At Lisboa Secreta our mission is to write about the city today, but we are also interested in historical curiosities. From the cities that have taken on the role of capital to the most impressive castles, the possibilities are many. But this time, we want to take you on another journey through time, visiting some of the oldest cities from north to south.
After all, Portugal is considered one of the oldest countries in Europe and its history goes back thousands of years. Celts, Phoenicians, Romans, Muslims and more passed through until the territory was definitively consolidated as an independent kingdom. Today, evidence of this vast past can be seen in the streets, ruins, monuments and churches.
In this context, we want to share with you some of Portugal’s oldest cities. However, it should be noted that the order presented is not chronological. In fact, it is the result of various sources consulted. Furthermore, there is a lack of consensus in some cases, so we decided to present the list in a geographical order.
Braga, the ‘city of archbishops’
The ‘capital of Minho’ is even considered by some sources to be the oldest city in Portugal. Created in 14 BC by the Romans, it shone as Bracara Augusta and even today this legacy is celebrated in a great historical re-enactment, which takes place annually.
With an important role throughout our history, Braga is known as the ‘city of archbishops’ for its importance in the religious world, but also for its heritage, such as the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte (classified by UNESCO).
Guimarães, the ‘Cradle of the Nation’
As mentioned above, this trip follows a geographical order, so now we’re heading to Guimarães, still in Minho. This is a very old city, which was also once the capital.
Guimarães was founded by the Romans in the 3rd century AD. After that, it was dominated by the Suevi, Visigoths and Muslims, and was reconquered by the Christians in 868 AD.
Its role is definitely indispensable in the history of Portugal, as it is considered to be the ‘Cradle of the Nation’, the land where D. Afonso Henriques, ‘The Conqueror’, the first king of Portuguese territory, lived.
Porto, the city that gave Portugal its name
Continuing our journey in the northern region, another city that deserves to be highlighted for its antiquity is undoubtedly Porto. The Roman name of Portus Cale gave rise to the name of Portugal.
Reconquered from the Moors in 868 by Vímara Peres, it has played an important role over the centuries and, in particular, in the 19th century as the cradle of liberalism.
Viseu, one of the jewels of the interior
The interior of Portugal has a unique beauty. Between green landscapes, impressive castles and ancient villages, a rich history flourishes that deserves to be told again and again.
That’s why we couldn’t fail to mention Viseu, one of Portugal’s oldest cities. Created by the Romans in the 4th century AD under the name of Vissaium, its past is forever associated with the legend of Viriato.
Coimbra, the university city
Coimbra was Portugal’s capital for a time during the Middle Ages, but its existence predates that.
Founded by the Romans in the 4th century AD under the name of Aeminium, it was eventually occupied by the Moors in 711 AD and reconquered by the Christians at the beginning of the 11th century.
Throughout history it has stood out for its indelible link to the academic world, or it wouldn’t have been the ‘home’ of Portugal’s oldest university, created in 1290.
Lisbon, the city of the Seven Hills
“Lisbon, girl and girl, girl”… The city of our hearts is also one of the oldest in Portugal. With over 3,000 years of history, the Phoenicians and Romans passed through here, not forgetting the Muslims.
These different influences have resulted in various testimonies, some of which are reflected in the origin of the names of Lisbon’s neighborhoods (and beyond).
Today, it is famous for its Seven Hills and is considered a ‘fashionable’ tourist destination. But for us, it’s much more than that!
Évora, the heart of the Alentejo
In this themed itinerary dedicated to some of Portugal’s oldest cities, we couldn’t miss Évora, the heart of the Alentejo.
Although it was founded in 27 BC by the Romans, its existence predates that period. It is believed to have arisen over a Celtic settlement.
Today, the famous Temple of Diana (of Roman origin) remains one of its ex-libris.
These cities bear witness to the ancient past of Portugal, so visiting them is always a good idea and, at the same time, synonymous with traveling back in time!
Editor’s note: this guide does not definitively and categorically include all of Portugal’s oldest cities; as we’ve mentioned, it’s a brief guide that suggests a different journey from North to South.