ALCOCHETE The town of Alcochete is locate4d on the South bank

Mosteiro de Jerónimos - Solares de Portugal - Lisboa - (20 de Janeiro de 2000)

Solares de Portugal TURIHAB – Associação de Turismo de Habitação

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ALCOCHETE

The town of Alcochete is locate4d on the South bank of the Tejo near the Nature Park of the Tejo estuary. Its proximity to the river gives it its salt pans. And its proximity to Ribatejo gives it its "campinos" (cowboys) and "forcados" (bull wrestlers). There are the traditional bull fights and running of the bulls on feast days in Summer, particularly the Barrete Verde feast and the Salinas feast. Pedestrians in the streets have to run away from the bulls. The name "Alcochete" is derived from the Arabic word for "kiln" as there were many in that area. Its foundation probably dates back to the 7th and 9th centuries, after the Moors conquered Lisbon. Several Portuguese kings gave importance to Alcochete. King João I and King João II spent long periods here for rest and recreation. Prince Fernando (brother of King Afonso V) had his residence here, where the future King Manuel was born in 1469. In the 17th and 18th centuries the production of salt was developed as well as the firewood industry. The county was dissolved in 1895 and re-established 3 years later. Feasts ALCOCHETE Feast of São João Baptista (24 June) Feasts of Barrete Verde and the Salt Pans (2nd week of August) These feasts are celebrated in honour of the "forcado" (bull wrestler), the salt maker and the "campino" (cowboy). It occurs each year and lasts 4 days. There are bull fights as well as the running of the bulls. The traditional Sardine Roast is a highlight and occurs on Saturday night. The streets are lined with tables offering roast sardines, bread and wine. On the religious aspect there is a procession on land and sea, a statue of Our Lady arrives in town on a typical boat of the Tejo river. The pilgrimage of the Alcochete seamen (Easter) The pilgrimage of the Alcochete seamen is one of 6 that still occur in honour of Our Lady of Atalaia. It is the first one, the others occur on the last Sunday of August. According to local lore the feast dates back to the 15th century. It begins on the eve of Easter Sunday with the arrival of the drummers and bag pipes via boat. On Easter Sunday they go around town inviting women and young men to lunch. On Monday there is a procession and an auction of flags that are specially painted and embroidered for the occasion. Also the traditional sweets, called Fogaças are for sale. Afterwards they all return to Alcochete where there is a parade of young men riding donkeys through the streets. It usually falls on one man to be the host for lunch and dinner for those making the flags and fogaças. In the past this role fell to the seamen with bachelor sons and marriageable women would attend chaperoned by their mothers.





Bullfights and the running of the bulls (several times during the year) - Alcochete, Rosário, Moita The running of the bulls usually occurs during the Summer feast days in various locations on the South bank of the Tejo river. Every year, the streets of Alcochete, Rosário and Moita fill with visitors willing to face the bulls. To escape being gored they will climb lamp posts, jump through windows, do anything to save themselves. In Rosário, the bull will sometimes chase the people into the river. Feasts of the Confraternização Camponesa (2nd weekend of June) - S. Francisco Popular Feasts of Nossa Senhora do Carmo (3rd week of July) - Samouco Feast of Rosário (1st two weeks of August) - Rosário Sports Sailing, Windsurfing - Beach of Moinhos Pole fishing Mini-cruises on the Tejo river aboard the frigate "Alcatejo" Horseback riding - Fonte da Senhora / Atalaia (Complexo Hípico-Desportivo) ALCOCHETE Historic Centre (parallel small lanes) Parish Church It is a notable Gothic-Manueline church dedicated to St. John the Baptist. It is classified as a National Monument. There is an interesting rose window in the façade, an entrance and Manueline tower. There are interesting 1700s tile panels on the inside. In one of the outbuildings there are two early 16th century paintings brought here from the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição dos Matos. Church of Misericórdia It was founded in mid 16th century and was part of the Palace where King Manuel I was born. Today it houses the Museum of Sacred Art. It has an interesting 1582 - 83 altarpiece and a Flag of Sisterhood, the oldest known in Portugal. Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Vida (founded in 1577; lovely buildings; 18th century tiles and wood carvings) Praça de Touros (bullfight ring)





Aposento do Barrete Verde (Club House for the group Barrete Verde and museum centre for bullfighting) Information Centre and observatory of the Nature Park of the Tejo estuary Municipal Museum (archaeology, history and ethnography) Outskirts Salt pans of Alcochete Museum Centre of salt - Estrada Municipal 501 Nature Park of the Tejo estuary (access via a dirt road) Old Estate of Jácome Ratton (typical estate of Ribatejo with horses and bulls; the Chapel of Santo António da Ussa is located here, it is circular and Romanesque; lakes) - Baroque de Alva River beach of Moinhos (on the bank of the Tejo river; water sports) Entrance to the Convent of São Francisco (16th century; lined in tiles; the only part that remains of a 1400s building) - São Francisco Village of Samouco (typical village on the South Bank) Boat graveyard (abandoned boats; impressive view of hulls seen at low tide) - Gaio Boatyards of the typical boats of the Tejo river - Gaio, Sarilhos Pequenos Master José Lopes is one of the last to repair and build the typical boats of the South bank of the Tejo river. In the Gaio boat yard, every day he spends his time painting the boats in garish colours and traditional motifs. The "Pombinha" and "Boa Viagem" boats were repaired and rebuilt here. Both belong to Moita City Hall and are used for trips on the Tejo river. Typical houses (garishly painted) - Rosário Tidal mills - Alhos Vedros ARCOS DE VALDEVEZ

Arcos de Valdevez is a very old and idyllic town by the Vez river from which it derived its name. In 1140, the tournament of Valdevez was held here and pitted King





Afonso Henriques against Afonso VII of Leon. Many tears were shed here, when during the War of Restoration, the Spanish General Pantoja burned the town to ashes. Arcos de Valdevez was reborn in the 17th century. It is the Municipal headquarters and has 51 parishes and 32,000 inhabitants. It is surrounded by green hills, where the grapes ripen in the sun. On its roads there are stately houses, towers, bridges and churches. Feasts ARCOS DE VALDEVEZ Fairs and Feasts (Arcos de Valdevez) Santa Maria do Castelo Festival (May) São João da Valeta Festival (24th July) County Festival (August) Fairs every fortnight (Wenesday) Sports Fishing: trout, sea bream and boce (from March to July) - Vez river Fishing: barbel and shad (from February to June) - Vez river Canoeing - Vez river ARCOS DE VALDEVEZ Pillory This 16th century pillory has a single column, entwined with serpents. It has a triangular stone on top with skeleton spheres and the Royal escutcheon. It is considered to be one of the most noteworthy pillories in Portugal. Parish Church (17th century; valuable altars of carved wood) Church of Espírito Santo (17th century; 17th and 18th century paintings and wood carvings) Lapa Church (18th century; Baroque, designed by André Soares) São Bento Church (17th century; valuable tiles and statues) Misericórdia Church (16th century; rebuilt in the 18th century)





Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praça (14th century; Romanesque with Gothic entrance; oldest monument in town) Cross of Senhor dos Milagres (19th century) Bridge over the Vez river (19th century) Manor house of Requeijó (18th century; façade flanked by two turrets; Baroque and Neo-Classical; Rocaille chapel) Valeta neighbourhood (typical houses; by the river, has maintained its identity) Outskirts River beach of Valeta Monte do castelo (lookout point) - Vila Fonche House of Condessa (19th century; belonged to the Morgado de Casal Soeiro) - Vila Fonche Palace of Giela (14th - 16th century; King João I bequeathed it to Fernão Anes Lima in gratitude for his support given to the Grand Master of the Order of Avis; National Monument) - Ázere House of Torre (1600s; has a Medieval tower; 18th century Baroque chapel) - Aguiã Church of Gondariz (18th century; in front of the 1700s cross topped with a Pieta surrounded by angels) - Gondariz Estate of Comenda (17th century, 13th century Romanesque chapel) - Távora Castles (restored by King Dinis in 1310, there are several stretches of the wall left and the Jail Tower) Parish Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção (13th century, Gothic; remodelled in the 16th century; lovely entrance from this era; main altar of marble flanked by 12 wooden choir stalls) Church of Misericórdia (1500s entrance; near the Parish Church) Paços do Concelho (Town Council) (located in an old manor house; a façade with lovely wrought iron railings and skeleton spheres in the windows)





Church and Convent of Nossa Senhora da Luz (founded in 1570 by the Augustinian nuns; the church has a 1500s porch) Fountains of Elvas and Vassalo (18th century) Outskirts Village of Esperança (small village with white houses radiating from a singular Parish Church that has a Renaissance altarpiece) Rupestrian Paintings (Palaeolithic; red coloured mostly; schematic drawings of animals, hands and other things) - Vale do Junco, Serra de Louções, Serra do Cavaleiro AVEIRO

Aveiro was elevated to a township in the 13th century. King João I built walls around it in the 14th century. These were demolished in the 19th century and the stones were used for the sea wall. In 1472 the Princess Saint Joana entered the Convent of Jesus where she died. This played an important role in the growth of Aveiro; King Joseph made it a city in 1759. The canals of Aveiro are fed by the Ria (estuary). It is a rather original place, it has large buildings complemented by the riverside neighbourhoods. Aveiro is modern and progressive, it has fish salting and fishing industries and maritime commerce. This is due to its geographic location. It has mountains with deep valleys and fertile plains. The birth rate has decreased which means that the growth is due to the economic and social progress which in turn attracts people to Aveiro and also to the University. Feasts AVEIRO

Feast of São Gonçalinho This much beloved feast occurs on the Sunday nearest to the 10th of January. It occurs in the chapel of São Gonçalinho. It is the custom for people to toss kilos of "cavacas doces" (a cookie/biscuit) from the vault to fulfil promises made. Procession of Palms (3rd Sunday of Lent) Municipal Holidays (May; the high point is the procession of Princess Saint Joana on the 12th )





Ria/estuary (July or August; regatta of the Millers of Torreira to Aveiro; picture contest of the Millers and boat races on the Canal of Pirâmides de Aveiro) March Fair (25 March to 25 April) Salão Automóvel - Exposition of old and new cars (June) Agrovouga - National fair of dairy cows and agricultural show (July) FARAV - Arts and Crafts Fair (August) Fair of the "28th" (every 14th and 28th of each month) Antiques Fair (last Sunday of each month) Sports Tennis (Casa do Povo de Oliveirinha) Swimming (2 pools - one open air and the other covered and heated) Support for recreational boats (Capitania do Porto de Aveiro) Sailing (Associação Aveirense de Vela; Clube dos Galitos de Aveiro) Water Sports in the Aveiro estuary and seacoast: - Windsurfing - Jet-ski - Motonáutica - water skiing - rowing Recreational fishing in São Jacinto, Costa Nova and Ria de Aveiro

Recreational hunting of ducks AVEIRO Church or Cathedral of São Domingos The Cathedral was consecrated at the end of the 15th century. It was installed in the Church of the old Convent of São Domingos. In 1835 it was dedicated to Our Lady of Glory in honour of Queen Maria II. The Baroque façade dates to 1719 and the tower to 1860. The interior is sparsely decorated, except for the side chapels of Our Lady of Mercy, Our Lady





of Prazeres and Our Lady of the Rosary. There is a high relief of Our Lady of Mercy above the sacristy entrance. Church of Misericórdia This beautiful Renaissance building was founded at the end of the 16th century. At that time Portugal was under the domination of the Spanish Kings. The notable façade has a grandiose entrance with Baroque decorations. Tiles were placed here in the 19th century. There are tiled panels inside imitating tapestry. Carmelite Church The old Carmelite Convent was built in the 17th century but the church was only built in 1738. It is a beautiful building lined in rich gilt wood carvings of 3 different eras. There are 1700s tiled panels. Also the ceilings of the nave and choir have 17th and 18th century paintings. Chapel of the 3rd Order of Franciscans (17th century; located within the Convent of Santo António) Chapel of Senhor das Baroques (1732; one of the most valuable monuments of Aveiro) Chapel of São Sebastião (existed in the 13th century, but the present building is 16th century; formerly known as the Chapel of Senhora da Alegria; nave is lined with 17th century tiles) Paços do Concelho/Town Hall (18th century; façade divided into 5; bell tower; a pediment with the coat of arms of Aveiro) Fountain with 5 spigots (19th century) Cross of Jesus (15th century; the capital has scenes of the Passion of Christ and allegorical figures depicting the Evangelists; the arms end in "fleur-de-lis") Cross dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Glória (located in the Largo do Museu) University (created 19 February 1972) National Museum of Aveiro / Convent of Jesus The museum is in the old convent which was built in 1458. It was a convent for women. After Princess Saint Joana, daughter of King Afonso V, entered the convent in 1472 it grew in importance and riches. For 3 successive centuries it underwent improvements. Within the museum there are sections on archaeology, paintings, sculptures, Baroque art, ceramics and the most valuable collection of Portuguese Sacred Art. It is the second largest museum in Portugal. The 15th/16th century cloister is notable, as is the refectory with its delicate reading lectern. The Church of Jesus (also within the museum) is one of the most beautiful





and richest in Portugal; it has gilt wood carvings, 18th century tiled panels and a 1739 organ. The tomb of Princess Saint Joana is a prime example of Baroque art, King Pedro II had it built. There is a painting of the Princess in Court dress, thought to be painted by Nuno Gonçalves and one of Saint John the Evangelist possibly done by Friar Carlos. Aveiro Estuary Outskirts Mamaltar cromlech - Albergaria-a-Velha Professor Egas Moniz Museum - Avanca / Estarreja The museum is located in the parish of Avanca, belonging to the county of Estarreja. This doctor / scientist won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1949 for the discovery that "Lobotomies were therapeutic in certain psychoses". There are also collections of ceramics, paintings, furniture and jewellery. Ethnographic Museum of Murtosa It has a large collection of utensils used in the fishing and harvesting of seaweed. It has examples of rural houses and boats. There is also some furniture from the beginning of the 20th century, of the upper classes, at the end of the monarchy. Barra Fort of Aveiro (1640; there is a watch tower in the middle of the courtyard; restored in 1801; has a small battery and some houses) - Gafanha da Nazaré Nature Reserve of São Jacinto Dunes Straw Hats of Costa Nova - Costa Nova beach Vouga, Antuã and Boco rivers Beaches: Torreira, São Jacinto, Barra, Costa Nova and Vagueira BARCELOS

Barcelos is a small and pleasant city. There is a controversy re: its age. Some say it has existed since the Palaeolithic Era and was an important town under the Romans. Others say Barcelos only came into existence at the same time as Portugal. There is also controversy over its name. Some say it derives from "Barca-Celani", the old name for the Cávado river. Others say it derives from "barcela" which means "riverside and flat lands". Whatever, Barcelos today is the largest municipality in Portugal. It has 89 parishes and lives by agriculture, industry, culture and tourism. It was already a town in the 15th century and was important to travellers. The College (founded by the Archbishop of Braga), the Jewish community; civil and religious life all contributed to its fame. Not least the Fair of Barcelos, which is the largest fair in Minho.





