On a recent visit to the area to the nort-east of Coimbra we were attracted to the ruins at Bobadela; these are well worth a visit.
Unlike similar sites in the UK there are no visitor centres and flashing lights but the amphitheatre is well preserved and easy to see.
A Review of our Recent Visit to Four Pousadas
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Image of the Castle at Torres Vedras from an original by Portuguese_eyes
The town, on the left bank of the River Sisandro, is well known for the Lines of Torres Vedras which, in 1810, played a decisive role in the defence of Lisbon against Napoleonic troops under the command of Marchal Massena. Nearby is the gothic convent of Varatojo with 18th century additions. In the town is the Castle and Sta. Maria do Castelo Church, 12th to 16th century. The S. Quintinho church 2 km. from Sobral do Monte Agraco has a Manueline portal and 16th century paintings by Gregorio Lopes.
In the centre you can see the Roman Bridge at Tomar.
Click on the image to enlarge.
Tomar is a beautiful city steeped in the fascinating history of the Templar movement. The city, 33kms from Fátima, was gifted to the Templar movement in 1159 and formed the headquarters of the movement until its dissolution in 1314 when its successor the Order of Christ was relocated to the south of the country to protect the Algarvian coast. The impressive Covento do Cristo dominates the city and speaks volumes to this day of the power of the Templar movement. The highlight of the convent is the ornamentation of the windows on the main facade of its Chapter House , where maritime motifs form a memorial to the sailors who established the Portuguese empire.
Palacio Nacional da Pena
Poetically described by Lord Byron as "this glorious Eden", Sintra is surrounded by greenery and is rich in different species of vegetation. A romantic town with a turn-of-the-century atmosphere, it's luxuriant vegetation hides numerous country houses and chalets which blend perfectly into the landscape.
It was the summer residence of Portuguese kings from the end of the 16th century. It was here that D. Ferdinand de Saxe Coburg built a revivalist palace (The Pena Palace) in the style of one of the castles of his cousin Ludwig II of Bavaria.
Nowadays it is a favourite spot for visitors who like to discover it on foot or in one of the horse-drawn carriages for hire in the main square of the town. The 15th century palace in the village is well worth seeing for the painted ceilings and the Moorish patio. The simplicity of the Capuchos convent in the Sintra hills is well worth the drive out.
Situated on a slope on the north bank of the River Tagus, Santarem is the centre of the rich agricultural plains of the Ribatejo where mounted herdsmen still drive the black fighting bulls to pasture. S. Francisco convent 13th century Gothic, Gothic stone chair, Manueline cloister and arches. The Graca church is exuberantly Gothic in style and contains the tomb of Pedro Alvares Cabral, discoverer of Brazil.
Queluz: In the 17th century it was a small hamlet with one or two country houses of note. One of these, which led to it's development, was built by the future King Pedro III. A royal residence from 1794. The various wings of the building are surrounded by gardens in the rococo style. A pleasing combination which makes this one of the most charming of Portuguese palaces. It is now open as a museum and theatrical performances are held there as well as riding displays of Alta Escola Portuguesa. The palace is also used as an official residence for State Visits.
Palacio do Correio-Mor
Loures is just to the north of Lisbon in a country area where small farmers of Arab origin grew fresh green vegetables. For many centuries it was a summer residence for wealthy Lisbon families. The town was the first to proclaim the founding of the Republic. It is proud of the lovely Palacio do Correio-Mor, one of the finest pieces of Architecture on the outskirts of Lisbon.
Mafra consists of two areas. The old town which grew up around a castle, the remains of which is almost lost amongst the houses. The 18th century part is relatively more recent. Developed in the shadow of the majestic monastery constructed by King Joao V.
It was built with gold from Brazil and in fulfillment of a promise made for the birth of an heir to the throne. Thousands of men from all over the country were used to carry the necessary stone.
This impressive building, monastery, basilica, and palace has fine views from the dome and small towers overlooking the game preserve and park. The town is well known for it's Sunday carillon concerts and traditional cakes.
The Aqueduct "das Aguas Livres".
If you are visiting Lisbon we would suggest that you leave your car at the airport and get a cab into town. Cabs are plentiful and cheap and if you get one up to the highest point in the city at the Castelo São Jorge you can save yourself a wearying climb! Remember - it is always hotter in Lisbon. The views from the top over the Tagus estuary and the city are spectacular.
