In the town of Estremoz, generations of clay artists have been crafting their unique figures since the 17th century, telling a story of devotion, of Man’s relationship with nature and different ways of life. Let them be heard.

Rui Chafes (b. 1966) calls the place where he spends his time reading, drawing, moulding iron, thinking and sometimes writing a sanctuary. It's found in the house where he grew up, by the sea, far from the noise of Lisbon, where he normally resides…

Towards the end of the 18th century, the Marquis of Pombal sent naturalists on philosophical expeditions to the New World, where they visited Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde and Brazil. These studies were founded on the meticulous drawings of fauna, flora, people, and landscapes made during these trips, 1,200 of which make up a collection of illustrations currently housed at the Museu de História Natural (Natural History Museum)…

Looking back at us — In the summer of 1736, date unknown, the beneficiary Manuel Antunes, native of Barbacena, left home on his mule. On his way from Portas da Esquina to Horta dos Passarinhos, he came across a steep and stony slope, where his mule took fright for reasons unsure. Time and again, the cleric fell to the ground. Badly hurt and in great distress, he pleaded with the heavens, which came to his aid. In keeping with his promise, he had the crude cross in the fields of Torre das Arcas repaired.

The true symbol of Portuguese identity is not the poet Camões, nor football, nor fado but none other than the humble cod (bacalhau). And it’s not unusual for those Portuguese abroad to miss their own family less than their favourite cod dishes, with 1,001 different recipes to choose from. The fish is also a big favourite for Christmas dinner, for rich and poor alike.

Sometimes described as the art of fine gold thread, the origins of filigree go back centuries. In Portugal, this traditional craft has forged its own indelible mark, becoming a national symbol in the process.

Apart from being Portugal’s number one beverage, coffee is also a culture with its own language and multiple meanings. Coffee the Portuguese Way helps illustrate the different aspects of this special relationship.