Cimadevilla of Gijon

The old town is the Cimadevilla of Gijon, situated on and around the Santa Catalina Hill in Gijon. We took a taxi into the town – I was still on somewhat ‘go-slow’ –... READ MORE

The Museum in Gijon

The Museum of the Asturian People in Gijon is situated close to the Parador. We visited twice because there was just too much to take in at one time. Spain is very proud... READ MORE

Travel in Portugal, Day 9, Belem & The Alfama

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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

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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

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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

Travel in Portugal, Day 8, Queluz

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The original building on the site of The National Palace at Queluz was the residence of the first Marquis of Castelo Rodrigo who helped the Spanish crown annex Portugal. When Portugal achieved independence in 1640 the property was confiscated and given to … Continued

Travel in Portugal, Day 7, Torres Novas to Queluz

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We left Tomar on a high, fortified by the daily coffee and pasteis de nata, and went looking for a Roman Villa at Torres Novas, the Villa Cardillo. The site was first excavated in 1962 and in my view it has been … Continued

The Monastery of Santa Maria de Flor da Rosa

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The headquarters of The Order of Malta was established in Crato in the 14C and in the 15C D. Álvaro Gonçalves Pereira (1360-1431), the Prior, established a monastery/castle in nearby Flor da Rosa. The buildings have now been restored and extended to create a … Continued