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Welcome
to Portugal!
One of Europe's oldest nations looking out on to the Atlantic
Ocean, Portugal is delighted to welcome the world to join the
celebration of football that is UEFA EURO 2004.
With sunny weather, miles of beautiful beaches, accommodation
aplenty and the footballing and transport infrastructure to
make things run smoothly off the pitch, the UEFA European
Championships' trip to Portugal promises to be an
unforgettable event.
A massive programme of investment and rebuilding will see
Portugal open its doors to the footballing world with eight
pristine stadiums. The cities of Braga, Guimarães, Porto,
Aveiro, Coimbra, Leiria and Lisbon will all host matches,
while down on the south coast, the towns of Faro and Loulé
have banded together with their own Algarve stadium.
However, in stark contrast to the modern beauty of the new
UEFA EURO 2004 stadiums, Portugal is a land steeped in
history, with exciting cultural treasures dating back long
before the foundation of the kingdom of Portugal in 1143.
Celts, Suevians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors all called
Portugal their home before the successful battles of the 'Reconquista'
resulted in the foundation of the new state. Portugal's
borders with neighbouring Spain have remained almost constant
since 1297.
While plenty of other nations have left their mark on
Portugal, the country has also left its mark on the world,
with Portuguese explorers being the first Europeans to
discover the sea routes to India, Brazil, China and Japan as
well as settling the coasts of Africa.
Having assimilated the wonders of the world and brought them
back home, Portugal can boast one of the most cosmopolitan
cultures in Europe and an artistic heritage which combines
elements from all over the world.
The country is ready to welcome visitors from all over the
world for a celebration of football which, from the first
kick-off to the final whistle at the European Championship
final in the 65,000-capacity Da Luz stadium, promises to
dazzle and delight all who witness it.
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