Portugal was called, long before the Romans, Terra de Ofiusa, "Land of the Serpent." The period of Portuguese greatness began in the 15th century when Portuguese sailors explored the Atlantic coast of Africa, round the Cape to India and west to Brazil.

Thus, Portugal influenced the playing cards in many parts of the world and the so-called 'dragon' cards reached as far as Japan, Indonesia and Brazil.

The earliest known reference to playing cards in Portugal dates from 1490. Cards and other games were subjected to the same prohibitions as in other European countries.

The Real Fábrica de Cartas de Jogar was founded in 1769, by Royal Charter of King José, under the master craftsman Lorenzo Solezio, brother of Félix Solesio who ran the Spanish Real Fábrica at Macharaviaya.

During the nineteenth century The Fabrica Nacional closed down, and Belgian card makers were exporting 'Dragon' cards to Portugal and Brazil. 'Dutch'-style cards were also introduced based on German models.

Manufacturers include Germano & Ca (Lisbon), M.A. Beato, Justero Rodrigo, J.J. Nunes and Litografia Maia. Card-making in Portugal today has lost a lot of it's former glory and is virtually limited to the output of Litografia Maia of Oporto.

Early Spanish/Portuguese type
Biermans (Belgium)
Mesmaekers (Belgium)
Costa y Valerio
Litografia União
Litografia Maia
Fernando Pessoa
IEFP insurance