Portugal

Lisbon is Portugal’s capital and largest city, officially the seat of government since 1255. Set at the mouth of the Tagus River on the Atlantic, it became the launchpad of the Age of Discoveries—explorers like Vasco da Gama departed from here—leaving iconic sites such as Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. After the catastrophic 1755 earthquake, Lisbon was rebuilt with innovative, earthquake-resistant Pombaline architecture. Memory tip: “Lisbon Launches” — Portugal’s great sea voyages launched from Lisbon. Don’t mix it up with Porto (north, famous for port wine), Coimbra (noted for its ancient university), or Braga (a religious center). Lisbon is the political, economic, and cultural heart of Portugal.