List of World Heritage Sites in Portugal

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

World Heritage Sites in Portugal. The two sites in the Azores are shown in the map below. Not shown is the Laurisilva that covers a large part of the island of Madeira
.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designates World Heritage Sites of outstanding universal value to cultural or natural heritage which have been nominated by countries that are signatories to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972.[1] Cultural heritage consists of monuments (such as architectural works, monumental sculptures, or inscriptions), groups of buildings, and sites (including archaeological sites). Natural heritage is defined as natural features (consisting of physical and biological formations), geological and physiographical formations (including habitats of threatened species of animals and plants), and natural sites which are important from the point of view of science, conservation or natural beauty.[2] Portugal ratified the convention on 30 September, 1980.[3]

There are 17 World Heritage Sites listed in Portugal, with a further 18 on the tentative list. The first four sites listed in Portugal were the

Siega Verde is shared with Spain, making it Portugal's only transnational site.[3]

World Heritage Sites

UNESCO lists sites under ten criteria; each entry must meet at least one of the criteria. Criteria i through vi are cultural and vii through x are natural.[4]

  * Transnational site
World Heritage Sites
Site Image Location Year listed UNESCO data Description
Central Zone of the Town of
Angra do Heroismo
in the Azores
Coastal town with white houses and churches with red roofs Terceira Island 1983 206; iv, vi (cultural) The town was founded in the late 15th century during the Age of Discovery. For 400 years, until the advent of steamships, it served as a port of call for ships heading to equatorial Africa and the East and West Indies, and back to Europe. The town's defence systems include the forts of São Sebastiã and São João Baptista. There are several Baroque churches. The town was significantly damaged in a 1980 earthquake but has since been substantially restored.[5]
Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon White tower near the sea Lisbon 1983 263bis; iii, vi (cultural) Both the Monastery and the Tower, located in the
Belém district of Lisbon along the Tagus river, are symbolically linked to the Age of Discovery when Portugal explored the world. The Monastery was founded in the memory of Prince Henry the Navigator and for the monks to pray for the king and the seafarers. The Tower (pictured) was built to commemorate the voyage of Vasco da Gama and to protect the port. Both buildings were constructed in the early 16th century in Manueline style. A minor boundary modification of the site took place in 2008.[6]
Monastery of Batalha Gothic church Batalha 1983 264; i, ii (cultural) The Dominican Monastery of Batalha was built in the early 15th century to commemorate the Portuguese victory over the Castilians at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. The monastery is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with later additions in the Manueline style. For more than two centuries, it served as an important workshop for the Portuguese monarchy, as a site where the characteristic features of national art were determined.[7]
Convent of Christ in Tomar Christian religious building with a bell Tomar 1983 265; i, vi (cultural) The convent was founded in the 12th century as a
Mannerist, and Baroque architecture.[8]
Historic Centre of Évora Ruins of a classical columned temple Évora 1986 361; ii, iv (cultural) The city of Évora is the finest example of a city of the golden age of Portugal (as Lisbon was largely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake). The city is home to monuments from different periods, including the Roman Temple (pictured), Moorish fortifications, and churches and palaces built after the 15th century when Évora became the residence of Portuguese monarchs. A typical feature of the city are the whitewashed houses from the 16th to the 18th century. They are decorated with painted tiles (the azulejos) and wrought-iron balconies. The monuments of Évora have inspired the Portuguese colonial architecture in Brazil.[9]
Monastery of Alcobaça Church facade integrated into a complex of white buildings with red roofs Alcobaça 1989 505; i, iv (cultural) The Cistercian monastery was founded in the 12th century and became a cultural, religious, and political regional centre. The church and the monastic buildings were built in the 13th century in Gothic style, while the facade was renovated in the 18th century in the Baroque style. The kitchen also dates to the 18th century. The church houses the twin tombs of king Pedro I and Inês de Castro, from 1360, which are fine examples of Gothic funerary sculptures.[10]
Cultural Landscape of Sintra Aerial view of a castle with a white façade and orange roofs Sintra 1995 723; ii, iv, v (cultural) The cultural landscape is located in the Sintra Mountains. In the 19th century, the area became a centre of Romantic architecture. Prominent landmarks include the Pena Palace, a ruined monastery turned into a castle in an eclectic combination of styles, Sintra National Palace (pictured), Quinta da Regaleira, Monserrate Palace, and the Castle of the Moors. Parks adjacent to the palaces are home to several exotic plant species.[11]