BARCELOS Feast of the Cruzes(2nd to 5th May) This feast has been celebrated since 1504, when the "miracle of the crosses" first occurred: crosses appeared drawn on the ground near the church. The "Feira Grande" (large fair) is the main attraction. The road leading up to the church, where the statue of Christ and the cross is housed, is covered with millions of colourful flower petals. At night, the open air party lights up the skies with lamps. There are craft stalls, exhibitions of paintings, bands and folk dancing, sports and religious ceremonies, of course. Weekly Fair (Thursdays) BARCELOS Church of Cruzes (Church of the Crosses) It is a Public Interest Building. It was built in 1704, is octagonal in shape and Baroque in style. It is built over an old chapel where the "miracle of the crosses" occurred. Tradition says that in 1504 the first crosses appeared, drawn on the floor. Today the 500 year old "Feast of the Crosses" occurs each May in this church. The church has a lovely vault and church yard. It has a valuable 800s sculpture of Christ and the Cross by the Italian Giuseppe Berarde. Church of Santa Maria of the Abbey of Neiva This 12th century Romanesque church is a gem and is a National Monument. It is genuinely Medieval and its foundation is attributed to Queen Mafalda, wife of King Afonso Henriques. The façade has a entrance with 3 archivolts on columns with capitals and there are monograms in the interior. Monastery of Vilar de Frades This monastery dates back to the 11th century and some think it goes back to the Swabians and that it was founded by St. Martin of Dume. In the 15th century it became the mother house for the Canons of Saint John the Evangelist, known as the Lóios. After the Suppression of Religious Orders in the 19th century, the monastery was burned but not totally destroyed. There is a grand staircase leading up to the courtyard of the convent where there is a granite fountain. It has a lovely 1500s church with a walled up Romanesque entrance next to a 17th century Manueline-Gothic one. There is one nave divided into 6 spans; 5 chapels with starred vaults, valuable sculptures in the sacristy and 1700s tiles made by Bartolomeu Antunes and Nicolau de Freitas. Parish Church (13th century; Romanesque-Gothic; 18th century blue and white tiles) Church of Terço (18th century; notable tiles depicting the life of St. Bento; lacy carved wood pulpit)





Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Monte (18th century; elegant gallery with arches next to the river) Cross of Senhor do Galo (1600s; connected to the legend of the Cock of Barcelos) Hospital of Misericórdia (façade and chapel with four sculpted saints) Medieval Bridge (Gothic; 5 uneven arches and strong Roman style supports) Dungeon (15th century; the only part of the walls remaining; triangular with three floors; Gothic windows and doors; today it is the Craft Centre of Barcelos and a Tourist Office) House of Condestável (14th century; good stonework on the façade; the Pereira coat of arms is above the windows, plus the inscription "Casa do Condestável D. Nuno Álvares Pereira") House of Domingos Figueiredo (1700s; Baroque) House of Benfeito (18th century; there is a chapel, a house and a walled courtyard; the wall has battlements and is topped with busts) Manor House of the Pinheiros (1400s; 2 stone towers flank the main building; there is a curious bearded figure on the south tower, next to the cornice) Manor House of Apoio (it is thought to be the oldest building in Barcelos; the Duques of Bragança lived here until the end of the 15th century) Largo do Apoio (an important meeting place in the Middle Ages; surrounded by Medieval houses) Pillory (15th century; Gothic; like a bird cage) Rua Direita (typical Main Street with shops) Garden of Barrocas (refreshing space for recreation in the centre of the city; was part of the Convent of Capuchos) Pottery Museum (rustic clay pottery; the phantasmagoric figurines of Rosa Ramalho are noteworthy) Museum of Archaeology Outskirts





São Brás (with trees and flowers; good lookout point over the city) - Barcelinhos Chapel of São Brás (18th century; Manueline entrance) - Barcelinhos Lookout point of Monte da Franqueira (7 km away) Convent of Bom Jesus da Franqueira (16th century; used to belong to the Capuchin Franciscans; Baroque façade decorated with three stone sculptures) - Monte da Franqueira Hilltop fort of Faria (classified as a National Monument; it was discovered in the 1930s; vestiges of circular houses; defended by 3 lines of walls) Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Franqueira - Monte da Franqueira The main part of the Sanctuary dates back to the 17th century, but the Romanesque apse and main chapel are much earlier. The main altar is a veritable historical relic. The altar of jasper was brought back from Ceuta by Afonso, 8th Count of Barcelos and 1st Duke of Bragança. Only 3 columns remain, the altar table was substituted by one of granite. There is an 18th century wooden statue of Our Lady over the main altar. Church of Santa Maria do Abade de Neiva Monastery of Vilar dos Frades - Areias de Vilar BRAGA

Braga has always been an important centre for culture, commerce and religion. The Romans dedicated it to the Emperor and called it Bracara Augusta and in 216 CE made Braga the headquarters for the province of Galicia. In the 5th century the Romans withdrew in face of the invasion of the barbarians and Braga lived 175 years under Swabian domination where they made it the capital of their Kingdom. In the 8th century, after a brief time under the Moors, the King of Oviedo, Alonso the Catholic, occupied Braga. It became part of the lands that Afonso III, King of Leon gave to Henry of Burgundy. In the 2 centuries between the Moorish invasions and the Christian Reconquest, the city suffered troubles and ruin. It was rebuilt by Bishop Pedro (1070 - 1093). From then on Braga became a very religious town, as attested to by its numerous monasteries, convents and churches. It became the fiefdom of the clergy; the nobility both high and low could not own a house and all industry served the needs of the church.





Today the city owes its life to the University of Minho, founded in 1973. It is surrounded by mountains and green valleys. There are 80,000 inhabitants, who are cheerful and love to dance and sing, accompanied by the "viola braguesa" (guitar of Braga). Fairs and Feasts BRAGA Feasts of Semana Santa (Holy Week ) Braga is a bastion of Christianity and celebrates Holy Week with solemn pomp and ceremony. The city fills with altars, flowers and lights. There are many processions along its streets. The procession of "Penitência do Ecce-Homo" is famous. It is preceded by penitents dressed in black habits carrying torches with bonfires along the route. Also the procession "Teofórica do Enterro" (burial). The large procession at night of the "Encontro do Senhor" (meeting with Jesus) with hundreds of participants goes on for hours. Feasts of São João It is a time of festivities and fun. On the feast day of St. John (26 June) the city streets fill with bonfires, balloons, fireworks and music. During the day there is the Parade of King David. The King is accompanied by his Court and a shepherd's cart and at the end there is a Medieval morality play. There is lots of noise, bands and folk dancing. At night there is an open air party near the chapel where there is dancing and stalls of local crafts. Weekly Fair (Thursdays) Sports Riding (Hipódromo de Braga) Swimming (Municipal Pool) Fishing (Cávado river and Homem river) Tennis (Quinta da Capela; Bom Jesus; Complexo Desportivo da Rodovia) Bracalândia (Amusement Park) BRAGA Places of Interest (Braga) Arcade (18th century; calling card of the city, built against the Medieval wall; in the 19th century a second floor was added; a lively place full of coffee shops)





House of Crivos This type of house was common in the 17th and 18th century and this one is the only example left. As a result of the conservative attitudes of the people of Braga, they hung blinds on the windows thus forcing women into total retirement from the public eye. House of Raio This overly decorated house is the epitome of the Rococo-Manueline styles. It was designed by André Soares and built for a rich merchant of Braga. It has been compared with a Louis 15th style building. House of Macieis Aranhas (19th century, probably designed by Carlos Amarante) Chapel and House of Coimbras These were built between 1515 and 1528. The sculptures by Hodart on the outside of the chapel are notable. There is a wonderful sculpture by João Ruão inside, the "Placing in the Tomb". The house still has several Manueline windows and a lovely porch. Cathedral The cathedral is one of the most important monuments in Braga. It is a mixture of various styles of architecture. The Romanesque entrance, Porta do Sol, is from the 13th century church. One hundred years later the exterior chapels of São Conçalo, Glória and Reis were added. The tombs of Henrique and Teresa are located here. In the 16th century the cathedral was remodelled: the altarpiece of the main chapel was modified in a mixture of styles. Changes were made and unmade in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. In the Chapel of Santíssimo Sacramento the front of the altar of gilt wood carvings is one of the results of these changes; as are the organs, the choir stall and the tiles in the chapels. A visit to the cathedral and its treasure is a must. Treasures of the Cathedral (the variety, the workmanship and rich materials used makes this the most complete and sumptuous collection of Sacred Art in Portugal) Church of Santa Cruz (17th-18th century; Baroque; lovely tile panels; Baroque altars of wood carvings) Church of the Hospital (Baroque façade; Neo-Classical interior; designed by Carlos Amarante) Church of the Misericórdia (16th century; Renaissance; one of the most notable in the city; special attention should be paid to the Baroque wood carvings on the main altar and the chests in the sacristy) Church of Pópulo (18th century; Neo-Classical; designed by Carlos Amarante; notable stone vault)





Church of Congregados (was the church of the Oratorian Convent; Rococo façade; works by André Soares inside) Church of São Vítor (Jesuit style Baroque; very richly decorated inside) Church of São Vicente (founded in the 7th century; rebuilt in 1691; Baroque; ornamented façade and a lovely bell tower; 1700s tiles; an altarpiece by Miguel Coelho; the choir balcony and the organ are designed by Carlos Amarante) Chapel of Salvador (Baroque Chapel; lined in 1800s tiles; a unique pulpit probably by Marceliano de Araújo) Fonte do ídolo (rupestrian sanctuary; probably Roman; dedicated to a river god) Largo do Paço (small square surrounded by 1600s houses of the Archbishop's Palace; there is a fountain in the centre shaped like a castle with the date 1723) Campo Novo (possibly the prettiest square in the city; simple with a late Baroque fountain; a statue of King Pedro V, by Teixeira Lopes) Old Paços do Concelho (Town Hall) (imposing Baroque building; designed by André Soares and built in 1754-56) Archbishop's Palace (3 distinct parts, built in different eras; today the Municipal Library and District Archives are installed here) City Walls (the Towers of Campo das Hortas and Carvalheiras and the Dungeon remain from the Medieval Walls) Teatro Circo (one of the loveliest theatres in Portugal; inaugurated in 1915) Gardens of Santa Bárbara (In the centre of the city; an idyllic garden with the ruins of the old Episcopal Palace) Pio XII Museum (built over the old Roman city; archaeology and Sacred Art) Museum of Biscaínhos (17th century building; ceramics, Portuguese porcelain, glass, furniture and religious paintings) Museum of Nogueira da Silva (the house and furnishings used to belong to Comendador Nogueira da Silva, founder of the Casa da Sorte; valuable documents on the history of the city)





Medina Museum (more than 50 oil paintings and two dozen drawings by Master Henrique Medina, bequeathed to the Archdiocese by the artist) Outskirts Monastery of Tibães It dates back to the 17th and 18th century and is the largest Baroque work in Portugal. It was the mother house of the Benedictines. It was designed by André Soares and Friar José de Vilaça and is an extraordinary work of wood carving in a mixture of styles. There is a majestic Christ and a well preserved pipe organ in the choir. There are impressive sculptures by Friar Cipriano da Cruz in the sacristy. In the Chapter Room the ceiling has lovely blue and yellow paintings. It is surrounded by a huge area of woods, orchards, kitchen gardens, gardens, walks and fountains. It is a pity that only in the 1980s did this monastery come to the attention of the authorities; after it had been ruined by lack of care and restoration. São Frutuoso This chapel is Roman-Byzantine in style. It was built in the 7th century by São Frutuoso, the Bishop of Braga. It is the most important Portuguese monument of that era. It is shaped like a Greek cross, similar to the Mausoleum Galla Placídia. It fell into disrepair during the Moorish occupation. It was rebuilt during the first phase of the Reconquest, sometime in the 10th or 11th century. In the 17th century the chapel was integrated into the Convent of S. Francisco, whose church is worth mentioning as it has the choir stall from the Cathedral. The choir stall is Renaissance and is made of wood. Church of Santa Maria Madalena (18th century; Portuguese Rococo, by André Soares) - Serra da Falperra Bom Jesus Nothing of the original chapel built on this Sacred Hill remains. The current church is from 1784. It is Neoclassical and designed by Carlos Amarante. It faces Braga and there is a zig zag staircase leading up to it. In the Terreiro de Moisés, there are 3 chapels by André Soares. The Casa das Estampas, the Casino (by Domingos Sequeira) and the museum (with paintings, church vestments and implements and tapestries) all add to this Eden-like locale. Sameiro (the largest centre of pilgrimage in Northern Portugal; an excellent lookout point over Braga; the church is quite unique) Bridge over the Ave river(Roman) - Caldelas / Amares Monastery of Rendufe (12th century; Benedictine; in ruins) - Amares Bridge over the Cávado river (Medieval; National Monument) - Prozelo





House of Torre (old Manor House of the Machados, man of arms of King Afonso Henriques; there is a tower topped with battlements and the family's coat of arms) - Carrazedo Castle of Lanhoso - Póvoa de Lanhoso The castle was built during the time of the "Condado Portucalense" on top of the largest monolith in Portugal. There are still vestiges of a Roman or Pre-Roman settlement here. In the 12th century, Teresa took refuge here from the armies of her sister, Urraca. A century later the castle was burned, set on fire by the commander himself in revenge for his adulterous wife and her lover. In 1680 the castle was dismantled and the stones used to build the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Pilar. Despite these misfortunes, the dungeon is still standing surrounded by an enchanting panorama of the mountains and fields where the Cávado and Ave rivers run. Church of Nossa Senhora do Pilar (built with the stones from the castle which was dismantled in 1680) - Póvoa de Lanhoso Typical houses of the region - São João de Rei / Póvoa de Lanhoso Terras de Bouro (rural county; part of the National Park of Peneda-Gerês) BRAGANÇA

On arriving in Bragança one cannot fail to see the lovely citadel on top of the hill. From the "new city", one can see the old white town that grew in the shadows of the grandiose and well preserved Dungeon. It is the first place to visit in this city nestled in the Northeast of Trás-os-Montes. Its history goes back a long way. The town was destroyed during the wars between the Moors and Christians. It was rebuilt near the Monastery of Castro de Avelãs. King Sancho I gave it a charter in 1187 and 3 centuries later in 1442 it became a dukedom. This was the beginning of the important House of Bragança. The first Duke, Afonso, was the illegitimate son of King João I and the son in law of Nuno Álvares Pereira. The first tariff free fair was held here in 1445 attesting to the importance of the town. It was elevated to a city in 1466 by King Afonso V. The city owed its development not only to the aristocracy and royalty but also to the Jews, who found this a pleasant place to live in and developed its commerce. Between the 15th and 19th centuries Bragança became the centre for the production of silk. Its history was not always peaceful; in 1762 the Spanish invaded it and in 1808 the French attacked it. It overcame its vicissitudes and can proudly say it never lost its patriotism. Today Bragança is a peaceful town, contrasted by lively students. There are 49 parishes around with isolated and characteristic people. They can be found in villages in the Nature Park of Montesinho. Both Bragança and the town of Vinhais are possible access routes for the villages. One can visit the local Convent of São Francisco and taste the Salpicão (a local sausage).





