Archive for August, 2010

Vasco de Gama is one of world’s most famous travelers and explorers. He was born in 1460 in Sines, Alentejo, Portugal and died in 1524 in Kochi, India. He is among the most famous European explorers connected to the Age of Discovery. He was the first leader of an expedition of ship to make the trip from Europe to India.

He was born in the fishermen settlement of Sines on the southwestern coastline of Portugal . His father, Estevo de Gama was a knight belonging to the retinue of the Duke of Viseu. He was appointed by him to be the governor of Sines. His mother was also from a known noble family having blood relations to the Prince Diogo who was the son of the British King Edward I.

Vasco de Gama studies mathematics, astronomy and navigation in his early life. In 1492 he was ordered by the Portuguese king to seize French ship is a local port as retaliation for French actions against Portuguese interests.

His first voyage started in 1497 when he had four ships and 170 men under his command. His trip took him around the Cape of Africa and to India. Approximately 55 men returned and two of the ships were lost. On his way to the Cape of Good Hope he stopped in Mozambique and attempted to trade. Then, his fleet pirated Arabic trade vessels in Mombasa, modern Kenya. The fleet arrived in Calicut, India in 1498. He has strained relations with the local ruler and had to leave quickly. Nevertheless, the fleet returned met success beyond any expectations and returned with cargo 6 times the cost of the expedition.

His second expedition was in 1502 when he commanded the forth Portuguese expedition to India. This time he had 15 ships and 800 men. The objective was to defend royal interests in the east. His whole voyage was full of acts of piracy and uncalled cruelty against Muslim traders and travelers. When he arrived in Calicut he demanded that the local rulers expel all Muslims form the city and when turned down bombarded the city.

He made another two voyages to India. There, he earned the honorary title of count and the reputation of fixer of Indian problems for the crown. He died in the city of Cochin in 1524 from malaria.
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St. Jorge’s Castle:

Overlooking the city of Lisbon, St. Jorge’s Castle is one of the top touristic sites and also one of the main historical places in Portugal. Set atop of the highest hill in the city centre, this strongly fortified castle dates back to the medieval period. Most of the tourists head towards this site for its lovely country side and for the panoramic views of the city. It also boasts beautiful gardens with ducks and geese roaming all over the castle’s interior.

The Gulbenkian Museum:

Located in the city of Lisbon, the Gulbenkian Museum is a renowned museum that depicts the history and culture of Portugal. The museum houses the glorious and ancient collections of the Persian art, Egyptian sculptures and artifacts, French de curative art with paintings, interiors, Roman art with marble sculptures, glassware, and also has a park and an artificial lake that is surrounded by rose gardens, water gardens and open-air theater.

Ponte 25 de Abril:

Opened in the year 1966, Ponte 25 de Abril also called as the Bridge over the Tagus is a suspension bridge with a length of 2.278 km, making it the 20th largest suspension bridge in the world. This bridge is similar to that of the Golden Gate Bridge, located in San Francisco, USA. The upper platform of this suspension bridge carries about six car lanes and the lower platform carries two train tracks. It was named as Salazar Bridge until 1974, but was renamed again on 25th of April to honor the Carnation Revolution.Exotic Car Rental Miami seo agency

National, Budgt, Avis, Sixt and Hertz are the car rental portugal companies available in Portugal.