• Menu
  • Menu
Expansive view from a panoramic viewpoint, with stone walls and ramparts of the Moorish Castle, Sintra, just below

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Portugal

It's good to share

All of Portugal’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, listed together in one place

It's good to share

All the UNESCO World Heritage locations in Portugal that have made this exclusive list, together in one place…

Introduction

UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), recognises sites worldwide that offer significant historical, cultural or architectural significance. It views these sites as being worthy of the highest levels of conservation, to ensure that they are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Portugal is a country of incredible history and variety. This is recognised by it having no less than 17 locations classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. There are also numerous other places that are currently under consideration on the UNESCO’s tentative list, to be added to this list in future if they can justify the strict criteria required.

Expansive view from a panoramic viewpoint, with stone walls and ramparts of the Moorish Castle, Sintra, just below
The Moorish Castle, Sintra

Personally, I have visited a good number of these, so have included some of my own experiences where I can. However, I can’t claim to have seen them all. You never know, hopefully one day I may get the chance.

Here is a roundup of all of the Portuguese UNESCO World Heritage Sites, confirmed on the list at the time of writing…

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Alto Douro Wine Region

The ancient vineyards of the Douro Valley, one of the very oldest continually used areas of wine production in the world. This region is characterised by picture-perfect landscapes of terraced hillsides, packed with grape vines. These vineyards are famous for producing the wine that is used for making port wine, one of Portugal’s most famous exports. Don’t miss the chance to stay on a vineyard and sample some for yourself.

2 children in rain coats walking amongst red-leafed vines in the Douro Valley in autumn
Walking amongst the vines in the Douro Valley

Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroísmo in the Azores

Angra do Heroísmo is a city and municipality on Terceira Island, the Azores. Founded in 1478, it was historically the most important city in the Azores, and remains one of the three capital cities of the islands.

Angra do Heroísmo, in the Azores. Photo courtesy of Vitor Oliveira, under license

Convent of Christ in Tomar

Tomar is a beautiful, historic city in central Portugal, once a 12th century Templar stronghold. The centrepiece of the city’s historic core is the beautiful Convent of Christ. An extensive complex of beautiful buildings and gardens surround a grand, circular church – perfect for an afternoon of exploring.

Stone exterior of a circular church, with formal gardens in front, at the Convent of Christ, Tomar
The Convent of Christ, Tomar

Cultural Landscape of Sintra

A fairy-tale landscape of castles and quirky palaces and gardens, all arranged spectacularly on a collection of hilltop locations with wide-ranging, panoramic views. It’s a truly breathtaking place to visit, almost unlike anywhere else we’ve ever been.

The beautiful, hilltop palace of Pena in Sintra, Portugal, complete with tower and domed ceiling
National Palace of Pena, Sintra

Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications

Interesting fortifications define this border town with Spain, long contested through the ages. Features include the largest bulwarked dry ditch system in the world. It is also considered to be the best surviving example of the Dutch school of fortifications anywhere.

The Amoreira Aqueduct, Elvas. Photo courtesy of Vitor Oliveira, under license

Historic Centre of Évora

Complete with a columned, Roman temple and medieval town centre.

Square shape of stone columns on a plinth, that form the Templo Romano, Évora
The Templo Romano, Évora

If in the area, also don’t miss the extensive distribution of neolithic tombs and standing stones dotted throughout this region.

A field of Neolithic standing stones, near Evora, Portugal
Neolithic standing stones at Almendres Cromlech, near Évora

Historic Centre of Guimarães

An immaculately preserved medieval town and imposing stone castle, within easy reach of Porto for a day trip. Listed for it being an authentic example of the evolution from a medieval settlement to a modern town.

Small girl stood inside medieval cloisters in Guimaraes, Portugal
Medieval Guimarães

Historic Centre of Oporto (Porto), Luis I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar

The beautiful city centre, iconic iron bridge and beautiful hilltop monastery, that together define the character and skyline of Portugal’s second city: Itself, the perfect location for a city break. For more on what to do when you get there, see our day trip with children to Porto.

Looking across the river in Porto, with traditional port boats lined up in the foreground
Traditional port boats in Porto

Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture

The unique vineyards on this island in the Azores, dating back to the 15th century, are divided into plots protected by walls. These walls are constructed from weathered basalt blocks assembled without mortar.

Pico Island Vineyards. Photo Courtesy of BBCLCD, under license

Laurisilva of Madeira

The island of Madeira is recognised for its extensive laurel forests (or lauisilva), characterised by broadleaf tree species with evergreen, glossy and elongated leaves. These unusual, subtropical forests are found only in areas with high humidity and relatively stable, mild temperatures.

For other fun family things to do while there, check out this Madeira travel itinerary with kids.