Feasts and Fairs BRAGANÇA Feast of Senhora das Graças (22 August) Feast of Boys or Feast of Saint Stephen (Christmas) - Varge, Sacoias, Lombada, Avelada and Ouzilhão Fair of Fumeiro in Vinhais (February) Fair of Cantarinhas (2,3,4 May) Jogos tradicionais populares (traditional games) Sports Hunting: rabbit, woodcock, partridge Hunting: boar Fishing: trout and barbel BRAGANÇA Castle of Bragança (Military Museum) There are 8 centuries of history within the city walls. King Sancho I built the first high walls around "Benquerença". He gave it rights and changed the name to Bragança. A hundred years later, the population had increased so much that it justified a second wall, built by King Dinis. Right after the Porta de Santo António (gate) there are tiny little streets with old houses and old lamp lights that are still in use. The Domus Municipalis de Bragança is a short distance away. Also the church of Santa Maria and a pillory on top of a sculpture called "Porca da Vila"(sow of the town). The dungeon is 33 meters high and has beautiful Gothic windows of granite and slate. One has to go through the inner wall to reach the well-preserved tower. The Military Museum is located here. The history of the Gungunhana War, WW I and the Colonial Wars are displayed here. A wooden staircase leads up to the terrace where there is a panoramic view of the mountains. In times of danger, one could espy the Spanish Sanábria mountains, beyond the Nature Park of Montesinho. The town has seen many changes. During the dynastic crisis of 1580, Bragança sided patriotically with the Portuguese pretender, António, Prior of Crato. In 1762, Bragança was the thrust of the Spanish invasion of Trás-os-Montes. But the Portuguese army, lead by the Count of Lippe forced the Spanish back over the frontier. During the French Invasions,





Bragança again was a target and despite being attacked and damaged never laid down its arms. The castle had to be restored several times, the last in 1963. The Military Museum opened in 1936. It was closed in 1958 and reopened to the public in the early 80s. It is a good example of a restored Portuguese castle. Domus Municipalis of Bragança This is a 7th century Roman building. It is pentagonal in shape, the only one in Portugal. It has a cistern and is remarkable for the succession of openings. Pillory (granite, unusual, built on top of a sculpture called "Porca da Vila") Cathedral It dates back to the 16th century. The Jesuits were here and created a college that existed until their expulsion in the 18th century. The cathedral was bequeathed temporarily to the diocese of Miranda do Douro. The cloister, where the Jesuits were installed, became a high school. There is a small tower that the students called "cabrita", meaning "little she goat". There is a larger tower in the University of Coimbra called "cabra" meaning "she goat". This cathedral, located in the main square of the city, is a mixture of Renaissance and Baroque. It is worth mentioning the carved windows, the Renaissance arch, the altar-piece of gilt wood carvings, the ceiling of the sacristy with painted panels and the skirting of 17th century tiles. Church of São Vicente According to tradition King Pedro I married Inês de Castro in this church with the blessing of the dean of the Cathedral of Guarda. It is a 13th century church that was remodelled in the 17th century. There is a Renaissance door and a chapel with gilt wood carvings and a gilded vault. The tiles around the nave are 17th century. There is also a tile panel (19th century) depicting General Sepúlveda proclaiming against the Napoleonic Occupation. Church of Santa Maria (originally Romanesque; rebuilt in the 18th century in Renaissance and Baroque styles; 18th century painted ceiling) Church of São Bento (dedicated to the patron saint; ceiling painted by Bustamante, a Baroque relic) Church of Santa Clara (conventional church; a mixture of Baroque and Renaissance; 18th century painted ceiling) Chapel of Casa da Misericórdia (17th century altarpiece of gilt wood carvings) Court House and Abade de Baçal Museum (archaeology, paintings and ethnography) House of Calainhos (manor house with stone coats of arms)





House of Vargas (interesting row of wrought iron verandas) House of Arcos (17th century; stone coats of arms, a double façade linked by a covered arch and leading onto 2 roads) Lookout point of São Bartolomeu (view of the city) Outskirts Benedictine Monastery - Castro de Avelãs It is located 5 kilometres from Bragança, near the road of Vinhais. It is a curious building, 10th century Arab or Roman. The Benedictine friars lived here until 1545 when the monastery was dissolved. It is built of brick and has 3 cylindrical bodies. The middle one is the tallest and has stories on top of a semicircular arcade. The lateral bodies have only 2 stories. The arcade is enclosed, without windows, only 3 narrow openings. After the dissolution all its goods were transferred to the Cathedral of Miranda do Douro and the Monastery was abandoned. Church of Santo Cristo (1648; imposing building of different styles; façade is flanked by 2 bell towers; Gothic cross) - Outeiro Nature Park of Montesinho (with typical villages) Convent of São Francisco - Vinhais The missionaries of the Convent of Varatojo while preaching all over the country found Vinhais a very interesting location and built a seminary here. King João V and the Bishop of Miranda, gave permission and the first stone was laid on the 6th of January 1752. Many missionaries were taught here during the 80 years the Seminary of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação existed. In 1834 in the fight between the "Miguelistas" and the "Liberals" the Franciscan monks were persecuted and exiled. Their goods were confiscated and the library was robbed and then burned. The convent was sold into private hands; it has housed Public Offices and has been a military barracks. In 1920 it became a Minor Seminary and is so until today. Church of São Facundo (Romanesque façade; somewhat crude and mysterious; made of very dark granite) - Vinhais CABECEIRAS DE BASTO

There is no document evidence as to the exact date that Cabeceiras de Basto was founded, however, judging by dolmens and traces of hill forts in the area it would seem to





have been a settlement in pre-Roman times, but was only granted a town charter at the time of Manuel I. The area is well-known for light, sparkling wine, or vinho verde, corn, olive oil, cattle raising and handicrafts that provide the economic wealth of the municipality. Cabeceiras de Basto has long been known for its basket making, tanning, clogs, brass and also for work in linen and wool, Local specialities in the food line include veal, salt cod with baked potatoes, roast pork and papas de sarrabulho, made with pig's blood. Festivals, fairs and pilgrimages as well as traditional games are held at various times throughout the year. Fairs and Feasts

CABECEIRA DE BASTO Fair and festival of St Michael (S. Miguel) The religious festival in honour of S. Miguel, patron saint of the Basto area started in the 12th century. The fair in his honour, held when the crops are harvested, dates back to mediaeval times and besides the exchange and "experimenta " of cattle, it is possible to see the traditional Stick Game, at which the men of the Basto region have excelled for centuries. Woollen blankets and burel hoods are some of the regional products marketed at the fair which is held at the same time as the festival, at Refojos, Cabeceiras de Basto from September 20th to 30th. Festival of Our Lady of Remedies (Nossa Senhora dos Remédios) This very lively, sacred and profane festival is very typical of those held in the Minho province. A procession in honour of Our Lady is part of this, one of the most well-known pilgrimages in the district, that takes place on the first Sunday in September at Arco de Báulhe. Festival of St. Bartholomew (S. Bartolomeu) This pilgrimage goes back to the 18th century and since then many of the faithful, believers and the desperate have prayed to St. Bartolomeu de Cavês to cure their ills. Tradition demands that everyone attending should drink the sulphurous waters of a fountain on the bank of the River Tâmega opposite the chapel of the saint. This festival takes place at Lugar da Ponte, in Cavês, Cabeceiras de Basto on August 24th. Festival das Papas At this festival, held on January 20th in honour of St. Sebastian the wine, sweet almond cakes and delicious corn bread, prepared by the villagers all week long, are blessed. Many people believe that keeping the piece of corn bread or corola that has been blessed will protect them from illness and misfortune. This is just part of one of the most significant





cultural and religious events held one year at Samão and the next at Gondiães by the people of Cabeceiras de Basto. Agro-Basto The Basto region agricultural and handicraft fair consists of showing, promoting and dynamizing the socio-economic panorama of the area. The Agro-Basto takes place at Refojos from September 23rd to 29th, coinciding with the Fair and Festival of São Miguel. Santa Luzia Fair The fair in honour of Santa Luzia is of particular interest in that just about everything can be found there plus traditional games and food. This fair is very popular with the townspeople of Arco de Baúlhe and takes place annually on December 13th to 15th. CABECEIRA DE BASTO Monastery of S. Miguel de Refojos In the past this remarkable monastery was one of the richest in Minho. Nothing is known about its founder, but in the 12th century, it belonged to Gomes Mendes whose ancestor was the founder and owner of Refúgios. Over the centuries, the monastery belonged to a number of historically interesting personalities including Vasco Gonçalves Barroso, the first husband of Leonor de Alvim who was later to marry the great High Constable of Portugal, Nuno Álvares Pereira. In the 15th century Friar Diogo de Murça, head of the monastery, petitioned the Pope to close the monastery, but pressure from the monks made him reverse his request. Pope Paul IV pronounced his decision to keep it open in 1555, and from then on it was called the Monastery of S. Miguel de Refojos and grew in importance, possibly because of its very high income from rents which it shared with the reigning House of Braganza. Nowadays, the monastery, a very pretty spot with a small garden in front, attracts many visitors. The statue of 0 Basto 0 Basto, immortalising a daring Lusitanian warrior called Hermínio Rodrigues, is one of a series or statues which, in the era before the coming of the Romans, were placed over the tombs of warrior of divine heroes, in neighbouring Galicia The statue of Basto, in the Praça da República, in Refojos, and the recently discovered statue of Santa Comba are the only ones to have been found in the open air, so are generally better known. Probably dating from the 1st century B.C., the statue of Basto was to lose much of its primitive symbolism with alterations carried out in 1612 and 1892, which added a head and shako and a thick, sharply-pointed beard, stockings and boots. Nevertheless, the Lusitanian warrior who, according to legend, defended the Monastery of S. Miguel de Refojos against Moorish attacks, still personifies the temperament, courage, honour and traditions of the people of Cabeceiras de Basto. Refojos and Abadim Pillory





Roman bridge at Cavez Quinta da Taipa Casa da Breia 17th 18th century, baroque manor house, restored in the 19th century. Built on a U plan with a rectangular chapel separate from the house. Surrounding Area Moinhos de Rei A number of windmills built in the 13th and 14th centuries are still to be seen at Ribeira de Alviela. Built during the reign of King Dinis they are of particular interest as the king was the first monarch to encourage and develop mills, and as his property part of the rent from these community windmills went to the Crown, The Moinhos de Rei are significant marks of the revolution over the centuries, as the invention of mills, water mills and sea mills replaced animal and human power. CAMINHA

This town of knights, masters, navigators and sailors has been inhabited since prehistory. Caminha is a proud town on the banks of the Minho river and has a seaport that determines the local economy. It is a tourist attraction due to the magnificent scenery and rare beauty that surrounds it. There is the river, the sea, the Arga mountains and the coast. It is a neighbour of the Spanish town "La Guardia". It is said that a Spanish noble called Sir Caminho gave this town its name during the Reconquest. There is also the charming story that Jesus and St. Peter were walking here and the Apostle asked where they were. Jesus answered: "caminha, caminha, que temos pressa" (walk on, walk on - we are in a hurry) ("caminha" means walk on). Fairs and Feasts CAMINHA

Feasts of Santa Rita de Cássia (2nd Sunday of August) Feasts of Nossa Senhora da Agonia (3rd Sunday of August) Fair of Santos (1st November) Religious Festival of São João d'Arga (28th and 29th August) - Arga de São João Religious Festival of Senhora do Minho (1st weekend in July) - Serra d' Arga





Sports Windsurfing, water-skiing on the Minho river Canoeing- Coura river Fishing: trout in the Minho river; there is abundant rock bass and mullet in the estuary Mountain bicycles, scaling, rappelling and canoeing and all terrain vehicles - d'Arga mountain (Organização AFLUENTE - Tel (058) 727017) CAMINHA Parish Church of Caminha It is a splendid example of Gothic and is the calling card of Caminha. Building began in 1480 and concluded in the 16th century. It is all granite and has a large and imposing tower giving it an air of a fortress. Its interior is full of niches. The ceiling is Moorish style; the altarpiece is unique, there are 18th century wood carvings, a revolving tabernacle and several statues of the Apostles. Church of Misericórdia (16th century; Manueline entrance; altars with gilt wood carvings) Fort of Ínsua The fort is built on a rocky islet. There is an abandoned Franciscan convent and church on the inside. It is said that it was a pagan temple dedicated to Saturn that became a chapel dedicated to the Virgin. It was built during the time of the Reconquest. Troops were later replaced by monks. There are still 5 bastions and several pieces of artillery. There are ruins of the kitchen with lovely chimneys, a tiny cloister and a chapel. City Hall (16th century building with 2 floors; oak ceiling, probably from the choir of the Parish Church) Clock Tower (15th century; part of the old defensive wall; there is a granite statue of Our Lady) Fountain of Terreiro (1500s; granite; made by the stonemason João Lopes) Praça do Conselheiro Silva Torres (Square in the Historical Centre; with a 1500s fountain; City Hall and Clock Tower) House of Pitas (Manueline style; façade rebuilt in the 18th century; 2 escutcheons; National Monument)





Rua Direita (Medieval area; granite houses; opens onto Praça dos Paços do Concelho) Av. Marginal (along the Minho river; anchored boats; with a view of the Spanish Santa Tecla mountain) Outskirts Moledo beach Pine woods of Camarido (planted by King Dinis; camping grounds) Medieval bridge and old mills - Vilar de Mouros Monastery of São João d'Arga (surrounded by green vegetation; place of pilgrimage on the 28th June) - Arga de S. João Waterfalls of Pincho (very beautiful place but difficult to get to) - Amonde Church of Espírito Santo (Baroque, rebuilt in the 18th century) - Paredes de Coura Pillory and Casa Grande (1800s manor house) - Paredes de Coura Roman bridge and cross over the Âncora river - Orbacém Castle of Campo Maior It was possibly a Roman castle at one time. Perez de Badajoz conquered it from the Moors and in 1297 it came under the Portuguese crown. It was rebuilt in 1310 by King Dinis and is a good example of military architecture. During the reign of King Manuel I, the castle had important renovations, such as the Gothic/Manueline window on the North Tower. King João IV built the moat and bastions for defence in 1645. In 1732 the castle was destroyed when lightening hit a powder magazine in the dungeon. King João V rebuilt it using part of the gold from Brazil. Parish Church (16th century; interior with 3 naves; the 16th century silver vessels and gold and silver vestments are notable; there is a chapel of bones built in 1766, the bones are of the victims of the explosion that burned down the castle in 1732) Church of Misericórdia (founded in 1592 and restored in 1725; a plain façade, flanked by 2 towers with openings) Church of Nosso Senhor dos Aflitos (a nice fresco on the right of he altar; located south of the castle)





Church and Cloister of the Franciscan Convent of Santo António (rebuilt between 1645-1709; mosaics and tiles of the life of St. Francis; the nuns of the Order of the Immaculate Conception live here) Church of São João Baptista (1520, destroyed by the explosion of the powder magazine and rebuilt in 1734-47; decorated with worked marble) House of Assento (built in the 18th century, it was the store house for the castle; it has only 1 floor with a worked stone entrance having the coat of arms of King João V in the middle) Manor house of Carvajal (typical of the 18th century; the main entrance is marble; a lovely pediment with the family coat of arms) Paços do Concelho (Town Council) (17th - 18th century; has 2 parts and 2 stories; an outside staircase of marble and windows with pediments) Pillory (polygonal base on 4 steps; the shaft is decorated with animals, a statue of "Justice" is on top) Historic Centre (18th and 19th century houses on narrow streets) Novadelta Coffee Museum (the history of coffee; old coffee machines; coffee grinders, both industrial and domestic; plantations; the process of producing coffee, library) Outskirts Castle of Ouguela King Dinis had it rebuilt in 1310. There are still Medieval houses within the castle along little roads that descend. There are also 17th and 18th century houses that were the residences of the governor, officers of the fortress and military families. There are entire walls of graffito imitating worked stone, window openings and entranceways and curious scenes. The castle walls are thick, with bastions, towers and in a square shape. Village of Nossa Senhora da Graça dos Degolados (typical white house of Alentejo) Caia dam (fishing and water sports) CAMPO MAIOR

Campo Maior is less than 10 kilometres from the Spanish border. It is on a hill 277 meters high. It is a town in Portalegre, the third largest in Alto Alentejo. It is a large centre for agriculture and commerce. Its largest industry is roasting coffee beans, the largest in Portugal.





