In a recent development, four Portuguese novels have secured positions in the prestigious list of the century's top books.

Discovering the Hidden Gems of Portuguese Literature and Architecture

Portugal, a country known for its stunning Baroque monuments and charming port cities, offers more than just picturesque landscapes. It is also a treasure trove of literary gems that have captivated readers around the world.

One such hidden gem is the port city that boasts a historic center and wild beaches, considered one of the country's most beautiful, yet little-known attractions. This city, with its rich history and untouched beauty, is a must-visit for any traveller seeking an authentic Portuguese experience.

In the realm of literature, Portugal has produced a plethora of works that delve deep into the human condition. "The Return," a novel by Dulce Maria Cardoso, published in 2011, is one such example. The novel, like many others, tackles themes such as colonial trauma, ageing, urban madness, and the search for identity.

Gonçalo M. Tavares' "Jerusalem," published in 2004, is another notable work. Set in an unnamed city with Kafkaesque echoes, this novel was awarded the José Saramago Prize in 2005. The book's fragmented style, blending stream of consciousness with fractured dialogue, confirms Tavares' place among the masters of contemporary European prose.

António Lobo Antunes' "What can I do when everything's on fire?" (2001) is a sweeping novel exploring family fractures and the scars of the colonial war. The author, a psychiatrist and former soldier in Angola, delivers a vast fresco on traumatic memory and the legacy of the African conflicts.

In Lisbon, the capital city, there is a palace adorned with stunning azulejos, a hidden gem that few tourists know about. This palace, with its intricate tilework, offers a glimpse into Portugal's rich artistic heritage.

One of the most celebrated Portuguese authors is Jose Saramago, a recipient of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Literature. In "The Cave," Saramago develops his reflections on isolation with his unique style of long, sinuous sentences and revolutionary punctuation. The novel, which transposes Plato's allegory into contemporary Portugal, is a meditation on the devouring nature of modernity. The story of Cipriano Algor, a potter forced to close his workshop due to industrial competition, resonates with many today.

Portuguese literature, as seen in works like "The Cave" and "Jerusalem," continues to tackle themes such as colonial trauma and the search for identity. The search results do not explicitly name specific Portuguese authors addressing these themes in works set in Portugal, but the literary creativity of the nation reaches far beyond its borders.

For those planning a successful getaway to Lisbon, there are numerous articles available to help navigate the city and uncover its hidden gems. Whether it's the stunning Baroque monuments, the palace adorned with azulejos, or the rich literary landscape, Portugal offers a wealth of experiences for the curious traveller.