Seventeen World Heritage properties in Portugal, with the Laurisilva of Madeira the only natural one
Background
Portugal carries 17 properties on the UNESCO World Heritage List, of which 16 are cultural and one is natural.
The only natural property is the Laurisilva of Madeira, inscribed under criteria (ix) and (x) and covering 15,000 ha.
UNESCO describes it as an outstanding relict of a previously widespread laurel forest type.
The cultural properties include the Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belem in Lisbon, the Historic Centre of Oporto, the Cultural Landscape of Sintra and the Alto Douro Wine Region.
Others are the Convent of Christ in Tomar, the Monastery of Batalha, the Monastery of Alcobaca, the Historic Centre of Evora and the University of Coimbra - Alta and Sofia.
The Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications and the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture are also on the list.
In plain words
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization — The United Nations agency that maintains the World Heritage List.
Laurisilva — A laurel forest of evergreen broadleaf trees, of which the Madeira forest is the best surviving example.
State Party — A country that has signed the World Heritage Convention and can nominate sites.