Portugal shares old historical links with India. The trade route to India from Europe was actually discovered by a Portuguese sailor called Vasco da Gama. The Portuguese, like the other Europeans who colonised India were attracted to the country by its fabled wealth and spice trade. Today, the scene is a bit different. Many Indian tourists are visiting Portugal to spend their holidays and for good reason. Portugal is blessed with excellent beaches, beautifully designed cities, a delectable cuisine and friendly people.
Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal used to be a great trading center. Ships from all over the world used to congregate here to unload their goods, which would then be carried by land to other places on the continent. As a result of this, the city has a rich architectural tradition. Do visit the Castle of St. Jorge. It dates back to the middle age and is one of the major tourists attractions in Lisbon. Close to Lisbon is the ancient monastery of Batalha. It is one of the best examples of medieval Gothic architecture in the world.
