Our journey begins in the heart of Portugal - Lisbon, home to some of the country's most important monuments. The first point on our map is the Hieronymite Monastery, a true gem of Manueline architecture. This impressive complex, listed by UNESCO, was built in the 16th century in honor of the great geographical discoveries. Its richly decorated cloisters and monumental facade attract thousands of tourists annually. Admission to the cloister costs about 10 euros (as of 2024), but it is worth remembering that the church within the complex is available free of charge.

Not far from the monastery is another symbol of Lisbon - the Torre de Belém. This 16th-century defensive tower, also in the Manueline style, was once the gateway to the city from the sea. Today it offers visitors great views of the Tagus estuary. An entrance ticket costs about 6 euros (as of 2024), and a visit usually takes about an hour.

Moving deeper into the city, we arrive at St. George's Castle, towering over Lisbon. This medieval castle offers not only a fascinating history lesson, but also a panoramic view of the city. The ticket price is about 10 euros (as of 2024), and the tour takes about 2-3 hours.

Comparing the three monuments, it's worth noting that the Hieronymite Monastery offers the richest display and is the largest, but also the most crowded. Torre de Belém, though smaller, impresses with its riverside location. St. George's Castle, on the other hand, offers the best views of the city, but requires more physical exertion due to its hilltop location.

Leaving Lisbon, we head to nearby Sintra, a city that seems straight out of a fairy tale. The first point on our itinerary is the Pena Palace, one of the most iconic sites in all of Portugal. This 19th-century palace, with its bright colors and eclectic style, is a perfect example of romantic architecture. An entrance ticket costs about 14 euros (as of 2024), but it's worth buying in advance online to avoid long queues.

Nearby is the Quinta da Regaleira, a mysterious palace and garden complex. This place is famous for its initiation wells, underground tunnels and rich Masonic symbolism. The entrance ticket is about 10 euros (as of 2024), and you should reserve at least 2-3 hours for the tour.

The last point in Sintra is the Moorish Castle, a medieval fortress towering over the city. Although less grand than the Pena Palace, it offers unforgettable views of the surrounding area. An entrance ticket costs about 8 euros (as of 2024).

Comparing the three attractions, the Pena Palace stands out the most architecturally and is the most popular among tourists. Quinta da Regaleira offers the most mysterious atmosphere and is ideal for lovers of riddles and symbolism. The Moorish Castle, on the other hand, is the least crowded and offers the best views, but requires good physical fitness due to its steep ascent.

Moving to the north of the country, we arrive in Porto, Portugal's second largest city. Here our attention is drawn to the Palácio da Bolsa, a 19th century neoclassical palace that once served as a stock exchange. Its main attraction is the Arab Hall, richly decorated in Moorish style. An entrance ticket costs about 10 euros (as of 2024), and tours are guided.

Right next door is the Sé Catedral, a Romanesque cathedral dating back to the 12th century, which is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Admission to the main part of the cathedral is free, but you'll have to pay about 3 euros (as of 2024) to enter the cloisters and treasury.

Our tour of Portugal's sights would not be complete without a visit to the Monastery of Batalha. This UNESCO-listed Gothic monastery was built to commemorate Portugal's victory over Castilla in 1385. Its impressive architecture and richly decorated Unfinished Chapels make it one of the most important Gothic works in Europe. An entrance ticket costs about 6 euros (as of 2024), and the tour takes about 1-2 hours.

Our final destination is the Royal Palace of Queluz, often referred to as the 'Portuguese Versailles.' This Rococo palace from the 18th century impresses with its richly decorated interiors and beautiful gardens. An entrance ticket costs about 10 euros (as of 2024), and it's worth reserving at least two hours for the tour.

Comparing all the monuments discussed, it is worth noting that each offers a unique experience. The Hieronymite Monastery and Torre de Belém in Lisbon are the most iconic and most visited, but also the most crowded. St. George's Castle and the Moorish Castle offer the best views, but require good physical fitness. Palacio de Pena and Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra are the most 'fabulous' and photogenic, ideal for lovers of romantic architecture. The Palácio da Bolsa and Sé Catedral in Porto allow you to experience the northern part of the country and its unique architecture. The Batalha Monastery is the best example of Gothic architecture in Portugal, while the Royal Palace in Queluz impresses with its Rococo splendor.

Ticket prices range from 3 to 14 euros, with the option of buying combination tickets or tourist cards, which can significantly reduce the cost of a visit. Most monuments offer discounts for seniors, students and children.

When planning a trip, consider that the best time to visit is early spring or late autumn, when temperatures are pleasant and tourist crowds are smaller. Always check the current opening hours and ticket prices on the official websites of the monuments, as they are subject to change.

Exploring these 10 amazing monuments of Portugal is not only a lesson in history and architecture, but more importantly a fascinating journey through the culture and traditions of this remarkable country. Each of these sites tells its own story, allowing us to better understand the richness and complexity of Portugal's heritage. Whether you are a lover of history, architecture or simply looking for beautiful places to photograph, these Portuguese treasures are sure not to disappoint you.