Évora, Portugal - A medieval walled city with several Roman ruins from the 2nd and 3rd century. This is the Praça do Geraldo (Giraldo Square) in the town center. |
|
In April 2014 I went to Portugal for 2 weeks... More coming soon....
|
|---|
Évora, Portugal - A medieval walled city with several Roman ruins from the 2nd and 3rd century. This is the Praça do Geraldo (Giraldo Square) in the town center. |
Évora, Portugal - Me at the Roman Temple to Diana from the 2nd century. |
Estremoz, Portugal - For a town known for its' marble, Pelourinho de Estremoz (Central Square) certainly has an abundance of it. |
Elvas, Portugal - The old town fortifications in this walled city are some of the best preserved in Europe. |
Elvas, Portugal - The Aqueduto da Amoreira (Amoreira Aqueduct) from 1622 still brings in water from the Amoreira Spring some 8 kilometres (5 miles) away. |
Beja, Portugal - The Castle, from the 13th century, is surrounded by the old town. |
Tavira, Portugal - Charming town, but with a more modern feel than most. |
Tavira, Portugal - Ponte antiga sobre o Rio Gilão (Old bridge over the River Gilão), dates back to Roman times. |
Alte, Portugal - José Cavaco Vieira, a local man who helped the town achieve 2nd place for being one of the "Most Portuguese Villages in Portugal". Ah, it is Portugal, so I think that part was easy. |
Albufeira, Portugal - One of the main tourist destinations of the Algarve, and it's easy to see why. |
Albufeira, Portugal - Much of the town is a pedestrian zone. The beach is just behind those buildings. |
Cabo de São Vicente, Portugal - Cape St. Vincent is the southwesternmost point in Europe. |
Cabo de São Vicente, Portugal - Me at Farol do Cabo São Vicente (Cape St. Vincent lighthouse) one of the most powerful lighthouses in Europe (the most powerful is Phare du Creach on the French island of Ushant). |
Sagres, Portugal - Spectacular 50 metre (164 feet) cliffs provide for a dramatic backdrop. |
Sagres, Portugal - The fortress here is believed to have been a nautical school, as evidenced by this giant compass. |
Sagres, Portugal - Me having just another look at the coastline. |
Lagos, Portugal - The Fort of Ponta da Bandeira (fort) from the 17th century surrounds the old town and the harbor. |
Lagos, Portugal - Possibly the best views of the Algarve coastline can be seen at the Ponta da Piedade (Mercy Point). |
Faro, Portugal - Me at the Igreja do Carno (Carmo Church), a city landmark since 1713. |
Faro, Portugal - The old town may be small, but it is right on the water. |
Guia, Portugal - Visting Sir Cliff Richard, or rather his winery. It's nice of him to greet you at the entrance. |
Guia, Portugal - His vineyard and my bottle of his 2008 Vida Nova. |
Setúbal, Portugal - The Castelo de São Filipe (Castle of St. Philip) is a 16th century fortress on the north bank of the Sado river, overseeing the city. |
Cabo Espichel, Portugal - Besides these views, nearby is a 17th century church and also a lighthouse. |
Sesimbra, Portugal - The 17th century Fortaleza (Fort) de Santiago is built along the beach. Now that's one fancy sand castle. |
Mafra, Portugal - The 18th century Mafra National Palace also houses a monastery. At 37,790 square metres (406,768 square feet) and about 1200 rooms (still 1200 rooms), it is one of the largest palaces in the world. |
Azenhas do Mar, Portugal - Talk about living on the edge. The view from the town is not as spectacular as this. |
Cabo da Roca, Portugal - Me at the westernmost point of continental Europe. |
Cabo da Roca, Portugal - I have now been to the north, south, and westernmost points of continental Europe. Not to mention the center of Europe. |
Cascais, Portugal - The Boca do Inferno (Mouth of Hell) has rock caves that allow the water to enter and shoot up through crevices on the surface. |
Cascais, Portugal - Scenes from "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" were shot in the "Hotel Palácio" (Palace Hotel) and nearby Praia do Guincho (Guincho Beach). |
Sintra, Portugal - The very cool Câmara Municipal (City Hall), built in 1909. |
Sintra, Portugal - The Palácio Nacional de Sintra (Sintra National Palace) is the best preserved medieval Royal Palace in Portugal, it is from the 15th century. |
Sintra, Portugal - The Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors) is a hilltop medieval castle originally built in the 8th century. |
Sintra, Portugal - The Palácio Nacional da Pena (Pena National Palace) was rebuilt from ruins in 1847. Yes, it is that colorful. |
Quelez, Portugal - The Palácio Nacional de Queluz (Queluz National Palace) from the 18th century has been restored beautifully. |
Lisbon, Portugal - Me standing in the commonly referred to Terreiro do Paço (Palace Square). This is where a palace once stood until the 1755 earthquake. |
Lisbon, Portugal - Me at the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries). Built in 1960, there are 33 finely detailed figures from history. |
Lisbon, Portugal - The Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) was built in 1519 to defend the mouth of the Targus River, it now is a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. |
Lisbon, Portugal - The Castelo de São Jorge (Castle of São Jorge) is perched high above the city and is a pleasant place to walk around. |
Lisbon, Portugal - Due to the hills within the city, the Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift) was built back in 1902 because people were even lazy back then. |
Lisbon, Portugal - The Praça de Touros do Campo Pequeno (Campo Pequeno Bullring). King Miguel during his short reign (1828-1834) decreed the bull would not be killed at the end of the fight, and that decree still stands today in Portugal. |
Lisbon, Portugal - One of the famous Lisbon trams still in operation. |
Lisbon, Portugal - After my visit to Portugal, I came back a changed man. |
top