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A relaxing start to travels in Portugal

There are many different ways in which one could begin a trip to the interior of Portugal and one which I particularly enjoy is a flight from the UK into Lisbon airport, arriving at the end of the day, and then DB&B in the Pousada at Palmela. This year the torrential rain made the drive from the airport to Palmela a nightmare in the dark but the overnight stay was wonderful!

The Pousada at Palmela
The Cloister of the Pousada at Palmela

The buildings which are now the hotel were originally a monastery for the Knights of the Order of St James (Santiago) of the Sword, eventually becoming the headquarters of the Order. The site originated in Roman times and was fortified by the Moors. In the 12C it was retaken by the Portuguese who built and fortified a castle over several centuries.

The Church of St James dates from the 15C and includes interesting tombs, including Jorge de Lencastre, Master of the Order of Santiago.

The Church of St James, Pousada of Palmela
The tomb of Jorge de Lencastre
Carvings in the Church of St James, Pousada at Palmela
The Church of St James in the Pousada at Palmela
The Castle at the Pousada in Palmela
The Barracks in the Castle at Palmela
The ruined church in the Castle, Palmela
Outlook from the Castle, Pousada at Palmela
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