Exploring with my camera
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
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
We set off from the Pousada D João IV in Vila Viçosa to explore castles along the Portuguese border with Spain.
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 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 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
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.
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!
It is hard to believe another year has ended. For the first time I am looking back over my travels, thinking about what was achieved, what I hoped to do and what I didn’t complete.
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