What happens when a global super power fades away and becomes yesterday’s news? It becomes as magnificent as Portugal.
Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, is a testament to a great country and an empire that spanned the globe. Relics and memories of the glory days of a rich and powerful maritime tradition sit cheek by jowl with symbols of modernity.
Which is not to say that Portugal is some kind of backwater. It exudes professionalism and an excellent combination of laughter, efficiency and joie de vivre.
Articles about Portugal, by region
Select one of the Portuguese regions to drill down and see articles and stories connected to it.
All my Portugal articles
- When Napoleon Conquered Malta in 72 Hours December 11, 2025 - Think the fall of powerful nations takes months? Napoleon Bonaparte dismantled 268 years of Knights' rule over Malta in three days. If you want to understand how empires truly fall, keep… Continue Reading
- St James’ Church, Valletta April 16, 2025 - St James' Church on Valletta's bustling Merchants' street never attracted my eye the same way the other churches in the city do. When I found out my ancestors married there… Continue Reading
- Harry Potter and Porto’s Hidden House October 18, 2023 - In Porto, in between the Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas, there exists a hidden, narrow three-storey house called Casa Escondida. Some claim this house inspired J.K. Rowling, but… Continue Reading
- The special Barbican of Coimbra October 12, 2020 - One thing which fascinates me is the amount of human history we've lost. The barbican is one of those historical architectural features we've almost lost. In fact in Coimbra, Portugal,… Continue Reading
- Learn how Portugal helped Malta in its time of need July 20, 2020 - If you ask people how Malta fought against French occupation, most will talk about how the British helped the Maltese out. Few know that the Portuguese navy played the decisive… Continue Reading
- The Lasting effects of the Thirty Years’ War November 26, 2018 - I've written plenty of articles about the effects of the 30 Years' war on Prague and Czechia in general. I knew bits and pieces of the story so I decided… Continue Reading
- How did the British take control of Malta? October 8, 2018 - I often discuss Maltese history with others and have written about unusual parts of it here. Often people claims that ‘the British illegally took control’ of the Maltese islands. This is… Continue Reading
- The shock of the 1908 tsunami in Malta August 20, 2018 - One side effect of an earthquake in a coastal region is a tsunami that rips through the sea around it. Malta is close to a major earthquake fault line. In… Continue Reading
- Do you know when the Union Jack first flew over Malta? December 4, 2017 - Maltese history is a rich tapestry of events, influences and wars. The Maltese are proud of British heritage, but few seem to know where the British flag was first flown… Continue Reading
- Hearst Castle January 9, 2017 - You expect to find castles everywhere in Europe. You can barely drive for an hour without seeing signs for some stately home, castle or palace here. I wasn't expecting to… Continue Reading
- The Lisbon Earthquake April 4, 2016 - Earthquakes, uncommon as they are, are as realistic to me as World War II or a sensible lawyer. I know they exist but I've never experienced them directly. This makes… Continue Reading
- Betraying your Brother in Leiria February 29, 2016 - The long walk up to the castle of Leiria, in Portugal, is paved with cobblestones that are slippery when wet. I gingerly trekked up until, gasping for air, I reached the… Continue Reading
- Discovering Nazareth in Portugal January 11, 2016 - Along the Atlantic coast, in Portugal's central region, lies the town of Nazaré - literally, Nazareth. It sprawls over a clifftop and a beach below the cliffs and is a… Continue Reading
- Iberian Road Trip Review January 19, 2015 - In December, I wrote about my plans to go on a road trip for my New Year's holiday. The reality did not disappoint as I drove, drank and ate my… Continue Reading
- New Year’s Road Trip December 15, 2014 - A few months' ago, just as the summer was peaking, I turned my mind to thoughts of a New Year's holiday. It's worth planning ahead, even if there are always… Continue Reading
- Santa Engracia – Lisbon August 4, 2014 - The National Pantheon in Lisbon, Portugal is a 17th century church that was converted to a national monument and is now the final resting place for Portuguese personalities. Walk with… Continue Reading
- How to (really) travel July 28, 2014 - As an expat, and as someone who enjoys travelling, I am often drawn into conversations about living abroad and how I can do it or how I choose to do… Continue Reading
- Expat Feelings June 23, 2014 - I have written about my life as an expat before. There are many things that make this life engaging and soul-enriching in my opinion but there is one curious collection of… Continue Reading