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar Metal bridge across a river and city centre built on a hillside Porto 1996 755; iv (cultural) The city of Oporto, or Porto, lies at the mouth of the Douro river. Originally a Phoenician trade settlement, the city has been continuously inhabited since the Roman times. The monuments in the city date to different periods: the Cathedral was built in Romanesque, the Church of Santa Clara in Manueline, and the Stock Exchange Palace in Neoclassical style.[12]
Siega Verde
*
Rock carvings of animals including a horse Douro region 1998 866bis; i, iii (cultural) This property comprises two sites with open-air rock carvings. The Portuguese site, listed in 1998, is located in the Côa Valley. The Siega Verde site in Spain was added as an extension in 2010. The carvings, representing especially animals (over 5000 figures), were made over the course of several millennia, from the Upper Paleolithic to the Magdalenian/Epipalaeolithic (22,000 to 8,000 BCE).[13]
Laurisilva of Madeira Old roads and passages between villages and other places in Madeira Island surrounded by prehistoric forest Madeira 1999 934; ix, x (natural) The laurel forests of Madeira represent a relic of a forest type that covered large parts of Southern Europe 40 to 15 million years ago. The forest consists mainly of evergreen trees and bushes, with flat, dark green leaves. The ecosystem, which is mainly primary forest, is home to many plant and animal species, several of them
endemic.[14]
Historic Centre of Guimarães and Couros Zone A monument in front of a castle Guimarães 2001 1031bis; ii, iii, iv (cultural) As the home of the dukes who declared independence in the 12th century, Guimarães is an important town in the history of Portugal. It served as the first capital of the country. The development of the medieval town took place around the castle and the monastic complex. Between the late 15th and 17th centuries, noble houses and civic buildings were constructed in the historic centre that has been well preserved. Specialized building techniques developed in Guimarães in the Middle Ages were transmitted to Portuguese colonies in Africa and in the Americas. The Couros Zone with tanneries was added in 2023.[15]
Alto Douro Wine Region A river with terraced vineyards Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro Province 2001 1046; ii, iv, v (cultural) The valley of the Douro river and its main tributaries is a cultural landscape where wine has been produced for about two millennia. The landscape has been shaped by human activities, with terraced vineyards, quintas (wine-producing farm estates), roads, and chapels. Since the mid-18th century, the best-known product of the region has been Port wine.[16]
Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture Vineyards with low walls built of boulders and the sea in the distance Pico Island 2004 1117rev; iii, v (cultural) Wine production on Pico Island began in the 15th century. In order to protect the farms and vineyards from wind and seawater, farmers built a network of long stone walls across the island. Buildings related to viticulture include the early 19th century manor houses, wine cellars, ports, and churches. Wine production in the island reached its peak in the 19th century and then declined. In the 21st century, it continues on a smaller scale.[17]
Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications
Ramparts of Elvas Elvas 2012 1367bis; iv (cultural) The city of Elvas is located close to the border with Spain. Portugal regained independence from Spain in 1640 and a complex bulwarked dry-ditch fortification system (a
Jesuit priest padre Cosmander in line with the latest Dutch defensive trends. The site also includes the Nossa Senhora da Graça Fort from the 18th century and Amoreira Aqueduct from the 16th century. A minor boundary modification of the site took place in 2013.[18]
University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia Palace courtyard, university buildings Coimbra 2013 1387bis; ii, iv, vi (cultural) The University of Coimbra was founded at the end of the 13th century on the hill overlooking the town (Alta). In 1537, it moved to the Royal Palace of Alcáçova and later developed a series of colleges. It served as a template for universities in the
Lusophone world. The city of Coimbra is strongly intertwined with the university. Some of the key buildings include the 12th-century Old Cathedral, the Baroque Joanine Library, Chapel of São Miguel, and colleges along the Sofia street in the city. A minor boundary modification of the site took place in 2019.[19]
Royal Building of Mafra – Palace, Basilica, Convent, Cerco Garden and Hunting Park (Tapada) A massive building with yellow facade and two bell towers in the middle Mafra 2019 1573; iv (cultural) The palace complex in Mafra was commissioned in the early 18th century by King João V. The complex includes a basilica, king's and queen's palaces, a monastery, and a library. It was built in the Italian Baroque style, in particular inspired by the architecture of Rome. The site also includes the Cerco Garden, adjacent to the palace, and the royal hunting grounds.[20]
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga Elaborate staircase leading to a church on a hill Braga 2019 1590; iv (cultural) The sanctuary is located on the slopes of Mount Espinho above Braga, and is an example of a sacred mount pilgrimage site. The main buildings were built in the Baroque style, the most emblematic being the Stairway of the Five Senses (pictured).[21]

