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!
Travel in Portugal, Day 9, Belem & The Alfama
This was our last day in Portugal and we only had time for a small taste of Lisbon.Henry the Navigator and his followers are celebrated on the Monument to the Discoveries built in 1958. On the ground in front of the Monument is … Continued
Travel in Portugal, Day 9, Monastery of St Jeronimos
Another extraordinary building – the Monastery of St Jerónimos is a World Heritage Site in the Belém quarter of Lisbon. The buildings were begun in 1501 during the reign of King Manual I (1469-1521) who was also responsible for the Tower of Belém. The … Continued
Travel in Portugal, Day 9, Tower of Belem, Lisbon
Our final day in Portugal and I wanted a ‘taste’ of Lisbon so we did the obviously touristy things! The Tower of Belem was commissioned by King John I in the late 15C to strengthen the defense system at the mouth of … Continued