A new international list has again highlighted Portugal among the most promising destinations in Europe. But this time, neither Lisbon nor Porto were included. The criteria focused on values, such as authenticity, accessibility and cultural offer outside the usual circuits. The Portuguese city that stood out may surprise.
It is about taking, in the district of Santarém, downtown Portugal, which won first place in the European hidden treasures index, released by the HomeTogo travel platform. According to the same source, the city obtained a global score of 61.64, ahead of Brisighella, in Italy, and NAFPLIO, Greece.
Objective criteria with unexpected results
According to the HomeTogo, the selection was based on variables such as growing popularity in research, the average price of accommodation, the quality of local cuisine, the climate and the removal of traditional tourist itineraries. Taking was particularly highlighted as a “emerging star”, obtaining the maximum grade in this category.
The publication also states that the city registered 9.43 in the classification “outside the usual scripts” and 9.32 with regard to climate. The average costs of stay deserved 9.13 points, while gastronomy reached 8.77.
A story written in stone
Founded in 1160 by Gualdim Pais, master of the Order of Templars in Portugal, Tomar originated as a defensive bastion and the Administrative Management Center of the Order.
As stressed to Nit, this past is still reflected in local heritage. The Convent of Christ and the Castle of Tomar are the main examples of this legacy.
In 1983, the convent was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to the Blog Vaga Mundos, the building adds architectural elements that travel centuries and styles, from Romanesque to Baroque, revealing layers of history and symbolism Templar. Among the highlights is the chapter window, considered the most emblematic expression of the Manueline style.
More than monuments
Also according to the Travel Blog, the convent integrates several cloisters, the old kitchen and the cafeteria, as well as the crows cloister cistern, open to the public recently. The visit also includes the Castle of Tomar, with its walls and ourselves, and the gate of Almedina, overlooking the former residential zone of fortification.
The city is known to be organized in cross -shaped, which reinforces its Templar symbolism. According to the same source, there are still curious references, such as the low-relief of a bull under the niche of Santa Iria, local patron saint.
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Other Portuguese cities on the list
Although he led the ranking, taking was not the only Portuguese destination present. Vila Franca do Campo, in the Azores, appears in 11th position with a score of 55.01, while the Trojan Peninsula appears in 37th place, with 49.61 points.
This type of distinctions can contribute to greater tourist flow. However, the criteria applied aim to promote more conscious tourism that values the authenticity of local communities.
Flavors and traditions
The experience in taking is not limited to architecture. Traditional cuisine includes specialties, such as the slices of Tomar and the candy sweetly kisses me, much sought after by those who visit the city. Every four years the Tables Party has been held, a celebration with medieval roots that attracts thousands of visitors. The next edition is scheduled for 2023.
Scripts beyond the center
In the surroundings it is possible to explore places, such as Almourol Castle or the Aqueduct of High Pegions, suggested by the blog. The National Forest of the Seven Montes offers pedestrian routes in the heart of the city, and the old Jewish preserves historical traits of the conviviality between communities.
Already in 2018, the US magazine Reader’s Digest had included taking among the most “underestimated” cities in the world. The repeated presence in international lists suggests that the city’s tourist potential continues to explore.
A star that starts to shine
The visibility gained by taking may alter his status as “hidden treasure”. However, those responsible for the elaboration of the index seem to bet on an approach that balances growth and preservation.
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