Tentative list

In addition to sites inscribed on the World Heritage list, member states can maintain a list of tentative sites that they may consider for nomination. Nominations for the World Heritage list are only accepted if the site was previously listed on the tentative list.[22] Portugal has 18 sites on its tentative list.[3]

Site Image Location Year listed UNESCO criteria Description
Historical Lisbon, Global City Look at the Lisbon cathedral and surrounding buildings Lisbon 2017 i, ii, iii, iv, vi (cultural) This nomination considers the global legacy of the city of Lisbon. Of special interest are the parts constructed during the Medieval period, the Age of Discovery, and the renovations following the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.[23]
Mértola Castle above a town, houses with white facades Beja District 2017 ii, iii, vi (cultural) The town of Mértola is located on the banks of the
Palaeochristian period has been preserved. During the Islamic period, the town played an important economic role in the commerce of agricultural and mineral goods between the Alentejo and other parts of Al-Andalus (Muslim Hispania) and Northern Africa.[24]
Montado, Cultural Landscape Montado landscape: trees and grass growing in between Alentejo, Algarve, Beira Baixa 2017 iv, v, vi (cultural) Montado is an agrosylvopastoral type of cultural landscape that has been created through centuries from the Mediterranean forest ecosystem. The main tree species are the cork oak and the holm oak. The first one is used for cork production while the acorns of the second are food for Iberian pigs.[25]
Route of Magellan. First around the World* Monument to discoveries and a globe in front several sites 2017 ii, iv, vi (cultural) This nomination covers the sites visited by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan on his voyage around the world in the early 16th century, history's first circumnavigation. In addition, the expedition discovered the Strait of Magellan for the West and represented the first European crossing of the Pacific Ocean. Sites along the route are in present-day Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Chile, Indonesia, Philippines, Portugal, and Spain.[26]
Vila Viçosa, Renaissance ducal town Long palace and a horseman statue in front Évora District 2017 ii, iv (cultural) In the 15th century, Vila Viçosa became the base of the Dukes of Braganza, who transformed it according to the ideals of the Renaissance urban planning. Two open squares were constructed, one along the Ducal Palace. Fortifications and bastions were added in the 17th century. The town's plan served as a template for settlements in Portuguese colonies.[27]
Selvagens Islands Rocky ocean coast North Atlantic Ocean 2017 vii, viii, ix, x (natural) This group of uninhabited volcanic islands and islets is located between Madeira and the Canary Islands. They are the smallest and the oldest (27 million years old) archipelago of Macaronesia. Bridging the gap between the two bigger archipelagos, they are an important habitat for marine species, as well as nesting ground for several species of seabirds.[28]
Bulwarked Fortifications of the "Raia" (Border) Fortress on the top of a hill Elvas, Marvão, Valença, Almeida 2017 iv, vi (cultural) This nomination comprises four sites along the Portuguese-Spanish border, a border that has remained relatively unchanged for over 700 years. The
Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications is already a World Heritage Site. The other three sites are the Castle of Marvão (pictured), the Castle Fortress of Almeida, and the fortress in Valença. The key fortifications date to the 17th and 18th centuries.[29]
Águas Livres Aqueduct Aqueduct crossing a valley Lisbon 2017 i, ii, iv (cultural) The aqueduct, commissioned by King John V, was built between 1731 and 1799. The whole system stretches for 58 kilometres (36 mi) from Sintra area to Lisbon. At the time of construction, it contained the world's largest pointed arch with a height of 65 metres (213 ft) and a width of 29 metres (95 ft), it was also the last classical aqueduct to be built anywhere in the world. It survived the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.[30]
Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Routes in Portugal Path under the trees and among stone walls several sites 2017 ii, iii, iv, vi (cultural) This nomination covers the routes of Camino in Portugal. The origins of the
cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain date to the 9th century. The routes in Spain and in France are already listed as World Heritage Sites. In Portugal, there are six main routes, starting from Lisbon and other cities. Symbolic monuments and several churches have been built in the cities that the routes pass, as well as hostels and hospitals for the pilgrims.[31]
