Monsanto National Park
Lisbon's Monsanto National Park covers about 2,471 acres of land, serving as a retreat from downtown. The park overlooks the entire city and gives you a chance to explore nature and wildlife. The land features native and imported trees, including pine and various oak species that blanket the terrain. Flowers add color and depth to the green landscape. When Portuguese representatives began reforesting this area in 1934, they reintroduced several animal species to the area such as squirrels, extinct in Portugal for hundreds of years. In addition to walking trails, the park has a horse riding center, swimming pools, children's playgrounds and fitness courses. The park's primary goal is environmental education.
Monsanto National Park
visitportugal.com
Serra do Bussaco
Serra do Bussaco's 250-acre forested mountain range sits between Lisbon and Porto. In the 16th century, monks built a monastery in the mountains to get closer to nature. Penitential hermitages and chapels soon joined the monastery in the mountains. In the 19th century, Portuguese royalty constructed a castle in Serra do Bussaco, Many of these historic structures still dot the forests, the palace converted into a luxury hotel. The dense forests contain approximately 700 native and imported plant species, including Caucasus spruce, Bussaco cedar, cypresses and the Californian redwood. Walking through the mountains, you see mountain springs, lakeside paths, centuries-old shrines and a small museum. The Palace Hotel offers activities like golf.
Serra do Bussaco
centralportugal.info
The National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum in Jeronimos Monastery contains Portugal's largest exhibit of artifacts discovered around the country. The museum features permanent and temporary exhibits from around the world. Exhibits include Moorish artifacts of the eighth century and prehistoric findings. International pieces in the museum's collection consist of Celtic jewelry and Egyptian artifacts. Built in 1502, Jeronimos Monastery served as the home of the Order of Saint Jerome monks, who guided sailors and offered prayers for the king. The historic building characterizes Gothic architecture and has Moorish-inspired arches at the entrance. Carvings of rope coils, coral and sea motifs grace the building's columns. The walls depict the biblical story of Joseph. The museum gives guided tours and offers education programs.
The National Archaeological Museum
mnarqueologia-ipmuseus.pt
