Portugal, officially known as the Portuguese Republic, is a country situated along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. Once a dominant power in continental Europe, Portugal shares geographical and cultural similarities with both northern European and Mediterranean countries. Its northern coast and mountainous interior are characterized by a cold, rocky landscape, sparsely settled and marked by scenic wilderness. In contrast, the southern region, known as the Algarve, boasts a warm and fertile environment. The rugged Estrela Mountains (Serra da Estrela, or “Star Mountain Range”), located between the Tagus and Mondego rivers, house the highest point on mainland Portugal.
In the 1st millennium BCE, the Celtic Lusitani migrated to the Iberian Peninsula, settling the land and leaving enduring traces of their influence. According to national legend, the capital city, Lisbon, was not founded by Celts but by the ancient Greek warrior Odysseus. The legend recounts that Odysseus arrived at a rocky headland near present-day Lisbon after leaving his homeland to explore the world. Captivated by the surroundings, he decided to stay for a while. The departure of Odysseus, as the legend goes, broke the heart of the nymph Calypso, who transformed herself into a snake, and her coils became the seven hills of Lisbon. However, historical evidence shows that the land was already well-settled by the Lusitani when Odysseus is said to have arrived in Portugal.