Roman Production Centre of Fish Salting and Conservation in Tróia Ruins of fish-processing tanks Setúbal District 2017 iii, iv (cultural) The archaeological site of Tróia contains structures that were used during Roman times from the 1st to the 6th century. Due to the availability of salt and abundance of fish, an industry developed to produce salted fish and fish sauce (garum). The ruins were rediscovered in the 16th century. At the site, 25 factories and 182 processing tanks were uncovered.[32]
Ensemble of Álvaro Siza's Architecture Works in Portugal White rectangular church building several sites 2017 i, ii, iv (cultural) This site comprises the works of the prominent Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, winner of the 1992 Pritzker Architecture Prize, in Portugal. His work spans over 50 years. The buildings he designed with a unique architectural expression cover all architecture areas, including individual houses, public buildings, churches (church in Marco de Canaveses pictured), and sport infrastructure.[33]
Southwest Coast Ocean coast Alentejo Litoral, Barlavento Algarvio 2017 viii, ix, x (natural) The coast, stretching for about 150 kilometres (93 mi) from São Torpes to Burgau, is one of the few remaining well preserved coastlines in southern Europe. It is geologically important, with rock formations dating from the Upper Paleozoic to Quaternary. It is an important biodiversity spot, both for marine and terrestrial life, with both Atlantic and Mediterranean characteristics.[34]
Pombaline Lisbon A large square with a horseman statue Lisbon 2017 i, ii, iv, vi (cultural) This nomination comprises Baixa, the historic downtown of Lisbon. Following the devastating
the Enlightenment, with rectangular street plan, wide roads, and public spaces. The Pombaline Baixa is one of the first examples of earthquake-resistant construction, with engineering innovations such as the Pombaline cage.[35]
Desert of the Discalced Carmelites and Built Ensemble of the Palace-Hotel in Bussaco A large building with an elaborate facade in front of a park Aveiro District 2017 ii, iii, iv (cultural) The "Desert" refers to a large walled enclosure, 1,450 metres (4,760 ft) long and 950 metres (3,120 ft) wide, where monks of Discalced Carmelites order were living in a hermitic lifestyle. It was constructed in 1628-30 and was operational until the dissolution of the monasteries in Portugal in 1834. The enclosure contains an arboretum with one of the finest collection of exotic tree species in Europe. The Palace-Hotel (pictured) was completed in 1920 in the Neo-Manueline style.[36]
Head Office and Garden of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation A modern building and a garden Lisbon 2017 i, ii, iv, vi (cultural) This nomination covers the complex of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, founded by a businessman and philanthropist Calouste Gulbenkian. The complex contains a museum, a park, an auditorium, and administrative headquarters of the foundation, and is an example of modernist architecture balancing both interior and exterior designs. Construction of the complex began in the 1950s and was overseen by architects Alberto Pessoa, Pedro Cid, and Rui Jervis Atouguia. Landscape architects were António Viana Barreto and Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles.[37]
levadas of Madeira Island A water channel in a forest Madeira 2017 i, iii, iv, v (cultural) Levadas are a system of about 800 km of aqueducts and waterways constructed over centuries on the island of Madeira. People started building them in the 15th century, when Madeira was first settled. Initially, they were used to supply fresh water from the mountains and for irrigation, later also for hydroelectric plants. Levadas were first built in basalt rock masonry, later also in concrete. The channels are narrow to limit the losses due to evaporation.[38]
Mid-Atlantic Ridge* A volcanic mountain in clouds Azores 2017 vii, viii, ix, x (natural) This is a transnational nomination that covers the sites in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. In Portugal, sites include volcanic features in the Azores, including Mount Pico (pictured), Capelinhos, and Algar do Carvão, as well as seamounts and deep-sea hydrothermal fields in the surrounding ocean. These sites are important habitats for terrestrial and marine species. As most of the ridge is submerged, systematic mapping only began in the 1960s.[39]
Sites of Globalization A lighthouse in Sagres several sites 2017 ii, iv, vi (cultural) This nomination comprises the sites in Portugal that had a role in the Age of Discovery, starting in the early 15th century. Sites include Sagres (pictured), home of Prince Henry the Navigator, Lagos as a port which played a role in the Atlantic slave trade, Silves with a sugar mill, and three settlements in the islands colonized during this period: Funchal in Madeira and Angra do Heroísmo and Vila do Porto in the Azores.[40]

