Time Zone |
Europe/Lisbon |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+0 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+1 |
Time Zone |
Africa/Asmara |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+3 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Located in the northwestern part of the Portuguese region of Lisbon, about 30 kilometers from the capital, Mafra is a fascinating city that combines Baroque art with natural beauty. Its centerpiece, the Palácio de Mafra, is one of Portugal's most magnificent Baroque complexes, built in 1717 as a palace, convent and royal library, with a collection of 25,000 ancient books and an organ that is one of Europe's greatest treasures. The city is surrounded by the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, where you can explore the breathtaking scenery and forests of the Atlantic coast on foot or by bike. In June, the "Festival of Mazan" is a vibrant celebration of the local culture with traditional music, food and folklore events, attracting visitors to experience the unique charm of this "living history museum".
Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, is located on the country's central plateau at an altitude of about 2,350 meters and has a pleasant climate that has been described as the "Italy of Africa". The city is a blend of Italian colonial architecture and local culture, with a large number of well-preserved modernist buildings, including futuristic churches, Art Deco theaters, and colorful homes. An example of early 20th century urban planning, its historic center was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. Asmara is not only a political and economic hub, but is also known for its unique cultural scene and laid-back pace of life, and is a window to explore Eritrea's history and diverse civilizations.