Torre de Belém in Lisbon, one of Portugal's famous UNESCO world heritage sites / alex-paganelli-unsplash
Torre de Belém in Lisbon, one of Portugal's famous UNESCO world heritage sites / alex-paganelli-unsplash

In Portugal there are 17 sites officially classified as World Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Bom Jesus de Braga and the Palácio de Mafra are the newcomers to the list in 2019, only being added on 7th July.

Take a look at these photos that show off the wealth of Portuguese heritage. In all, the list has 16 manmade, cultural sites and one natural wonder. Be sure to visit them all!

Alcobaça Monastery

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989 / Wikimedia commons
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989 / Wikimedia commons

Alto Douro Vinhateiro

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001 / Wikimedia commons
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001 / Wikimedia commons

Historic old town of Angra do Heroísmo (Azores)

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 / Wikimedia commons
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 / Wikimedia commons

Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Braga

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019 / Wikimedia commons
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019 / Wikimedia commons

Historic centre of Guimarães

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001 / Wikimedia commons
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001 / Wikimedia commons

Elvas Fortifications

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012 / Wikimedia commons
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012 / Wikimedia commons

Prehistoric Rock Art at Foz Côa

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998 / Wikimedia commons
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998 / Wikimedia commons

Laurissilva of Madeira laurel forest

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 / Wikimedia commons
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 / Wikimedia commons

Belém Tower/Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (joint classification)

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 / Wikimedia commons
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 / Wikimedia commons

Batalha Monastery

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 / Wikimedia commons
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 / Wikimedia commons

Cultural landscape of Sintra

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995 / Wikimedia commons
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995 / Wikimedia commons

Historical centre of Porto

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 / Wikimedia commons
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 / Wikimedia commons

Convento de Cristo in Tomar

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 / Wikimedia commons
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 / Wikimedia commons

University of Coimbra

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013 / Wikimedia commons
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013 / Wikimedia commons

The vineyards of Pico

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004 / Wikimedia commons
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004 / Wikimedia commons

Historic centre of Évora

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 / Wikimedia commons
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 / Wikimedia commons

Mafra National Palace

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019 / Wikimedia commons
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019 / Wikimedia commons