King Dinis conquered it from the Moors in 1297 and 2 years later raised it to a town. Sometime prior to 1388 the dungeon was built in the castle. In the 18th century Campo Maior was the second most important strategic post along the frontier, second to Elvas. One century later during the French Invasions the town resisted the French siege, and only surrendered after a month. The English General Beresford liberated it and received the title of Marquis of Campo Maior and the bravery of its citizens won the distinction of "very loyal and valorous" for the town. Fairs and Feasts CAMPO MAIOR People's feast of Campo Maior These festivities are quite a spectacle with the streets decorated with a myriad of paper flowers. The feast does not have a regular date but occurs whenever the populace feels like it. They work for months and at the end of summer the entire town is covered with paper roses, carnations, tulips and poppies in 1001 colours. Night and day the happy festivity goes on; every three years during August/September. Religious Festival of São Joaozinho (June) Fair of Campo Maior (15 August) Religious Festival of Senhora da Enxara (Easter) - Ouguela Sports Windsurfing and water skiing (Caia dam) Hunting: - Herdade da Godinha de Baixo (partridge, quail, pheasant, turtle dove, thrush, rabbit, fox) - Abrilongo (partridge, rabbit, hare, duck, pigeon, turtle dove, quail, thrush, fox, boar) - Boavista (partridge, quail, rabbit, thrush, pigeon, hare, fox, boar) CAMPO MAIOR Castle King Dinis began the building of the castle but it was only completed by his son, King Afonso IV in 1327. The castle was the rearguard of defence for the Castle of Marvão. The walls and bastions are still standing and attest to the turbulent times of the War of Restoration. There is a well in the castle's inner ward called Aloaca. This was the old name of Castelo de Vide There is a 13th century round tower that was a sentry post. The dungeon has large windows where one can see far and wide: the Lookout point of the Sanctuary of





Senhora da Penha is in the Northeast; the granite hills; the plains on the east and in the Southwest to the Marvão mountains. Jewish quarter The Jewish Quarter is located in the east side of the Medieval town. It lies between the old market and Fountain of Vila (fountain). It has cobble stone roads. The Synagogue is still standing. The houses have ogival entrances and windows. And on the entrances of the commercial establishments there are professional symbols. It is not easy to mark the limits of the Jewish Quarter but it is spread over the Rua da Fonte, Rua do Mercado, Rua do Arçario, Rua do Mestre Jorge, Rua da Jewish quarter and on Rua Nova and Rua dos Serralheiros. The houses are well preserved. Medieval Synagogue The synagogue dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries. It has 2 stories and is located at the corner of Rua da Judiaria and Rua da Fonte. One of the rooms on the upper floor may have had the Tabernacle, where the men congregated. The room on the right is separated by a wicket where the women sat, during the readings of the Torah. All indications are that the room on the left was used as a school room. The building underwent dramatic changes in the 16th century when the Jews lost their freedom of worship in Portugal. It has been used for various purposes since. Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Alegria (17th century; totally lined with coloured 1600s tiles in various designs; has a Baroque main altar of gilt wood carvings; located in the castle) Old Paços do Concelho (Town Council) (15th century; façade with arches; Gothic entrances; granite slabs and corbels) Church of São Tiago (lined in coloured tiles; 18th century Renaissance chapel) Fountain in the town (16th century; Neoclassical; coat of arms of Portugal in the centre; thought to be the oldest fountain in Castelo de Vide; near the Synagogue) Church of São João Baptista (14th century; belonged to the Order of Malta, the emblem of the Order is on the façade) Parish Church de Santa Maria (built over a 13th century chapel; one of the largest churches in Alto Alentejo; has a large nave; 18th century entrance; church is in the shape of cross; late Baroque of King João V era) Paços do Concelho (Town Council) (17th century; 2 flights of stairs; a large arcade and a fine 18th century pinnacled spire) Pillory (located at the entrance of the Paços do Concelho)





Fountain of Montorinho This fountain is circular and has a cone shaped top and the spouts are placed around it. There is a statue of a boy spearing a fish which represents the political fights in the 19th century: the boy represents the "partido progressista" winning over the "partido regenerador". Church of Calvário (the founding date is unknown but it already existed in 1650; white washed walls with clay roof tiles; typically Moorish; main chapel; church yard; sacristy; annex; chapel of Passos and an elevated altar; at the side of S. Roque ) Church of Santo Amaro (licensed in 1494; remodelled in 1777; the only Baroque church in Alto Alentejo; one of the loveliest churches in Castelo de Vide; dignified and grand; well proportioned nave and main altar; precious statues on the main altar) Church of São José (1620; walls of stone and lime; rectangular nave; main chapel in the apse; façade with a triangular pediment and cornice; located on Rua de São José) Church of Santo António (1700; rectangular main chapel rectangular with Hispano-Arabic tiles; vaulted ceiling; located in Azinhaga da Fonte dos Dez Peros) Franciscan Convent (15th century; lovely cloister of King João III era) Chapel of São Salvador do Mundo (13th century; repaired in 17th and 18th centuries; rebuilt in 1972; 18th century tiles; oldest chapel in Castelo de Vide; chapel is probably Visigothic) Manor houses (17th and 18th century; with stone windows and wrought iron railings, located in Praça D. Pedro V) Praça D. Pedro(square)V There is a statue of the monarch in the square, inaugurated in 1837. There is the Church of São João Baptista and several curious buildings beside it, with lovely granite façades. There is a 17th century Baroque building too. The Hospital is located in the house where the statesman Mousinho da Silveira was born. Also the Parish Church and City Hall are here. From the square one can reach the castle along winding streets with innumerable ogival and Manueline entrances. This is a splendid Medieval town, with narrow alleys, picturesque nooks and tiny windows over Medieval entrances. Spring of Mealhada (one of 3 natural springs; curative waters especially for stomach problems) Fort of São Roque (built by Azevedo Fortes in 1710 on a hilltop east of town)





Church of São Roque (15th century, repaired in the 18th century, has a porch, nave, main chapel, sacristy and annex; inside the fort) Outskirts Menhir of Meada- Tapada do Cilindro It was erected over 5000 years ago in the Neolithic Era and it is the largest one in the Iberian Peninsula, all worked by the hand of man. It is made of rough granite; measures 7.15 meters high, 115 centimetres in diameter and weighs 15 tons. It was probably used in fertility rites and marked a territorial boundary. Signs were posted for the first time in 1965 and it can be visited. It is located in Santa Maria da Devesa, 12 kilometres from Castelo de Vide. Archaeological Route The Medieval Necropolis of Santo Amarinho is the first stop of the route and is 6 kilometres from Castelo de Vide. It is reasonably well persevered, has 16 tombs of granite slabs and one tomb is excavated from the rocks. Follow the road to Alpalhão and the second stop is the Neolithic cromlech of Melriça, well known for its beauty and grandeur. It was classified as a National Monument in 1910. Near the Póvoa dam and Meadas there is the Menhir of Meada and the cromlech of Couto do Zé Godinho. This Megalithic cromlech does not have a roof covering but there are still vestiges of the corridor. Follow the road to Canaflexa and retake the road to Castelo de Vide where the Megalithic Park of Coureleiros is to be found. There are 4 prehistoric monuments here and the park has its own route. Póvoa dam (enormous lake with a beach for fishing and water sports) Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Penha (tiles; grandiose view over Castelo de Vide; 3 Kilometres away) - Monte da Penha Roman bridge over the Sever river - Portagem Convent of Nossa Senhora da Estrela (lovely Manueline marble cross; Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Estrela (1772) with a vault; altar and floor of marble; lined with tiles) CASTELO DE VIDE

Castelo de Vide is located in the cool mountains of São Mamede, among dense olive groves and chestnut trees. The airy town is sometimes called "Sintra of Alentejo" and is full of monuments. The oldest document concerning the town dates to 1273. But some say that Pedro Annes gave it a charter in 1180. King Dinis gave it a charter in 1310 and had the castle built. Later King Manuel also gave it a charter. Among the many monuments there are prehistoric and Medieval ones, dozens of churches, enchanting alleys and some of the best Gothic entrances in Portugal. It also has a renowned spa, mild climate and is located near Póvoa dam, which has become a tourist attraction.





Fairs and Feasts CASTELO DE VIDE Religious Festival of Nossa Senhora da Luz (Easter) Carnival Popular Saints Folk Dancing Festival (August) Feast of Senhora da Penha (first week of August) Sports Hunting: rabbit and partridge Fox and boar hunts (Serviços florestais) Fishing (carp and bream) and water sports without motors - Póvoa dam Rafting The river Tâmega, which flows through the district, is undoubtedly one of the best European rivers for practising this sport, CASTELO DE VIDE Chapel of Santo António - Built in the 17th century, this baroque chapel shared in the decline of its parish and is now abandoned. Casa da Boavista - One of the region's most striking examples of baroque architecture, this house belonged to Manuel Luís Teixeira de Carvalho de Cunha de Mesquita. Casa do Outeiro - Built upon an earlier structure, the present Casa do Outeiro dates from the 18th century. The house neighbours the Casa da Boavista and the two noble families were eventually united by the marriage of António Gonçalves de Carvalho to Luísa Teixeira de Carvalho da Boavista. Baroque architecture with a battlemented tower. Casa da Gandarela - Built in the 18th century, the house is notable for its tower, which has battlements and an ornate window.





Cross of S. Romão do Corgo - This 16th century cross stands on a four-sided plinth with two steps. It has a cubic base and a shaft with rounded edges. The inscription it bears is dated 1573 and refers to the entity upon whose orders the cross was erected. CELORICO DE BASTO

Celorico stands at the edge of the verdant province of Minho, on the threshold of the Douro and Trás-os-Montes regions. With evidence of a long history which can be seen in its architectural heritage, Celorico wears a green mantle of fields and trees to delight the eyes of country lovers. Nowadays we still find a discreet, quite town, well-preserved and full of charm. Deep in the Portuguese hinterland, isolated from the main population centres, agriculture remains an important source of income for the people of Celorico. Nevertheless, although this is not a wealthy region, the landscape around the town is dotted with attractive country houses built in centuries past. The backdrop for many a curious tale in days gone by, some of these buildings now require urgent restoration work. FESTAS E FEIRAS CELORICO DE BASTO Shooting and Fishing (The River Tâmega and its tributaries, fishing for trout and boce) Celorico de Basto Shooting and Fishing Club. Other activities BTT, Rappel and Paint-Ball can be practised, excellent walking and riding country, good terrain for jeeps (logistic support available)

Sporting Events Esso/FCP Rally (February) Portugal Rally (March) Mondim de Basto Rally (June) Hovercraft Event (September) Touristic Raid / In-Basto Active - Jeeps and motor bikes (June), Festivals and fairs Municipal Festivities (July 23rd, 24th and 25th) Wine Festival (July 15th to 18th) Exhibition / Sale Regional products Gastronomic and Handicraft Festival (August 11th to 15th) Traditional dishes, music, exhibitions and sale of regional handicrafts.





CELORICO DE BASTO Pillory (13th century; in the square near the Town Hall) Municipal Gardens (has a bust of General Serpa Pinto; located in the church yard of São João Batista; there is a band stand. The town feasts are held here) São João Batista Church (18th century; Baroque with some Medieval traces) Gallows (Medieval; made of stone) Municipal Market (inaugurated in January 1996, all sorts of products) Outskirts Boassas Village (the village of Boassas with narrow streets and many verandas was classified as the second most Portuguese village) Carmen Miranda Village (inaugurated in 1985 in honour of Carmen Miranda, famous singer of radio and cinema; there are permanent and temporary exhibits) - Marco de Canaveses Parish Church with 12 bells (18th century; Baroque style) - Oliveira do Douro Church of Santa Maria Maior - (12th century; Romanesque; founded by Augustinian monks; this used to be a Benedictine convent but was destroyed except for the chapel) Church of São Miguel de Escamarão (7th or 8th century; Romanesque) - Souselo Ruins of Portas de Montemuro (pre-historic ruins of a military camp) - Cume da Serra de Montemuro Typical stone houses of Gralheira (granite houses with thatched roofs) - Gralheira Gralheira Pool (stone swimming pool, used during the Summer) - Gralheira Alpendorada Convent (11th century; belonged to the Benedictine Order; it has been restored and is a hotel) - Alpendorada Church of Vila Boa de Quires The church was built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style. In 1885 it underwent restoration but kept its initial aspects. There is a triumphal arch in front and 3 windows above. On the outside there are 3 arched niches for tombs. It is classified as a National Monument.





