A quiet day in Argomaniz
We had settled into a wonderful Parador, overlooking this plain with Vitoria in the distance, and decided on a quiet day in Argomaniz. We decided not to tackle a big city, but amuse... READ MORE
Sos to Argomaniz
Sos to Estella We took the usual road into Sanguesa but this time crossed the River Aragon, leaving the town behind us as we drove westwards along the river valley. The valley is... READ MORE
Walking round the walls of Sos del Rey Catolico
Somehow I managed to mislay my photographs, and so for a second time I walked around the walls of Sos del Rey Catolico. It is a good way of seeing the town, and... READ MORE
A visit to Uncastillo and Luesia
We set off from Sos to visit Uncastillo, and Luesia. We had been to Uncastillo in the past, but Luesia was new. READ MORE
A Roman Villa and Lumbier Gorge
The day dawned sunny and warmer, and we decided to visit a Roman Villa and Lumbier Gorge, where we had walked in the past. READ MORE
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Mourao Castle in monotone
Does monotone convey the atmosphere of Mourão Castle more strongly…
Castles in Portugal’s Alentejo – Mourao
Mourão was another of the border towns disputed by Spain and Portugal in the 13C until in 1297 King Dinis signed the Treaty of Alcañices with the Spanish King, Fernando IV, and Mourão became a Portuguese possession, although the fighting and disputes … Continued
Castles in Portugal’s Alentejo -Monsaraz
The Iberian Peninsula has been inhabited for an eye-popping length of time, and this is evident in the area around Monsaraz as seen in the many megalithic sites – antas, circles, standing stones dating from c.5,000 BC or earlier.
The Alentejo between Terena & Monsaraz
The countryside was exquisite – flowers everywhere in shades of pink, yellow, purples, and whites tinged with colour, and with a wonderful sweetness in the air. Cork oaks and olive trees on grassy hillsides and goats, cattle and sheep – I … Continued
Castles in Portugal’s Alentejo – Terena
The Castle of Terena was one of the chain of castles either built or fortified by King Dinis (1261-1365) to protect the borders of Portugal from Spain. The castles in this area (we were based in Vila Vicosa) are Elvas, Juromenha, … Continued
Annual Dog Show in Cratfield
It was a beautiful day for the Annual Cratfield Dog Show! There was plenty to eat… Some people just watched… Some people had serious discussions… And some people just enjoyed a day in the sunshine…
Castles in Portugal’s Alentejo – Alandroal
We set off from the Pousada D João IV in Vila Viçosa to explore castles along the Portuguese border with Spain.
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