The Seven Wonders of Portugal

By Christopher Minster

On July 7, 2007 (or 7/7/07), the results of a popular internet contest to name the Seven Wonders of the Modern World were announced in Lisbon, Portugal, a city which was frankly thrilled to be the host of the ceremony. As part of the festivities, Portugal nominated and selected its own Seven Wonders, which were announced before the new World Wonders.

Portuguese academics came up with a list of 77 places, which in turn was whittled down to 21. The people of Portugal (and anyone else who was so inclined) could then vote for these places online at a special web site, on their cel phones or by text messaging. After seven months (of course) of voting, the results were in:

The Seven Wonders of Portugal, in no particular order:

The Monastery of Alcobaça: Portugal’s largest church and eternal resting place of Pedro and Inés, Portugal’s answer to Romeo and Juliet.

The Monastery of Batalha: another massive, imposing monastery, also where you’ll find Portugal’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Walled City of Obidos: this impressive fortification entirely encircles the town: the picturesque village is a traditional wedding present of Portuguese royalty.

The Hieronymite Monastery, Lisbon: Lisbon’s most impressive monastery and perhaps their top visitor attraction; it is also the burial place for several kings.

The Guimarães Castle: an impressive medieval castle located in the town of the same name.

Pena National Palace: the Portuguese must have had a difficult time selecting their favorite palace: the breathtaking Pena palace in Sintra won.

Belém Tower: the smallest Wonder, this picturesque tower guards the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor and is a testament to their Golden Age of navigation.

Of course, in a competition of this nature in a place like Portugal, several fantastic sites had to come up short: some places that were nominated but did not win include the palace of Queluz, the University of Coimbra, the Roman ruins at Conímbriga and the Roman temple of Evora.