Obras do Fidalgo manor house (18th century, Baroque, unfinished, the walls are of an unusual thickness, the Spanish architect died before he completed the work) - Vila Boa de Quires CINFÃES

Cinfães has 17 parishes with an area of over 243 square kilometres and 25,000 inhabitants. It is located on the left bank of the Douro River and on one side of the Montemuro mountains. There is fishing, hunting and water sports here especially in the Carrapatelo lagoon. Prehistoric man lived here; there are archaeological vestiges and sites. In 1513 King Manuel gave a charter to this town. Egas Moniz used to be the squire here and King Afonso Henriques spent his early years here with him. Agriculture is the principal source of income: Sparkling wine, corn and fruits. The local cuisine is varied and the crafts are still used in day to day life, such as baskets, grape baskets, clogs and straw hats. Cinfães has managed to preserve some of the best buildings despite some confusion. Feasts CINFÃES

Feast of Our Lady of Candeias or Fevereirinha (2nd of February) São João (24th of June, local holiday) Feast of Santa Isabel (1st Sunday of July) - Tavanca Senhora dos Milagres (15th of August) - Ruivais and Ferreiros Cinfães Fair (10th and 26th of each month) Regional Arts and Crafts Fair (10th of August) Malhada Fair (2nd Sunday of July, cattle) - Tendais Nespereira Fair (6th of August, cattle) - Nespereira Portas de Montemuro Fair (3rd Sunday of August, cattle; the speciality is meat Kabob roasted in special ovens) - Alhões and Tendais S. Miguel (28th of September, fattened oxen, textiles and local sweets) - Souselo Sports





Hunting: rabbit, hare, partridge, fox and boar - Baião (Baiacaça) Sport Fishing - Douro River, Tâmega River Walks - (Associação de Amigos do Vale de Bestança) Canoeing - Douro River (Federação Portuguesa de Canoagem; Clube Náutico de Ribadouro) Sailing, Windsurfing - Albufeira do Carrapatelo (Clube Náutico de Ribadouro) Mountain Climbing - Montemuro Mountain Water Sports - Albufeira do Carrapatelo e do Torrão Swimming, tennis, miniature golf, horseback riding, rental of boats/houses, boat trips on the Douro River - Sande (Quinta dos Agros - Centro de Lazer) CINFÃES Church and Monastery of Vila Boa do Bispo There are still Roman vestiges found in the church of the old Monastery of Santa Maria which include an arch in the main façade and 3 windows on the side. The main altar and side altars are made of gilt wooden carvings. There are valuable 17th century tiles. The monastery belonged to the Augustinian monks and is located in Vila Boa do Bispo. The Romanesque architecture has slowly been replaced by renovations. Only the main entrance and 2 corbels on the left side of the façade remain. The ceiling is of gilt wooden carvings and panels. - Soalhães Quintã House - Soalhães Archaeological Site in Freixo In Marco de Canaveses, there is a place called "Capela dos Mouros" where archaeological excavations have taken place since 1980. The area covers 326,000 square meters. Roman baths have been found here, also a Forum and houses. The Roman city was called Tongobrida. It has been designated a National Monument and is currently being excavated. Water mills (built of stone or granite; the first was built in 1957 and is still functioning) Canaveses Spa (active sulphur baths; used since Roman times) Dam and Lagoon of Carrapatelo (river beach with clean water) - Douro River Monte Ladário (lookout point over Cinfães, in a wooded area) Bestança River (flows into the Douro; the water is potable) Paiva and Ardena COIMBRA





Coimbra was conquered from the Moors in 1064 by Fernando I of Leon. It became the capital of the new county and was part of the defence line. The new county was bordered on the north by the Douro, on the east by the Lamego and the south by the Mondego Fort. The count of Sesnando was governor and under him Coimbra flourished, he enlarged the territory, built monuments and developed agriculture. It became a metropolis during the early history of Portugal. Coimbra was already a seat of learning and culture when the University of Lisboa transferred here in the 16th century. Coimbra is built on a hill, 106 meters high on the left bank of the Mondego river, 45 kilometres from its mouth. The city used to be divided into Alta (high) and Baixa (low) areas. The University occupied the "higher" area and students could not live outside this area. Today students wearing the traditional black capes still live here. The "lower" area has narrow streets and is frequently flooded by the river. Raul Proença says, (Guides bleus. Portugal. Ed. 1930, p. 180), "the floods of the Mondego river were to Coimbra what the earthquakes were to Lisbon." The floods destroyed most of the early monuments, only the Church of São Tiago and the ruins of the old convent of Santa Clara remain. When Lisbon became the Capital of Portugal, Coimbra remained the cultural capital. It was the artistic and cultural centre, many Portuguese writers and poets lived here. Coimbra is without any doubt, one of the most beautiful cities of Portugal and the dazzling scenery is reflected in the river and whoever visits is amazed. Feasts and Fairs COIMBRA

Queima das Fitas (burning of the ribbons) From the Thursday of the first week of May until the following Thursday, the University of Coimbra celebrates the "Queima das Fitas" (burning of the ribbons). There are several events during this week; the Gala Ball on Saturday, and the parade on Tuesday is one of the high points. Every evening each faculty in turn holds a concert, attended by 20,000 people or more. All finalists receive a "special briefcase" with ribbons with signatures of dedication from friends and family. Students dress "de rigor" in the traditional black suit, white shirt, cape and briefcase. The tradition is to cut slits in the bottom of the cape of finalists. The family cuts the left side and friends the right. The middle is reserved for the boy/girl friend and in the event the affair ends, the student must sew up the slit using threads the colour of his/her faculty. Feast of the Rainha Santa (4 July in even years) Monthly Fair of Second Hand Goods (last Saturday each month)





Photography Meetings (November) Onions Fair (August) Tin Plate Feast (October/November, in the beginning of the class) Medieval Fair (June) Lázaros Fair (Lázaros Sunday, After Easter) Sports Tennis (Ténis de Coimbra; Clube de Ténis de Coimbra) Swimming (Estádio Municipal; Piscina F. F. D. de Coimbra) Canoeing (Pioneiro do Mondego) - rio Mondego Boat trips on board the "Bazófias" Horse back riding (Centro Hípico de Coimbra - Mata do Choupal) Athletics (Circuito de Manutenção da Mata do Choupal) Fishing (Secção de Pesca da Associação Académica de Coimbra) COIMBRA Old Cathedral It was built in 1162 and is one of the most beautiful Romanesque monuments in Portugal. It has battlements and looks like a fortress. The notable Gothic cloister is the oldest in Portugal and has 12th, 14th and 16th century sculptures. The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament and the Porta Especiosa (handsome entrance) are of the 16th century and are the works of João de Ruão. The 16th century chapel of Saint Peter was directed by Nicolau de Chanterenne. The tomb of Jorge de Almeida, Bishop of Coimbra is here. The altarpiece of the main altar is flaming Gothic of the 16th century and is the work of the Flemish Jean de Ypres and Olivier de Gand. The paintings of the "Saint Ursula and martyrs" and "Saint Anthony of Lisboa are probably from 1637 by an unknown artist. Finally, the Hispano-Arab tiles are also noteworthy; they were purchased in 1503 from the Quijarro factory in Seville. New Cathedral It was founded by the Jesuits in 1598. The façade with both Classic and Baroque styles is notable. So is the altarpiece of the main altar, it is 17th century and of gilt wood carvings by





Jerónimo Luís. He also made the altarpieces in the transept. The chapels on the nave also have gilt wood carved altarpieces; with paintings and sculptures. The Neo Classical organs are 18th century. There are several articles from the old Cathedral, i.e. the Manueline baptismal font and the choir stalls made of black wood. Church of Santa Justa The church was built at the top of Rua da Sofia, by the Ladeira de Santa Justa to avoid being flooded by the Mondego River. The first stone was laid in 1710. It has a monumental façade, flanked by towers. The main altarpiece is large and represents the transition to the Rococo style. Church of Salvador (12th century; rebuilt in the 18th century; 1179 Romanesque entrance; 18th century tiles from the old Coimbra factory; also a Manueline chapel) Monastery and Church of Santa Cruz The monastery was founded by the Augustinian monks in the 12th century during the reign of King Afonso Henriques. The interesting parts are: 1) the Chapter Room; 2) body of the Church built in the 16th century; 3) the Manueline vault, the work of Master Boutaca; 4)the 1523 entrance done by Diogo de Castilho; 5) the sculptures by João de Ruão and Nicolau de Chanterenne; 6) the 19th century triumphal arch, possibly by José do Couto. The Manueline sacristy was built between 1622 and 1624 and has paintings by the great masters Grão Vasco and Cristóvão de Figueiredo. There is also a Manueline choir stall, which is unique and made by Machim. The "cloister of silence" (1517) is one of the most interesting examples of Manueline architecture in Portugal. The first king of Portugal and his son, Sancho I chose to be buried here. The Medieval tombs were remodelled in 1502 in the Manueline style, during the reign of King Manuel I. The 2 statues of the kings were sculpted by Nicolau de Chanterenne, who also did the pulpit in the Renaissance style (1521). Today, the Sociedade de Cerâmica Antiga de Coimbra, the most important ceramic factory in Coimbra is installed in the old press of the monastery. Monastery of Celas (1213; Gothic; an elaborate Romanesque/Gothic cloister; founded in the 13th century by Princess Sancha, daughter of King Sancho I; restored and enlarged in the 16th and 17th centuries Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha This Gothic convent dates back to the 14th century. Queen Saint Isabel had the chapel built for her tomb. However the tomb was transferred to the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, to avoid the floods from the Mondego River. New Monastery of Santa Clara The monastery is Baroque and of the 17th and 18th centuries. There is a painted statue of Queen Saint Isabel (20th century) by Teixeira Lopes. There are 2 tombs of the saint; one is





limestone by Master Pero (1330) and the other in silver (17th century) which contains the body. The main altarpiece of gilt wood carvings and the cloister (1733) were made by the Hungarian architect Carlos Mardel. The Military Museum is located in the Monastery. It has collections of arms and uniforms. Castle (in ruins; all that remains are the Gate of Barbacã, the Gate of Almedina and the Tower of Anto) College and Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo Friar Baltazar Limpo, Bishop of Porto founded this prestigious institution in 1540. The priests of the diocese of Porto come here to further their studies. It has a very large church with the founder's coat of arms. The main façade is the original; also the 1500s cloister, both built by Friar Amador Arrais, Bishop of Portalegre. There are 2 grandiose altarpieces made by the Coelho brothers during the reign of King Pedro II. The altarpiece has paintings by Simão Rodrigues and Domingos Vieira Serrão. The 1600s tiles from Lisbon are of interest. As is the "Burial in the Tomb" in the sacristy by João de Ruão. University of Coimbra King Dinis had the University of Lisboa built in 1290. It was transferred to Coimbra in 1537 and was installed in the Royal Palace. Among other point of interest are: 1) the Baroque Library which was built by King João V in 1717; 2) the Hall of Capelos; 3) the old Throne Room that currently is used for important ceremonies; 4) the chapel of Saint Michael, built in 1517-1522 with a Manueline façade or with interior decorations dating from the 16th and 18th centuries; 5) the elegant 18th century Neo-Classical colonnade, "Via Latina"; 6) the "Porta Férrea" (entrance) with a Baroque tower that is the entrance to the "Pátio das Escolas" built in 1634. Inquisition Courtyard The Court of the Inquisition was first installed in Coimbra in 1541. It moved into the old College of São Tomás in 1566. The building underwent remodelling in the 19th century, ordered by the Count of Ameal and is Neo-Classical in design. There are still some parts of the original building, i.e. the cloister and signed tiles by Jorge Colaço. The original Renaissance entrance can be seen in the Museu Nacional Machado de Castro. Machado de Castro National Museum It was inaugurated in 1913 and installed in the old Episcopal Palace. The Palace had been the residence of the Bishops from the 12th century to 1910 when the Republic was proclaimed. The collections from 2 other museums were transferred here. There are collections of archaeology, Baroque sculptures, Portuguese paintings (12th , 15th , 16th and 20th centuries), engraving, jewellery, tapestry, ceramics and weaving. It has a Manueline main entrance and a 2 storied Renaissance veranda. The beautiful Romanesque cloister of the Church of São João de Almedina, which had been the first cathedral of Coimbra is here.





The museum is over a Roman cryptoporticus, the largest in Portugal. It has an enormous podium of 2 stories and a stele with the date 305 and the inscription Aeminium the old Roman name for Coimbra. Museum of Sacred Art of Coimbra (located in the University Chapel; collections of paintings and books) Academic Museum (collection of academic robes, sporting trophies, photography and a library) Museum and Laboratory of Anthropology (collections of Brazilian, African, Oriental artefacts) Tram Car Museum Bissaya Barreto Museum (collections of 16th, 18th and 19th century Portuguese tiles; Portuguese paintings; statuary; Portuguese and Chinese porcelains (East India Co.) and library) Royal College of Art (lovely church, full of wood carvings and tiles; a fresco of Judith on the ceiling) Sub-Ripas House (16th century; early 16th century Manueline entrance; Renaissance windows; João de Ruão medallions) Portugal dos Pequenitos (a child's Portugal) During the era of the Estado Novo (New State) in the 20th century, a number of Public Works were created in Coimbra dealing with health and the protection of children. Bissaya Barreto was a protagonist in this area and helped to create Portugal dos Pequenitos, a space for children. Some of the famous Portuguese monuments were built on a small scale and a children's playground. There is a Children's Museum, the only one in Portugal. Estate of Lágrimas (19th century mansion; the legendary Fonte dos Amores (Lover's Fountain) that is linked with King Pedro and Inês de Castro) Santa Cruz Woods (18th century gardens; lovely tiles on the Nogueira Fountain and the Mermaid Bridge among the trees) Hills of Saudade and Meditação (the first is a garden with a lookout point, famous place for poets; the 2nd has a lovely view over the Coselhas valley) Manga Gardens (Renaissance; designed by João de Ruão) Outskirts





Conímbriga - Condeixa-a-Nova The Roman ruins of Conímbriga are located in Condeixa-a-Nova, 14 kilometres from Coimbra. It was an imposing and luxurious Roman town (2nd century BCE) that is built over an Iron Age settlement. There are lovely mosaics and statuary. The museum completes the visit, it has over 1,200 artefacts on exhibit. There are everyday household utensils, coins, ceramics and glassware. The museum annex is a laboratory where Pre-Historic artefacts are restored and treated. Fernando Namora Museum - Condeixa-a-Nova Mozarab Chapel - Lourosa COVILHÃ

There was a Roman fort or settlement on a plateau half way up the Estrela mountains, called Sila Hermínia, which gave rise to Covilhã. It was always inhabited and was sacked and pillaged in many battles. The first walls were built by King Sancho I and he gave the first charter in 1186. This was later confirmed by King Afonso II in 1217. King Dinis also renewed the charter in 1303 and enlarged the walls. King Manuel I gave it a charter in 1510. A royal decree in 1870 elevated it to a city. There were lots of sheep in the area which made this a textile centre. The 2 streams, Carpinteira and Degoldra, running through the city provided the energy to run the mills. Covilhã grew and prospered and today is a modern city with lots of industry. The old part has steep and twisting streets and vestiges of old construction can be seen. Stretches of the old city walls and Gothic entrances exist from the time when the city would shut up. The 1755 earthquake was felt here and a large portion of the walls were destroyed. The Marquis of Pombal used the stones to build the Real Fábrica de Panos (Royal Cloth Factory) which was a model to teach textile production. Today it is the University of Covilhã. Fairs and Feasts COVILHÃ

Franca Fair (22 to 24 June) Fair of Santiago (1 of August) COVIFEIRA (Business Fair of Covilhã, during the Fair of Santiago) Procession of Senhor dos Passos (Passion Sunday) Serra da Estrela Dog show





