The iconic sweet, is up against other tasty treats from all across Portugal, all of which embody tradition, innovation and a historical links to Portugal.

It is said that the Dom Rodrigo sweet from Lagos dates back to the 18th century, where it was originally made by Carmalita nuns living in the old convent of Nossa Senhora do Carmo. The nuns are said to have made the distinctive sweet in honour of Dom Rodrigo de Menezes, however the sweets only became commercially made in the 1930’s when the Casa de Doecs Regionais – Taquelim Gonçalves opened – the oldest shop of its kind still open in Lagos.

"One of the pillars of the 7 Wonders, which is already in its eighth edition, has always been to make known our traditions, contributing to their preservation. As much as the project continues to reinvent itself, our mission remains, "said Luis Segadães, president of the 7 Wonders, referring at the time of the presentation of the project that" this year's big bet is on innovation based on local products, encouraging local entrepreneurship. Tradition, the economy, and the social and cultural importance of the sweets are also prevailing criteria ".

Further information about the 7 Wonders of Portugal can be found at www.7maravilhas.pt