History
Portuguese History - self-catering holidays in Portugal
Portugal is the perfect destination if you are hoping to spend your next self-catering holiday in Southern Europe in the sunshine, enjoying delicious food, soaking up unique cultural and discovering an interesting and varied history. NOVASOL has a wide selection of beautiful holiday accommodation options across the country, including lovely family villas to rent in Portugal with private pools and self-catering holiday apartments in Portugal. Explore all that Portugal has to offer with NOVASOL during your stay in one of our Portuguese holiday villas and uncover Portugal's long and rich history. A stay in one of our many holiday villas to rent in Portugal has something to offer no matter how you wish to spend your next self-catering holiday in Southern Europe.
Self-catering in Portugal
Historical treasures are waiting to be discovered while self-catering in Portugal. The Portuguese are proud of their history, culture and heritage; so whilst staying in our holiday lettings in Portugal you will discover that there are lots of classic monuments and attractions spread across the country and easily accessible from your self-catering holiday home. Portuguese history has had many influences over the years, many of which you can still see and feel in the culture today; for example, the Moorish invasion from North Africa has left a lasting mark on the cuisine and building design of modern Portugal.
Portugal of the Middle Ages
Discover Moorish influences on holiday in Portugal. The Moors of North Africa invaded Portugal in 711AD and went on to rule the country for centuries afterwards, so it is not surprising that you will encounter many of this periods artefacts and monuments - as well as cultural influences - during your stay in our Portuguese holiday villas. Portugal was prosperous under Moorish rule and trade thrived during this time. You will find strong Arabic influences on a self-catering holiday in Portugal. By the mid 13th century, Lisbon had become the capital of Portugal and the country's first university opened in the city in 1290.
Portuguese history - holiday homes in Portugal
As you will soon discover during your stay in one of our holiday homes in Portugal; the country has a long and proud tradition of sea-voyages and exploration. Why not spend your self-catering holiday by the sea and select one of our holiday villas in Portugal adjacent to either the Mediterranean or the roaring Atlantic – enjoying delicious seafood and uncovering this important part of Portuguese history. It was in the 15th century that Portugal formed its alliance with England and became the powerful and victorious maritime nation it would later be known as.
Modern Portuguese history
Learn about a period of growth and change whilst self-catering in Portugal. Even by the early 20th century, Portugal was still relatively poor and illiteracy was fairly common. However, the country's economy began to grow as a result of its exports such as cork, wine and olives. Tourism also became a booming industry for the Portuguese, who had previously relied on agriculture. See for yourself why tourism has grown so much when you stay in a NOVASOL holiday villa in Portugal. After some turbulent political times and revolution, Portugal joined the EU in 1986.
Historical monuments
There are lots of historical monuments not to be missed whilst staying in a Portuguese holiday villas. During your holiday in one of our villas in Portugal, we would suggest that you try to visit some of Portugal's famous historical monuments, which are sure to give you an insight into the country's history during you self-catering holiday in Portugal. The Belem Tower in Lisbon is one of the most popular historical attractions and keeps visitors enthralled year after year. Built in 1515, it served as a guard tower for Lisbon's harbour. For sailors, many of whom were embarking on long sea voyages, the tower would be their last glimpse of their homeland for months or even years. It is a monument to Portugal's 'age of discovery'.