Fatima welcomes millions of devotees a year who come to pray at the site of a miraculous apparition of the Virgin Mary here in 1917. Three shepherd children had a vision of Mary, who reportedly reappeared on the 13th of each of six subsequent months calling for peace in the world. On the day of the final apparition a crowd of over 70,000 people had gathered and claimed to witness the Miracle of the Sun, when illnesses and disabilities were cured amongst the onlookers and the sun appeared to shake and tremble in the sky.
The historic centre of Evora is also a UNESCO world-heritage site. Situated 130 kms from Lisbon in the Alentejo district Evora was settled by the Romans who knew it as Liberalitas Julia. There can still be seen the remains of the Temple of Diana, the only Roman architecture of its type remaining in Portugal.
Duquesa Beach, Estoril.
Situated on the coast and protected by the Serra de Sintra it has a very mild climate. A number of former monarchs and pretenders in exile lived here: Carol of Rumania, Umberto of Saboia, Juan de Bourbon (the father of Juan Carlos of Spain), Edward the VII the King who abdicated the throne of England to marry an American Mrs. Simpson, made his home near here in the Second World War. It is a popular residential area for the growing foreign community in Portugal. Just outside the town there is a lively night life and casino.
Ericeira: This fishing port has retained many of the turn-of-the-century characteristics which it had when the last king of Portugal sailed into exile from there in 1910 at the time of the founding of the republic. In or out of season it is a pleasure to sample the gastronomic delights of the restaurants overlooking the sea. Fresh fish, vegetables and fruit, as well as the savoury sausage baked in bread and a range of regional sweets.
Coimbra stands on the banks of the River Mondego. It is the traditional cultural centre of the country with one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. Here the fado, bohemian life, learning and tradition are maintained alongside the present day city which has retained it's fine monuments and architectural heritage.
An old fishing village which developed into a town rapidly from the 19th century when the royal family chose it as their summer residence. Today Cascais is the residential area for the Lisbon jet-set and a favourite night spot for young people.
Caldas da Rainha means “the queen’s baths” and was christened thus when Queen Dona Leonora came across locals bathing in the mud at the side of the road so as to cure their ailments. She became convinced of the therapeutic qualities of the local waters and founded what is now the oldest thermal hospital in the world. This still functions today when the plumbing is not playing up.
Caldas is also renowned nationally for its locally-produced cakes and pastries - try the Pastelaria Machado opposite the entrance to the park if you have a sweet tooth.
The daily flower and produce market really should not be missed as this is a fascinating and colourful insight into a way of life which is dying out. Much of the produce is grown locally and could not be fresher, being sold as it is by the same people who have planted and tended it.
Otherwise Caldas is a good base for shopping and for necessities such as banks, post office, pharmacies etc.
The park has a boating lake and a children’s playground and a café where you can sit under the shade of the trees and watch the world go by. The town is home to the region’s best restaurant - Sabores de Italia, close by the post office.
Batalha: The Abbey of Santa Maria da Vitória and which is now a UNESCO world-heritage site. Commenced in 1388, and later added to and enhanced by various Portuguese Kings over these next two centuries the cathedral is an outstanding example of combined Gothic and Manueline architecture.
Under its naves lies some of Portugal’s most historic personalities during that period. Here you will find resting the tombs of João I, his English wife Philippa of Lancaster, and their famous offspring, Prince Henry the Navigator whose efforts and determination helped to explore the then unknown world.
The magnificent and austere Cistercian Abbey at Alcobaca.
Within the Abbey is the massive kitchen with a running stream specially diverted to pass through as a supply of fresh water.
The open area of the kitchen chimney is large enough to take a whole ox for roasting.
Obidos is a medieval walled town which enjoys a magnificent present-day state of repair as a result of its status as the traditional gift from Portuguese kings to their wives. The monarchy was overthrown only in 1910 and Obidos reflects the benefits of its patronage until these relatively recent times. Within the walls are fascinating alleys which have become home to high-class handicraft and gift shops as well as bars and restaurants of repute.
The town is a very popular stopping-off point for tourist buses from Lisbon so it might be a good idea to take advantage of being on the doorstep and make your visit in the early evening when the crowds have gone and you can enjoy the atmosphere at leisure.
