The Gothic Churches in Santarem
It was our last day in Portugal and we lingered for a few hours in Santarém before reluctantly boarding the plane at Lisbon Airport. We managed to see some of the wonderful churches in this ‘must return’ town.
Santarem on the Tagus River in Portugal
It was the last day in Portugal and we drove cross-country from Flor da Rosa to Lisbon Airport, reluctant to leave the sunshine and flowers and, let’s face it, reluctant to return to ‘real life’ and responsibilities!
Prehistoric Anta Sao Gens in Portugal
Between Amieira and Flor da Rosa is the Anta de São Gens – an extraordinary sight. For further information The Megalithic Portal – fantastic resource for anything prehistoric
Amieira Castle in the Alentejo
Our days in the Alentejo always included a castle and so after walking we visited Amieira do Tejo, a Mediaeval village high above the Tagus River in beautiful countryside. Amieira and its castle were built as part of defences along the Tagus River … Continued
Crato – Historic Town in Portugal’s Alentejo
We visited Crato, down the road from the magical Pousada of Flor da Rosa, to see the castle of Crato and try and trace some of the town walls.
The Alentejo around Flor da Rosa
The Alentejo around Flor da Rosa is beautiful – rolling hills, abundant water, Roman bridges, prehistoric tombs, and endless flowers. I often went out for an hour in the evenings, with the camera.
Flor da Rosa
Flor da Rosa is a small village in the Alentejo dominated by a 14C Templar Monastery which is now a Pousada and the Church. I walked round the village late one afternoon, just getting back to the Pousada and under cover as the … Continued
Pousada Flor da Rosa
We enjoyed wonderful walks in the Alentejo with the help of our new book from the Tourist Office – Chão da Velha, Carreiras, Montalvão, and Galegos – and our base during these days was the Pousada Flor da Rosa.
The Coffee Smugglers Path at Galegos – PR4 GRV
At Galegos there are several routes for walking. We set off on a figure-of-8 walk that included a smugglers route, a Mediaeval road, and wanderings amongst the oak and chestnut trees in the hills close to the Spanish border. PR4-MVR, 5.9kms, c.2.5 … Continued
Montalvao – fortified hilltop town on the Portuguese border
Near the border with Spain the Alentejo is wide, open, and empty. Lush, green grass covers soft hills, and cork oaks and olive trees are everywhere. Surprisingly there are few sheep and cattle – farming here seems very ‘quiet’ and unobtrusive – … Continued