lisbon became the country's capital since its conquest from the Moors in 1147, and is a legendary city with more than 20 centuries of history and the most important tourist hub in the country.
There are many options: museums, churches, viewpoints, Pombaline buildings in Baixa with tiled facades, the famous and narrow medieval streets of the typical neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto and gardens, lots of gardens. These are just some of the options that the Portuguese capital offers!
