In case you travel Portugal you definitely should know at least something about the history of Portugal in order to understand the country's historical heritage. Everything you'll see while moving around Portugal, for example architecture of Portugal, sightseeings and attractions and even hotels of Portugal, will reflect the history of the country.

Here are some historical facts about Portugal which you should know before you travel Portugal and at the same time this information will at least widen your outlook. The history of Portugal begins form the 7th century. Celts were the first inhabitants who settled on the Iberian Peninsula. In the course of time ethnic composition of Portugal changed noticeably because of the Romans, Greeks and Phoenicians who came on the country's territory in order to settle on it. During the first and second centuries Portugal was in power of the Roman Empire. In the 8th century Arabs settled on the Iberian Peninsula and lived there for a long period of time, that's why they influenced the culture of the country as well as architecture very much, and you will certainly notice that in case you travel Portugal. In the 13th century Arabs were expelled from the Iberian Peninsula.

In the 15th century Portugal became one of the world's hugest colonial empire, Portugal had colonies in Africa, Far East, India and Latin America. This period was the period of country's wealth and power but in 1581 the king of Spain Felipe II seized the power. While Portugal was under the reign of Spain it lost a great number of its colonies. In the middle of the 17th century Portugal won independence but the country lost its positions in the world. In 1807 Napoleon occupied Portugal but quite soon the country was released from the power of France. The government of the country was very weak, economy became much more worse and in 1820 revolution took place in Portugal. As a result of this revolution was an adoption of the constitution which shortened the arm of the King.

In the 2nd of April 1976 the last constitution was adopted in Portugal, this constitution proclaimed democracy. In 1986 Portugal became a member of European Union, after this the country began to develop and it's economy became stable.

Different exhibitions very often take place in Lisbon and Porto. So you have an opportunity to visit one of such exhibitions when you travel Portugal.