Feast of Senhora das Dores (1st Sunday of July)- Paúl Procession of the Penitents (every Friday in Lent) - Paúl Feast of Sagrado Coração de Maria (4th Sunday of August) - Unhais da Serra Sports Hunting and Fishing Mountain climbing - (Clube de Montanhas) Walking tours - Serra da Estrela (Clube de Campo) Skiing (Turistrela - rental equipment and lessons) - Torre COVILHÃ Church of São Francisco There used to be a convent (13th century) with the same name but it has disappeared. The church was completed at the end of the 14th century. The 2 side walls are Gothic and have 2 ogival entrances. The façade and main door are 19th century. The 2 burial chapels on the side walls are 16th century. The main altar with wood carvings is 16th century and has a crucifix. Church of Misericórdia (16th century; main altar of carved wood ) Chapel of Santa Maria do Castelo It has a Baroque façade and has been rebuilt several times which completely obliterated the original. It has many valuable furnishings. There is a 17th century statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, from the Convent of Santo António. There is a statue of Our Lady of the Assumption carved by the sculptor, Caldas; also a gilt silver 16th century monstrance and a relic of St. Lenho given to Prince Luis by Emperor Charles V after the conquest of Tunis. Chapel of São Martinho (Romanesque: Romanesque window over entrance) Church of Sant'Iago (only the Baroque tower is original) Paços do Concelho (Town Hall) (17th century; built over the old 1500s building; renovated in the 20th century)





Convent of Santo António (founded at the beginning of the 16th century; was renovated by the University of Covilhã; there is a monument of Nossa Senhora da Conceição nearby where there is a lovely view) Chapel of Santa Cruz do Calvário It was founded by Prince Henrique and restored in the 16th century by Prince Luís, son of King Manuel I, Lord of Covilhã. It is totally lined with gilt wood carvings. The ceiling is panelled with 35 paintings of scenes on the life of Christ. Unfortunately they were badly restored. There is also a very beautiful sculpture of the crucifixion. Castle (old Medieval Fortress; only some walls remain) Rua das Flores (there is a Manueline window on the old palace of Prince Luis, Lord of Covilhã in the 16th century; there are several houses in the Jewish quarter) Arch of the Pillory (14th century; the old entrance in the walls) Real Fábrica de Panos da Covilhã (18th century; ovens and round vats in the old dying factory; archaeological artefacts in the Museu de Lanifícios of the University) Covilhã was always a textile centre. King Manuel I referred to textile products in his 1510 charter. The 1755 earthquake destroyed a large part of the walls and the stones were used to build the Royal Cloth Factory. The Marquis of Pombal wanted a model factory to teach textile production and brought in foreign instructors. It is located on a major street and is used as the University of Beira now. During the renovations the old ovens and rounded dye vats were discovered. There is also a museum here. Gothic bridge over the Degoldra river (was rebuilt, only the base is original) Jardim Palace (built by Augusto Bohun; typical Art Nouveau tiles) CURIA (ANADIA)

There is practically no history in Curia. It is in the Tamengos parish in the county of Anadia. It suffered damages during the French invasions, particularly during the third one. The famous Battle of Buçaco was fought here. It also was affected during "Liberalism" in Fogueira, in Sangalhos parish. Curia is also known as Flor de Tamengos (Flower of Tamengos). It became famous for its thermal springs located in the heart of Bairrada. In 1865 the French engineer La Capelle was working on the railway and he was cured of a skin disease by the waters of Curia and this marvellous watering place became known.





Feasts CURIA Feast of Vale da Bica (Ascension Thursday) Feast of the Rose and Wine (occasionally in June) Feast of São Pedro (last weekend in June) - Tamingos Festival of folk dancing in Curia Park (all summer) Feast of Sant'Ana (July) - Mealhada Nossa Senhora do Ó (3rd Sunday of July) - Aguim Festa do Galo (feast of the cock) On "Fat Sunday" students of the 4th grade carry out an old tradition. After Christmas, these students buy a cock, a hen or a turkey and carry it in a home-made barrow made of a box with 2 wheels, festooned with garlands of flowers and leaves to the home of the leader. The procession is accompanied by fire crackers and speeches. Sports Tennis (Clube de Ténis de Anadia) Fishing for barbells, carp and gold fish in rivers and streams CURIA Chapel of Santa Ana - Mealhada It is located on a hill above the town of Mealhada. It was built in the 18th century but had to be remodelled after the 1755 earthquake. There is an interesting 1700s altarpiece made of columns intertwined with vine leaves. Ruins of a Roman Villa (2 millstones, refuge dumps, ceramics of daily use, roman tiles (tegulae) - Moita (Banda de Além) Spring (between Buçaco and Caramulo; the waters for the Vale da Mó Spa) - Vale da Mó Cabeço da Mama (a hilltop formed like a breast of pink sandstone; may have been a Roman hilltop fort) - Sangalhos Mamoa da Fonte & Correga (Megalithic burial site; tribal signs) - São Lourenço do Bairro





FARO

The Romans called it Ossónoba and it was an important site on the extreme Southeast of the Peninsula. Under the Moors it was a large port and the link to the interior. In the Middle Ages it became a large port, exporting salt, olive oil and wine and importing wheat. The walls were rebuilt during the reign of King Afonso III. The urban area was comprised of different localities: the Vila-A-Dentro (parish of Santa Maria) - with the forum, the churches and the Jewish quarter; the Jewish quarter was the most important one in Portugal until the reign of King Manuel I, there were also houses of Christians; the other locale, Ribeira, where the upper classes had their houses; and the Mouraria (Moorish quarter) located in Baixa (downtown). The Arco da Vila (old north entrance) is the most famous monument in Faro. The Cathedral and the Church of Carmo are notable buildings. The town grew outside the walls in the 14th and 15th centuries, up to Ribeira where there are a few chapels. The Christians captured Faro in the 13th century. At the end of the 15th century it became part of the Queen's Household, conceded by King João II to his wife, Leonor. It was elevated to a city and See in 1540 but it did not take effect until 1577. Faro is sometimes knows as a "white spot" in the landscape. Unfortunately many buildings are in a bad state of repair. However, the Formosa river, the sandy islands, the marshes and the São Brás mountains blend with the many monuments in the town to form a blue and green harmonious landscape. Fairs and Feasts FARO

Fair of Nossa Senhora do Carmo (16 July; agricultural) Book Fair (15 days July / August) Fair (one week in August; sweets, drinks and dried fruits) Seafood Fair (one week in September) Fair of Santa Iria (20 October; industry and commerce)





Feast of Pinha (April) - Estoi Fair of Santa Bárbara de Nexe (Easter Sunday) - Santa Bárbara de Nexe Fair of Estoi (10 and 11 September) -Estoi Annual Fair (6 October) - Almansil Fair of 2nd hand goods (first Sunday of each month) - Moncarapacho Sports Shooting (Clube de Tiro de Faro) Horseback riding - Gambelas (Centro Hípico e Escola de Equitação) Sailing (Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro) Boats (Porto de Faro ) Tennis Golf FARO Remains of the wall / Porta Nova / Arco da Vila The original walls were built in the 9th century by Ben Bekr. Later, 2 barbicans were built at the Arco do Repouso, the weakest entrance through the walls. The walls were restored in the 16th century. After the War of Restoration, some of the battlements were knocked down so that the towers and walls were all of the same height. Its military significance began to diminish and the walls were abandoned. The castle is very different from the original one. For instance the Bastion of São Jorge or São Tiago has been altered after several remodellings. The Arco da Vila was built over an entrance in the walls leading to Vila-Adentro. Vila-Adentro Vila-Adentro is the original urban area inside the walls with a temple, forum and important buildings. Outside the walls the Ribeira area was sought after by the upper classes. When the Christians conquered it, the Church of Santa Maria was built inside the walls. As Baixa (downtown) and Ribeira expanded, more monuments were built. In the 16th century,





the Convent of São Francisco, the Bishop's Palace were built; the Church of Misericórdia and the Cathedral were remodelled to enrich the urban area of Faro. After the War of Restoration, due to political instability, a second line of walls was built to protect the population. At the end of the 18th century, the Episcopal Seminary was built in the Largo da Sé and the Arco da Vila was remodelled in the Praça da Rainha in Vila-Adentro within the walls. Cathedral The church was built in the latter half of the 13th century and rebuilt at the end of the 16th century. The lower half of the tower is Gothic. The façade has 3 entrances. There are 3 naves inside; the main altar has an altarpiece and the most interesting Baroque wood carvings in Algarve. In the side chapel, dedicated to Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres, there is a wood carving with inlaid marble. In the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Rosário (1690) there is an altarpiece of gilt wood carvings with tiles. The 18th century organ is notable for its decoration and good state of repair. Church of Carmo This church, built in 1713, is mostly Baroque. There are 2 bell towers in front and 4 side chapels inside. The main chapel has a vaulted ceiling and a Baroque altarpiece. There are some valuable Sacred Art objects in the sacristy. One of the statues is by Machado de Castro. Chapel of Pé da Cruz This 17th century chapel has only one nave. There are 12 paintings of the Creation and Deluge, also tile panels from the 18th century. The main altar has a notable altarpiece of gilt wood carvings with a blue background. The façade is more recent as the statues are 19th century. Regional Museum of Algarve There are exhibits of local crafts and typical architecture of Algarve. There are photographs of local occupations, agricultural implements, miniatures of boats, a model of a tuna fishing boat and almadravas (special nets for tuna fishing). Tuna fishing is called "tourada do mar" (bull fight at sea). Recently they had photographs and texts on each county in the district of Faro. Maritime Museum This museum has themes and archives on marine life, fishing and navigation. There are oceanographic instruments, miniatures of ships, fishing boats, models of tuna fishing known as "tourada do mar" (bullfight at sea); the almadravas (nets for tuna fishing) and arte xávega (drag net fishing). Roman ruins of Milreu These ruins are located in Estoi; it was an old villa from the 1st century CE. It was rebuilt in the 4th century. There are remains of the bath with the vestuary, frididarium, tepidarium





and calderium. There is a pagan temple converted to a Paleo-Christian church. There is a Roman road from the villa to the temple. Some of the artefacts found here are exhibited in the Museum Archaeology and Inscriptions of Prince Henry the Navigator. Palace of Belmarço (built in 1917; Arte Nouveau; 2 tile panels are noteworthy: Torre de Belém and Palácio da Pena) Bivar Palace (18th century; Neo-Classical; 13 windows with triangular pediments) Fialho Palace (built between 1915 and 1925; near the Chapel of Santo António) Church of Misericórdia (16th century; shaped like a Greek Cross; altarpiece in the main chapel) Jewish Cemetery (laid out in 1820; Jews were buried here until 1932) Antonino Museum (located on the premises of the Chapel of Santo António do Alto; Santo António theme) Prince Henry the Navigator Archaeological and Stone Inscriptions Museum (inaugurated in 1894, during the 500th anniversary of his birth; inscriptions, coins, archaeology, Sacred Art and the Ferreira de Almeida collection) Lethes Theatre (old Jesuit College of São Tiago Maior; the college functioned until 1759) Trem / Arco Gallery (temporary exhibitions) Casa do Compromisso Marítimo (18th century house; built over the old Confraternity of Mariners; typical 1500s architecture with protruding eaves and roofs) Ribeirinho Neighbourhood (the Parish Church of São Pedro and the Church of Carmo are here) Terreiro de São Francisco (public square since the 18th century; near the Walls; the Church of São Francisco is here) "Celeiro de São Francisco" (18th century; octagonal house with frescoes; plaster models of Hercules and Adamastor) Manuel Bivar Gardens (in the main square near the docks; Rua de Santo António is close by where the Casa das Açafatas and the Manor House of Pantojas can be seen) Outskirts





Roman ruins of Milreu- Estoi These ruins are located in Estoi; it was an old villa from the 1st century CE. It was rebuilt in the 4th century. There are remains of the bath with the vestuary, frididarium, tepidarium and calderium. There is a pagan temple converted to a Paleo-Christian church. There is a Roman road from the villa to the temple. Some of the artefacts found here are exhibited in the Museum Archaeology and Inscriptions of Prince Henry the Navigator. Old Manor House of the Count of Carvalhal - Estoi The palace was built in the mid 19th century and is the example of Romanticism in Algarve. One of the rooms has a small waterfall with statues of the Three Graces and mosaics on the floor and ceiling. The main Hall has the best stucco works (late Romantic) in Algarve. The dining room is Renaissance. The gardens have German, Italian and Portuguese style statuary and Revivalist tiles. Episcopal Palace (16th century; the atrium, staircase and 3 rooms are lined with tiles; inhabited) São Lourenço Cultural Centre (next door to the Church of São Lourenço; headquarters of the Associação Arqueológica do Algarve; temporary exhibitions; chamber music concerts) – Almansil GUARDA

There are only a few documents concerning the founding of Guarda. It is certain that King Sancho I, in the 12th century, found it to be underpopulated and made every effort to attract people. He offered all sorts of advantages, including moving the Episcopal See of Egitânia (Idanha-a-Velha) here in 1203. The city is located on a plateau (1075 meters high) on the Northeast flank of the Estrela mountains. The locals call it "farta, forte, fria, feia e falsa" (full, strong, cold, ugly and false) referring to the landscape, climate and fortress. The term "false" was given because during the dynastic crisis of 1383-1385 the Bishop opened the gates of his Palace to King João I of Castile. This act of treason has never been forgotten. Despite the attitude of others, Álvaro Gil, the commander of the fortress remained loyal to the Master of Avis. When the Jews were thrown out of Spain in the 15th century they came to this frontier town and brought new life into the economy. The Treaty of Tordesilhas was signed here in 1494. It is a pleasant city and the Gothic Cathedral is a very interesting monument. Fairs and Feasts GUARDA

Feast of Senhora do Mileu (15 August) City of Guarda Feasts (last week of July and 1st week of August)





City of Guarda Day (26 November) Fair of São João (24 June) Fair of São Francisco (4 October) Craft Fair Feast of Santa Cruz (1st Sunday of May) - Aldeia do Bispo Sports Traditional games Game of the clay stone or rock Jogo da pelota (Basque game) Mountain climbing and Walking tours (Clube de Montanhismo) Hunting and fishing (Clube de caça e pesca) All terrain vehicle rides (Clube Escape Livre) Swimming (Municipal Pool; unheated and open to the public in the afternoon daily from July to September; has a bar and tennis court; Câmara Municipal) GUARDA Castle and walls The castle was built in the 12th century by King Sancho I; it is protected by walls and the natural cliffs. It was square and topped with battlements, but only the dungeon (30 meters high) remains. However, many stretches of the walls are still standing. Three of the 5 entrances remain: Parta da Erva, Porta de El-Rei and Porta dos Ferreiros. There were 5 walls forming a pentagon. The walls were unusual as they did not have even one battlement. The walkway was inside the walls. Both are classified as National Monuments. Tower of Ferreiros It is located on the east wall and was the most important Medieval bastion. It is classified as a National Monument. It has 3 entrances inside that guarantee its security. One is a portcullis, one of the few in Portugal; together with a hinged door they formed a double barrier to the outside. The tower is visited by many people, it has a niche with an altar, where a lamp is always lit and there are fresh flowers. It is worth visiting the tower, after





climbing 66 steps one has a 360º view of the Estrela and Mesas mountains, the Jamelo and Trancoso plateaus, the Marofa mountain and the hills of Linhares and Videmonte. Fountain of Santo André (18th century; Baroque-Rococo,) Fountain of Carrancas Fountain of Dorna (17th century; Baroque) Convent of São Francisco (13th century) Cathedral Building began at the end of the 14th century and was only concluded in the middle of the 16th century. It is a beautiful Gothic church with Manueline furnishings. It is thought that the architects were Filipe and Pedro Henriques, sons of the architect who designed the Monastery of Batalha. It is made entirely of granite and has a lacy diadem of spires and a frieze of fleur de lis all around the terraces. The north façade is the most interesting; it has giants holding up the exterior top of the nave, a Gothic entrance, a Manueline window and opening on the wall behind the main altar to light up the apse. The main façade is plain and has a Manueline entrance and square towers, which become octagonal at the top. There are flying buttresses on the side walls and floating arches having pinnacles, common in Gothic buildings. The roof eaves have gargoyles of faces, fish and monsters. The interior is light and airy, in contrast to the exterior. It is in the shape of a cross, 3 naves with 5 vaults each, separated by pillars. There is a ribbed vault over the 2 arms of the cross. There is a beautiful semicircular altarpiece on the main altar. There are glass windows in the apse and a sculpture in Ançã stone from the workshop of João de Ruão in Coimbra. There are about 100 figures in the sculpture depicting the life of Christ. Church of São Vicente (rebuilt in the 18th century; Baroque façade with 2 bell towers; escutcheon over the entrance; 16th and 18th century tiles depicting the life of Christ and His Mother; pulpits) Church of Misericórdia (17th and 18th century; Baroque; 2 slender towers flanking the main building; a stone Royal coat of arms over the entrance, a large niche with a jasper statue of Mary) Chapel of Pinas (Renaissance entrance; the tomb of the founder of the Cathedral) Regional Museum of Guarda It is located in the 1600s Bishop's Palace. It has a geographical/historical exhibit from the Palaeolithic Era. It has lovely works of art, archaeological artefacts, furniture, liturgical implements, coins, pottery and some curiosities.