Laurel Forests of Madeira. Photo courtesy of Gtbarradas, under license

Monastery of Alcobaça

The Mosteiro de Santa Maria, in Alcobaça, was established in 1153 by the first Portuguese king, Afonso Henriques. The church and monastery were the first Gothic buildings in Portugal and would develop a close association with the Portuguese monarchy throughout their seven-century-long history.

Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça. Photo courtesy of Ravi Sarma, under license

Monastery of Batalha

The Mosteiro da Batalha is a Dominican convent in the municipality of Batalha. It was erected in commemoration of the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota and would serve as the burial church of the 15th-century Aviz dynasty of Portuguese royalty. It is recognised as being one of the best and original examples of Late Flamboyant Gothic architecture in Portugal.

Mosteiro da Batalha. Photo courtesy of Kyle Magnuson, under license

Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon

Located near the Tagus river in the parish of Belém, in the Lisbon Municipality, sits this former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome. Close by, the Belém Tower (officially called the Tower of Saint Vincent) is a 16th-century fortification that served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers, as well as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. Both are recognised as being some of the most prominent examples of the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style of architecture.

When there, be sure to visit the nearby Pastéis de Belém bakery, the origin of the ‘pastel de nata’, Portugal’s famous custard tart desert.

View of the decorative Tower of Belém, Lisbon, with sea behind
The Tower of Belém

If you’re visiting the Lisbon area and looking to save some money, take a look at these essential tips for travelling to Lisbon on a budget.

Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde

Located in northeastern Portugal and sharing its listing with neighbouring Spain, the Prehistoric Rock-Art Site of the Côa Valley is an open-air Paleolithic archaeological site. It includes thousands of engraved rock drawings of horses, bovines and other animals, human and abstract figures, dated from 22,000 to 10,000 years B.C.

Prehistoric rock art in the Côa Valley. Photo courtesy of Reino Baptista, under license

University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia

Established in 1290 in Lisbon and the oldest university in Portugal, it went through a number of relocations until it was moved permanently to its current city of Coimbra in 1537. This makes it one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world.

View of a grand old building with clock tower - part of University of Coimbra, Portugal
University of Coimbra

If in the area, don’t miss the incredibly well-preserved floor mosaics at the nearby Roman city of Conímbriga.

Attractive and well preserved, patterned stone floor mosaic, at the Roman city of Conímbriga, Portugal
Floor mosaic at the Roman city of Conímbriga, Portugal

Royal Building of Mafra – Palace, Basilica, Convent, Cerco Garden and Hunting Park (Tapada)

The Palace of Mafra (or Palácio de Mafra), is a monumental Baroque and Neoclassical palace-monastery. Construction finished in 1755. It was only inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2019.

Palácio de Mafra. Photo courtesy of Kyle Magnuson, under license

Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga

Bom Jesus do Monte is a Portuguese sanctuary in Tenões, outside of the city of Braga. Its name means ‘Good Jesus of the Mount’. The Sanctuary is a notable example of a pilgrimage site, with a monumental, Baroque stairway that climbs 116 meters (381 feet). Lining the way up are a series of rooms containing increasingly gruesome scenes that depict the story of the crucifixion of Jesus.

Family stood on a long staircase lined with statues, that leads up to the church on the hill at Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte
Climbing the stairs to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte

In Summary

The long history of Portugal as a proud, independent, country, combined with its strong and individual cultural identity, have together created many interesting and significant heritage locations. The fact that some of these sites have been singled out for special consideration by UNESCO, further emphasises this point. With more places officially under consideration on UNESCO’s tentative list, it could be that they are able to boast even more entries in future.

Whatever the case, Portugal remains a country that is both welcoming and varied for visitors to experience. It makes a great country for touring to all corners. Most foreign visitors only think about the two major cities of Lisbon and Porto, or alternatively the beaches of the Algarve, when considering a holiday. However, I’d urge anyone to come and experience more of the country (even the islands as well if you can), with all of the wonderful diversity of natural landscapes and cultural heritage on offer. The possibilities extend way beyond just the places listed here. I’m pretty sure if you do come to explore, you won’t be disappointed.

Like what you see? Pin it…

Children of Wanderlust Administrator
We are Rachel & John, parents from the UK with 4 small children. After persuing separate jobs for many years, including being an experienced science teacher, we have now moved to Spain for a fresh challenge. We have always had a passion for travel and exploration. Nowadays, that means bringing our 4 children, Savannah (9), Aurora (7), Easton (5) and Tiago (3) along with us. This oftens means taking a road trip in our beloved vintage camper, touring all corners of Europe and Morocco. We hope that you enjoy reading about our family adventures all over the world.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.