Wandering in Vila Vicosa
Vila Viçosa is a traditional Portuguese town on a site which has been inhabited for over 2,000 years (like London), but remains very modest in size (c.9,000 people), and which nowadays earns a living from marble and tourism.
The Gardens of the Ducal Palace, Vila Vicosa
The formal gardens of the Ducal Palace in Vila Viçosa were closed for restoration work and so all my photographs were taken from or through windows. But you could wander elsewhere in the Palace grounds and as it was a warm and sunny day … Continued
The Ducal Palace at Vila Vicosa
The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza was begun in 1501 and completed in the 17C. I popped out to photograph the Palace and the square on several occasions – the buildings and their setting are magnificent! A guided tour enables … Continued
Museums in the Castle, Vila Vicosa
Inside the Castle in the Mediaeval Town of Vila Viçosa are two museums which are a must-visit, and at the same time you can wander around the Castle itself.
The Castle in Vila Vicosa, Portugal
Vila Viçosa started life as a small Roman settlement which then became part of the Visigoth Kingdom, and in the 8C the Moors gained control. The Order of Avis reconquered the area in 1217 and in the early 14C King Dinis I built … Continued
Pousada do Convento das Chagas de Cristo, Vila Vicosa
The Convento das Chagas de Cristo was founded by Dom Jaime, the 4th Duke of Braganza c.1514, apparently as a house for the ladies of the Court and unmarried daughters and with a Church where the wives of the Dukes of … Continued
Montemor-o-Novo, Alentejo, Portugal
I love travelling in Portugal and set off to explore new areas and return to favoured haunts. During this visit we found that Alentejo on Foot has published brochures and a book of mapped, marked walks – I felt freer than ever to explore!
Back to the UK
It was a wonderful few weeks in Brittany – walking and exploring. I loved the churches, the Enclos Paroissials, and the comfortable gîte was positively luxurious – we are returning next year!
A British War Cemetery
At the end of the day… ‘..The burials in La Delivrande War Cemetery mainly date from 6 June 1944 [the first day of the D-Day landings] and the landings on Sword beach, particularly Oboe and Peter sectors. Others were brought … Continued
Canadian War Cemetery , Beny-sur-Mer
On 6 June 1944 the Canadians went ashore at Juno Beach under British command as part of the D-Day landings. In the cemetery of Beny-sur-Mer there are 2,049 graves. A calm statement of fact is shocking: ‘…Casualties range from 17 to 47 years of … Continued