Roman paving stones Judiaria (Jewish quarter) Outskirts Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mileu (Romanesque; prior to the 12th century; lovely rose window) - Póvoa de Mileu Cromlech of Pêra do Moço (Megalithic) - Pêro do Moço Lookout point of Caldeirão - 8 km away, over the Mondego river Lookout point of Mocho Real - 9 km away Roman Bridge of Mizarela Old Vila do Jarmelo GUIMARÃES

Guimarães is known as the "birthplace" of the Portuguese nation. It witnessed the birth of Prince Afonso Henriques and was part of several events that led to the Independence of Portugal. But its history goes back even farther. It was inhabited before the Romans. In the 10th century the Countess of Mumadona, a relative of the King of Leon, built the castle in defence of attacks from the Moors and the Normans. Count Henrique, when he married Teresa, enlarged the castle and established his Courts of Condado Portucalense here. In 1127 Afonso 7th of Castile laid siege to the Castle to force his cousin, Prince Afonso Henriques, to pledge vassalage to himself. The powerful castle and the discontented nobility from the Douro and Minho rebelled. Queen Teresa marched on Guimarães to suppress the rebellion and the Battle of S. Mamede ensued. The followers of Afonso Henriques won and expelled the forces of his mother, Queen Teresa. Guimarães was elevated to a city in 1853 by Queen Maria II. Today it is a great modern industrial centre. GUIMARÃES Castle of Guimarães The castle of Guimarães was built by Countess Mumadona Dias and enlarged by Count Henrique. It was one of the most important Portuguese fortresses. It has 8 square towers around a 27 meter high dungeon, built by King Afonso Henriques. There are only vestiges left of the ancient walls and inside are the ruins of the castle.





"Colina Sagrada" (Sacred Hill) (woods surrounding the castle and the Church of São Miguel; the field S. Mamede is behind it, where the battle of 24th June 1128 took place) Church of São Miguel (12th century; Romanesque; there is a baptismal font where King Afonso Henriques was supposed to have been baptised) College and Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira The church has an interesting Gothic entrance with 3 archivolts on 6 columns. It has a square Romanesque tower. It has been altered along the centuries: the entrance and façade are Gothic; the interior is Manueline. In the last century under the direction of the painter Roquemont it was further adulterated. Convent of Santa Clara (Baroque façade; built in 1741; today City Hall is installed here) Convent Church of São Francisco (15th century; Gothic; Baroque decorations) Church of São Domingos (14th century; Gothic; huge cloister where the Museum of Sociedade Martins Sarmento is installed) Church of Santos Passos (18th century; Baroque; has elegant towers) Church of Misericórdia (16th century; late Renaissance) Church of São Pedro (18th century; was a Basilica; there are statues of St. Peter, St. Paul and St. John the Baptist by José Maria Gomes Alves) Palace of the Dukes of Bragança It was built in the 15th century by Afonso, bastard son of King João I. The palace has Norman influences on the roof and round clay chimneys and the entrance to the cloister. When the Dukes moved to Vila Viçosa in the 16th century they abandoned the palace. It has been restored in this century and is now an official residence of the President of Portugal. Palace and gardens of Vila Flôr (18th century; Queen Maria II stayed here when Guimarães was elevated to a city on 23rd June 1853) Paços do Concelho (Town Hall) (14th and 15th century; a porch with Gothic arcades) Praça de Santiago (Medieval square) Praça do Toural (lively square; house with 18th and 19th century façades)





Padrão dos Pombais (16th century monument; marks the start of a pilgrimage made by King João I to the Cross next to the Church of Oliveira; this was in gratitude after the Battle of Aljubarrota) Statue of Mumadona (monument to the founder of Guimarães) Monument to King Afonso Henriques (by the sculptor Soares dos Reis) House of Arco (17th century; imposing manor house with a bridge over a public street) House of Laranjais (Medieval; has an 18th century tower with battlements) Rua Egas Moniz (some unique houses) Rua de Santa Maria (one of the oldest streets in Guimarães; several old houses; goes from the convent founded by Mumadona Dias to the castle) Sociedade Martins Sarmento (Pre-Historic; Roman, Celt and Visigoth artefacts; Portuguese and African ethnography) Alberto Sampaio Museum (has the treasures from the College of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira) Outskirts Monastery of Santa Marinha - (on the coast, 2 kilometres away) It was founded by Queen Mafalda in 1154. It has a church with a Baroque façade. The main chapel has a Renaissance worked granite vault and an 18th century staircase. The monastery was restored in the 1980s and functions as a Pousada today. Montanha da Penha (lookout point) Citânia de Briteiros (Roman ruins) - São Salvador de Briteiros The Archaeological Site of Citânia de Briteiros is located in the parish of São Salvador (Guimarães county) on the São Romão hill. It was an important Iron Age fortified settlement. It has about 200 houses, nearly all circular with a diameter of 5 meters. The buildings are surrounded by an oval shaped wall, measuring 250 meters North to South and 150 meters East to West. Besides the houses there are main roads crossing the entire settlement. There is a kiln composed of an atrium, antechamber and a gallery and a horseshoe shaped furnace. The settlement was inhabited in the 6th century BCE by Pre-Celtic people. It reached its zenith in the 3rd century BCE, before the Romans. It was abandoned in the 4th century CE. Sabroso (160 meters and only one wall; has circular houses) - São Lourenço da Saúde





Old Bridge of Vizela - Caldas de Vizela Palace of Gominhães (Medieval; has a coat of arms with a swan over the entrance) - Caldas de Vizela Ara de Trajano (granite rock; faceted; with inscriptions about the springs; dedicate to the Emperor Trajan) - Caldas das Taipas Bridge over the Ave river (Roman) - Caldas das Taipas House of Alto (house of Raul Brandão) – Nespereira Raul Brandão was born in Nespereira on 2 March 1867. He was a writer and journalist. He studied at the University of Porto and in 1890 published his first book, "Impressões e Viagens". Death, pain, the soul, dreams, redemption, frustrated love and suffering are his obsessive themes. He died on 5 December 1930 and left many pages of simple dramatic prose. LAGOS

Lagos is now a very cosmopolitan city. There are vestiges of different civilisations who inhabited this area because of its strategic port. This port in the bay has played a role in History. In the 15th century, King João I sailed from here to conquer Ceuta. Prince Henry the Navigator launched the beginnings of the Age of Discoveries from here. It was also from here that Gil Eanes left to go around Cape Bojador in 1434. King Sebastião left here for the

ill fated attempt at conquering Alcácer-Quibir. It was he who elevated Lagos to a city in 1578. It was definitely captured from the Moors in the 13th century. A strong wall was erected quickly to protect it from the constant attacks of the previous inhabitants. In the 16th century the Parish of São Sebastião was integrated within the walls and became Vila-Adentro. The 1755 earthquake devastated the city which lost many monuments and the seat of government moved to Faro. There has been a gradual economic development during the 20th century and an increase in population. The populace is concentrated along the coast and is engaged in seasonal work of tourism. Lagos is still quite enchanting with what remains of the monuments and the beautiful landscapes. There are beaches with caves and clear water that snake along the Costa d'Oiro (Gold Coast). There is the lookout point of Ponta da Piedade. Fairs and Feasts





LAGOS City Feast (27 October) "Arte Doce" Fair (last weekend of July) Collections fair (last Sunday of each month) Open Fair (22 to 24 November) Feast of São José de Alcalar (6 and 7 May) - Mexilhoeira Grande Feast of São João (24 and 25 June) - Mexilhoeira Grande Open Fair (17 March) - Alvor Annual Fair (10 September) - Odeáxere International Music Festival of Algarve (May-June) Folk dancing Festival of Algarve (September) Chairs Festival of Algarve (September) Sports Pole Fishing Windsurfing - Meia Praia (Windsurf Centre / Bar Linda) Sailing - Lagos (Clube de Vela de Lagos) Underwater fishing - Praia da Luz (Sea Sport Centre ) Golf - Meia Praia (Clube de Golfe de Palmares ) - Budens (Parque da Floresta) Shooting gallery and Hunting (Clube de Caçadores de Lagos) Walking tours (Departamento de Desportos da CM Lagos)





Horseback riding Tennis Boats (Marina de Lagos) LAGOS Castle / Walls These fortifications have been remodelled several times. In the reigns of King Dinis and Afonso IV the walls were rebuilt and enlarged to have 7 towers and 2 entrances, Porta do Mar and Porta da Vila. King Philip II of Spain ordered the works to be completed in 1598 but even by the 17th century they were not. The restored walls run parallel to the riverside road and have 14 bastions and 8 entrances. These walls are the largest and best preserved in Algarve. Vila-Adentro (neighbourhood inside the Walls; expanded towards the river; the Medieval village was granted special Royal Favours) The arcades of the Slave Market These date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. There is a covered porch with columns and rounded arches. This was the first market of its kind in Portugal. It is located in Rossio da Trindade, at the entrance to the city. Today it is used for temporary exhibitions. Arch of São Gonçalo (patron saint of the fishermen of Algarve; the miracle of the multiplying bread is attributed to him) Castle of Governadores (16th century; with Walls; King Sebastião's window) Fort of Pau da Bandeira (built in the 17th century under the Governorship of the Count of Sarzedas; dedicated to the Sovereign of Santa Virgem Senhora da Penha de França; chapel is lined with tiles) Church of Santa Maria (16th century; restored in the 19th century; 3 naves; Renaissance entrance; statue of São Gonçalo de Lagos (patron saint); busts of St. Peter and St. Paul) Chapel of São João Baptista (probably 1174; rebuilt in the 19th century) Church of Santo António





The church dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries and is classified as a National Monument. It is located in the same building as the museum. It is full of elaborate gilt wood carvings and the walls are lined in 18th century blue and white tiles. There is an interesting series of paintings about the miracles of St. Anthony. Church of São Sebastião The church is 15th and 16th century and still has some of the original building. The porch, main chapel and side chapels are Renaissance. There is a chapel of bones and a tower next to it. There is a great panoramic view of the city from the tower. There is a statue of Our Lady, 2 meters 10 centimetres high that was taken off a sunken ship and brought here. Ruins of the Church of Carmo or Freiras (16th century; 18th century tiles; stone inscription in the floor) Niche (with the statue of São Gonçalo de Lagos) (in the entrance in the Walls in front of Praça João de Deus) Regional Museum of Lagos The museum is located in the same building as the Church of Santo António. It has a Renaissance porch of the old Church of Compromisso Marítimo. There are sections on Archaeology, Ethnography both local and African, coins, Sacred Art and several private collections. In the Archaeological Section there are artefacts from the Bronze Age and Iron Ages (brought from Aljezur, Monchique and Bensafrim); also from the Iberian Peninsula, Roman and Moorish Eras. In the Ethnographic Section there is a special exhibit on Algarve with craft and work implements. The pieces of Sacred Art date from the 16th and 17th centuries mostly; there are statues of São Gonçalo from Lagos and of São Brás. Cultural Centre of Lagos (located in the centre of town; temporary exhibitions; studios for shows and an auditorium) Gallery of Lagos (temporary exhibitions) Roman Archaeological site of Luz (Roman baths and outbuildings; recently restored) Bridge of Queen Maria II (Roman origin; remodelled several times, the last time in the 19th century) Statue of Prince Henry the Navigator (inaugurated in 1960; sculpted by Leopoldo de Almeida; depicting the Discoveries) Statue of King Sebastião (inaugurated in 1973; sculpted by João Cutileiro; depicting the battle of Alcácer Quibir)





Outskirts Ruins of the Fort of Burgau (built over a Roman temple and Moorish mosque; built in 1632; 3 pieces of artillery; Roman Vila of Boca do Rio nearby) - Burgau Roman ruins of Abicada - Figueira This archaeological site is located between Lagos and Portimão, where the Farelo and Senhora do Verde streams converge. There is a house with 3 parts to it and it was probably a manor house on a farm. There are vestiges of a small pier. Parish Church (16th century; 18th century church implements and vestments) - Budens Moorish vestiges / Moorish granaries (pots, some more that 2 ½ meters high; some think Palaeolithic man lived here) - Bensafrim Chapels of São João and São Pedro (Moorish origin; restored in 1889) - Alvor Castle or Fort- Alvor Parish Church (16th century; Manueline entrances; 3 naves; Silves red sandstone columns; 18th century tiles in the main chapel; 5 altars) - Alvor Lookout point of Quinta da Rocha (marsh; where the river used to flow) - Alvor Alvor Estuary Lookout point of Palmares (view of the city up to Ponta da Piedade) - Odeáxere Dam of Bravura (41 meters high) - Odeáxere river National woods (located near the village; pines and acacia trees) - Barão de São João Budens Marshes - Vale Barão Beaches Praia da Boca do Rio Praia de Burgau Praia da Luz Praia de Porto Mós





