The Ducal Palace at Vila Vicosa

posted in: Home, Portugal | 2

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

posted in: Home, Portugal | 6

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

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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

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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

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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

posted in: France, Home | 1

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

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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

posted in: France, Home | 0

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

The American Cemetery at Omaha Beach

posted in: France, Home | 2

We had visited Marigny, and Utah Beach, and now travelled further down the coast to see Omaha Beach. We parked and walked towards a beautiful sea view, an elegant building and reflecting pool, and then came the shock of thousands … Continued