See also

References

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  2. ^ "Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 1 February 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d "Portugal". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 21 July 2015. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  4. ^ "UNESCO World Heritage Centre – The Criteria for Selection". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 12 June 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
  5. ^ "Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroismo in the Azores". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  6. ^ "Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  7. ^ "Monastery of Batalha". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 7 August 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  8. ^ "Convent of Christ in Tomar". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  9. ^ "Historic Centre of Évora". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  10. ^ "Monastery of Alcobaça". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 29 July 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  11. ^ "Cultural Landscape of Sintra". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 4 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  12. ^ "Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 18 August 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  13. ^ "Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  14. ^ "Laurisilva of Madeira". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  15. ^ "Historic Centre of Guimarães and Couros Zone". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  16. ^ "Alto Douro Wine Region". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 6 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  17. ^ "Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  18. ^ "Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  19. ^ "University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 6 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  20. ^ "Royal Building of Mafra – Palace, Basilica, Convent, Cerco Garden and Hunting Park (Tapada)". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  21. ^ "Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  22. ^ "Tentative Lists". UNESCO. Archived from the original on 24 September 2005. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  23. ^ "Historical Lisbon, Global City". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 11 April 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  24. ^ "Mértola". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 11 April 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  25. ^ "Montado, Cultural Landscape". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 12 April 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  26. ^ "Route of Magellan. First around the World". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 12 April 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  27. ^ "Vila Viçosa, Renaissance ducal town". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 12 April 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  28. ^ "Selvagens Islands". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 12 April 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  29. ^ "Bulwarked Fortifications of the "Raia" (Border)". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 11 April 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  30. ^ "Águas Livres Aqueduct". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 12 April 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  31. ^ "Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Routes in Portugal". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 12 April 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  32. ^ "Roman Production Centre of Fish Salting and Conservation in Tróia". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 12 April 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  33. ^ "Ensemble of Álvaro Siza's Architecture Works in Portugal". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 11 April 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  34. ^ "Southwest Coast". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 30 April 2017. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  35. ^ "Pombaline Lisbon". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 11 May 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  36. ^ "Desert of the Discalced Carmelites and Built Ensemble of the Palace-Hotel in Bussaco". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 12 April 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  37. ^ "Head Office and Garden of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 11 April 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  38. ^ "Levadas of Madeira Island". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 20 October 2017. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  39. ^ "Mid-Atlantic Ridge". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 12 April 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  40. ^ "Sites of Globalization". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 12 April 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2021.

External links