Meia-Praia Praia de Alvor Praia D. Ana Praia do Pinhão LAMEGO

The town is located at the Northeast foot of the Montemuro mountains and is 12 kilometres from the Douro River. It is the capital for the Regional Tourist Office of Douro South. It is the epicentre for the production of sweet and sparkling wines. The famous Port wine was born here. In the 16th century an English merchant discovered this "nectar" and introduced it into England. However it is not just the wines that make Lamego famous; every September thousands of pilgrims descend on the town for the religious festival of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. The sanctuary was and is a major attraction. Many different peoples have passed through Lamego and left their mark. First the Romans, followed by the Visigoths. After 4 centuries of war between the Moors and Christians, Lamego was conquered by Fernando Magno of Leon in 1057. In 1102 the Moorish King Echa Matim and Count Henrique fought the Battle of Arouca here. Egas Moniz helped the Count and they won. The Moor was captured and converted to Catholicism. The Count then made him the Lord of Lamego. Lamego was already a city in 570 CE. It was elevated to a diocese in 1071 and received its first charter in 1191 from King Sancho I and again in 1514 from King Manuel. The populace grew during the time of Egas Moniz who had a house here near Britiande, where his wife raised the children of King Afonso Henriques. Today the city has 30,000 inhabitants and 24 parishes south of the Douro. Feasts and Fairs LAMEGO

Feast of São Lázaro (2 Sundays before Easter) Feast of Giesta (2nd Sunday of June) - Serra das Meadas Feast of São João (24 June) Feast of Nossa Senhora dos Aflitos (3rd Sunday of July) Feast of Nossa Senhora dos Meninos (18 to 20 September)





Religious Festival of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (6, 7 and 8 September) Fair of Santa Cruz (3 May) This fair succeeds the Fair of Santa Marinha which lasted for 15 days and brought Moorish merchants from Seville and Granada. Today the fair lasts only 1 day and instead of the Moors there are gypsies. Cattle, horses and pigs are bought and sold. Also plants, fruit, arts and crafts, food and local sweets. There are horse races in the Paddock. Fair of Santo Estêvão (26 December) It takes place in the Sanctuary grounds and goes back a long time. Cattle, pigs and sheep are traded. Also arts and crafts and home made drinks such as jeropiga. Carnival in Lazarim Carnival in Lazarim is celebrated as in olden times, is synonymous with merry making, masks and licentiousness. Carnival is a rivalry between the Compadres (men's groups) and the Comadres (women's groups). The masks are made of alder wood and by 4 men in the village. The masks are different from year to year and complete the costumes worn by the participants. Carnival is preceded by the week of the Compadres and the Comadres when the 2 associations try to raise funds for the feast and prepare in total secrecy the "testaments" that will be read on "Fat Tuesday". The revelry begins on "Fat Sunday" afternoon. The masked participants arrive, the bands play, the decorated cars jam up, the folk dancing begins and there is the parade of "Giants". On "Fat Tuesday" the Compadres and Comadres appear in public, made of paper, filled with gunpowder and fire crackers which will be burned. The flesh and blood Compadres and Comadres begin to read the testaments, these are rhyming verses of verbal battles between the sexes. They are full of innuendoes, jokes and naughtiness. After these are read, the effigies are burned and the parade goes on to the place where the grand finale will take place. This is followed by a bean feast, soup and wine. It is believed that Carnival originated from the Roman saturnalias. It is a Spring event and rejuvenates the lives of the people. Sports Jogging path - Colina dos Remédios (Complexo Desportivo do Instituto Nacional de Desportos) Mini-golf (Complexo Desportivo do Instituto Nacional de Desportos) Mini-golf (Turisserra) Tennis (Complexo Desportivo do Instituto Nacional de Desportos) Sailing, rowing and canoeing - Douro, Varosa, Paiva and Cabrum rivers (Complexo Desportivo do Instituto Nacional de Desportos)





Mountain climbing and walking (depends on the appropriate conditions) Hunting: partridge, turtle dove, wood cock, rabbit, hare and boar - Marão and Alvão mountains Fishing: trout, eel, gold fish and boce - Balsemão river LAMEGO Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios The first stone was laid on 14 February 1750 and the work concluded in 1771. The staircase was only finished in the 20th century. It is Baroque and the architect was Nicolau Nazoni. Every September thousands of pilgrims fill the city. The cult goes back to 1572 when the first chapel was founded. The current building is from the 18th century. In 1925 the Holy See gave permission for the grandiose and heavy floats to be carried in the Triumphal Procession that takes place on 8 September. These floats are carried on oxen carts that are decorated. This makes it quite unique. Castle walls and Dungeon Lamego was from early times an inviting place and so was built, destroyed and rebuilt by the various peoples who passed through. It was an important base for the Lusitanians when the Romans burned it down. The Emperor Trajan had a new fortress and walls built. The Moors erected more walls. In the 11th century Fernando Magno built very original wooden towers covered in leather and bathed in water to prevent them from being burned down. What remains today was built in the 13th century by King Afonso III. These also suffered damage during the French Invasions and the Liberal Wars of the 19th century. The two gates still standing are the Porta do Sol and the Porta dos Figos/Fogos. The dungeon within the walls is still in good repair. It was restored by the Agrupamento de Escuteiros de Lamego (scouts) to be used as their headquarters. Almacave neighbourhood (next to the fortress; typical little roads) Cathedral of Lamego The Cathedral is a blend of different architectural styles from the many remodelling that took place. It was founded in the 6th century on top of a Luso-Roman "sacellum". It has a 12th century Romanesque tower with lovely Renaissance window slits on the 16th century belfry. The façade is Gothic (15th and 16th century) but has a large Manueline window. The Chapter House and Cloister are Renaissance (16th century). It has 3 Neo-Classical naves (18th century) and the vaults have frescoes of biblical themes. The entrance of the Chapel of S. Nicolau is a magnificent iron work of the 1500s. The interior is lined in carved wood and 18th century tiles.





Church of Santa Maria de Almacave (12th century; Romanesque; the entrance with 3 archivolts is original) Church of the Convent of Chagas (founded in 1588; belonged to the old Convent of the Sisters of Clare; only the church remains with a lovely altar of St. John the Baptist; 1600s tiles) Church of Desterro (founded in 1640; built over an existing chapel; lined with 18th century wood carvings; paintings of the Annunciation, Adoration of the 3 Kings, Adoration of the Shepherds and Presentation in the Temple) Convent of Santa Cruz It was founded in the 16th century and given to the Canons of Saint John the Baptist. It was the most important convent in Lamego during the 18th century. The interior is lined in carved wood and 18th century tiles. Chapel of Espírito Santo (16th century; beautiful 18th century sculpture of the Holy Spirit; Rococo altar in the nave on the Gospel side; 17th century tiles) Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperança (1856; an unusual sculpture of Our Lady in Ançã stone) Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Meninos (1555; 17th and 18th century wood carvings and tiles) House of Brolhas (rebuilt in the 18th century; very Baroque) Manor House of Padilhas (famous for its magnificent ceilings) Regional Museum of Art and Archaeology of Lamego (in the old Episcopal Palace; rebuilt in the 18th century; has the coat of arms of the founder) Outskirts Chapel of São Pedro de Balsemão (7th century; Swabian/Byzantine; remodelled in the 17th and 18th centuries; notable tomb of Bishop Afonso Pires; magnificent 14th century statue of Nossa Senhora do Ó sculpted of Ançã stone) House of Egas Moniz (12th century; the original building was founded by his wife Teresa Afonso; remodelled in the 18th century) Britiande Church and Monastery of Santa Maria Maior - Cárquere Parish Church of Armamar (13th century; Romanesque)





Convent of São João de Tarouca It started out as a Benedictine Convent of Hermits and then was the first Portuguese Convent to change to the Cistercian Order. The change took place under the direction of Saint John of Tarouca, the abbot of the monastery about the year 1140. In 1152 a new church was erected near the monastery. The monastery did not have a peaceful life. In 1204 the monks revolted against the abbot. Several more revolts took place during the 13th century. The locals tell stories of 2 abbots that lived here. One was accused of being involved with 6 women and having several children. The other was accused of killing his own daughter. In 1834 when the Liberals won, they nationalised the goods of the religious orders and the monastery became State property. The Chapter House with Romanesque cloister was torn down. Today the Church of São João remains standing. It is in the form of a cross and has 3 naves. The altar of carved wood, the choir stall and the 1600s façade with a lovely rose window are noteworthy. Besides the Church the walls of the dormitory, the Chapel of Saint Anthony and the Chapel dedicated to Saint Catharine and Saint Umbelina are also still standing. Meadas mountains (scenic route: Lookout point of the Meadas mountains, Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Serra, São Martinho de Mouros, valley of the Paus stream, Reconcos bridge, Balsemão river and Lamego) Convent of Ferreirim (founded in the 16th century by the last Count of Marialva, who is buried in the main chapel; it was built on his own property on condition that the 14th century tower be preserved, the tower symbolised the conquest of the land from the Moors; there are 8 16th century panels in the nave and main chapel of the church) Village of Sande (during Christmas the village is strung with multicoloured lights, looks like a "creche") Raposeira cellar (sparkling wines) Murganheira wine cellar (sparkling wines) Lookout points of S. Brás, Altos de Valdigem and São Domingos LISBON

Lisbon boasts of being the westernmost capital of Europe with the largest river at its feet - the Tejo Legend says it was named for the Greek hero Ulysses and was called Ulisseia or Ulissipo. Some historians say that the Phoenicians founded it and called it Porto Sereno. What is fact is that Lisbon has always been inhabited by various people. The locale had excellent living conditions. It is located on the north bank of the Tejo river and is built on 7 hills. The hill of the Castle of São Jorge was the first to be populated by merchants and





mariners. Then came the Phoenicians and after them the Greeks who built the new Greek Olisipo open to the sea. The Romans arrived in the 2nd century BCE. There are still Roman vestiges on the hillside and underground. Lisbon declined with the arrival of the Barbarians

in the 4th century. It began to prosper under the Visigoths and the 4 centuries of Moorish rule. They too left important vestiges mainly the Castle of São Jorge and one of the typical neighbourhoods of Lisbon - Mouraria. King Afonso Henriques conquered the city in 1147. Many Christians died in the attempt and Martim Moniz became renowned. The Court transferred to Lisbon in the 13th century and made it the capital. Maritime commerce never stopped and Lisbon became an important and strategic centre in contact with the rest of the world. Its apogee was during the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries when the sailing ships left for Africa, India and Brazil. Famous monuments were built as the Tower of Belém and the Monastery of Jerónimos. Also palaces and convents. The centre of town moved from the hill to downtown Terreiro do Paço. All the gold from Brazil could not save the city from the catastrophic earthquake of 1755; which left it in ruins. The Marquis of Pombal rebuilt the downtown area, Baixa. Fado (folk song) grew with Lisbon and today can still be heard in Fado Houses in Bairro Alto and Alfama. Lisbon is a cosmopolitan city retaining some of its old and lovely narrow streets with steps and clothes hanging out of windows. The sidewalks have black and white mosaics with maritime motifs. There are many lookout points with views of the river. There are museums and monuments, that relive the past. Fairs and Feasts LISBON

Feasts of the Popular Saints (June) "Feira da Ladra" (a flea market; Tuesday and Saturday) Book Fair (May / June) FIL - International Fair de Lisboa - different shows: BTL - Bolsa de Turismo de Lisboa (January) FILMODA (February/September) CERAMEX - International Decorative arts and furnishings (February / March) NAUTICAMPO - International Fair of boats, camping, trailer/caravans and sports (February) FILANTIGUIDADES (antiques, April)





FIA LISBOA - International Craft Fair (July) EXPO TEXTIL - Textiles (26-29 October) INFORPOR (Computer market, October) INTERCASA (Home materials, second week of October) MOTOEXPO (November) FORUM ESTUDANTE (Students fair, December) Arts and Crafts Fair (December) - Forum Telecom Sports Canoeing, sailing, rowing - Tejo River (Clube Naval de Lisboa) Horseback riding (Centro Hípico do Campo Grande ) Tennis Golf Tejo River Cruises (Transtejo) Paintball (Estratego Jogos & Turismo) Fishing: eel, shad, flounder, gold fish, barbel and mullet - Douro river Boat trips on the Douro river (Companhia Turística do Douro) LISBON Castle of São Jorge There are still several towers, turrets and entrances from the old Moorish castle. It was King Dinis who renovated the Moorish castle and transformed it into the Royal Palace. He also built a new line of walls to protect the lower part of the city. The population continued to expand and in 1373 King Fernando had to build new walls - known as "Cerca Fernandina".





King Manuel I did not like living in the castle and moved into the Palace of Ribeira. King Sebastian lived in the Royal Palace in the castle but only for a short time. Much of the castle was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755. In 1940 renovations were made in time to commemorate the Centennial of the Founding of the Portuguese Nation. There are still 7 stretches of the old Moorish walls and 8 of the "cerca fernandina" (14th century) and a entrance. The castle is almost rectangular, there are 10 square towers on the walls. The Royal apartments are on the north. Several kings were born here. Also Portuguese theatre and the dramatist Gil Vicente got their start here. Today there are gardens with a restaurant and lovely views of the city. Tower of Belém The Tower of St. Vincent of Belém is one of the gems of Lisbon and together with the Monastery of Jerónimos has been classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage. It was built in the 16th century during the golden Age of Discoveries. It was to defend the Tejo river and Lisbon. It is Manueline in style. The architect was Francisco de Arruda and it is a significant military building. The tower is rectangular and the bastion is polygonal. It took 4 years to build and was completed in 1519. It was innovative for its time. It had the first real bastion and combined art with function. Under Spanish Rule it became a prison. It also held several of the accused in a plot against the life of King João IV. It was built in the Tejo river and has become a symbol of the Nation. There is an excellent view of the city and river from the top floor. Monument of the Discoveries (built in the 20th century, during the "New State"; in honour of the early navigators) Monastery of Jerónimos The Monastery of Jerónimos is also called Santa Maria de Belém and together with the Tower of Belém has been classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage. It is located in Praça do Império, facing the Tejo river. King Manuel I, King João III, King Sebastian and King Cardinal Henrique are all buried here. There are also the imposing tombs of Luís de Camões and Vasco da Gama. Construction began in 1502. The main architect was Boitaca but João de Castilho, Jerónimo de Ruão and Diogo de Torralva all contributed. It is typical Manueline and is the grandest monument in Lisbon and one of the most important in Portugal. The façade is horizontal and the Manueline entrance is incredible. There is a 19th century tower and cupola designed by an Italian. The church is covered with vaults on slender columns, carved like lace and has a splendid cloister. Basilica of Estrela The Basilica of Estrela is also called Coração de Jesus (Heart of Jesus). Building began in 1776 and the architects were Reinaldo Manuel and Mateus Vicente de Oliveira. It is located in the Square with the same name. It is a large building, Neo-Classical and has 2 towers





with bells and clocks (which were rare at that time). It has a central pediment and a dome. There are paintings by Pompeu Botoni. Queen Maria I is buried here. Cathedral It is 12th century and was built during the Reconquest. In the following 2 centuries the cloister, Chapel of Bartolomeu Joanes and a new main chapel were added. The cloister has an ogival vault. It is mostly Romanesque and Gothic. It had been a Visigothic church and the main Mosque during the Moorish occupation. It became a Cathedral when King Afonso Henriques conquered Lisbon. The first bishop was the English Crusader, Gilbert of Hastings. It had to be renovated after the earthquake of 1755. National Pantheon It used to be the Church of Santa Engrácia; an 18th century Baroque building. It was only completed in 1966 and the National Pantheon was installed here at that time. The Italian Baroque style began with this church. It has 4 towers, a central dome (which was completed in 1966). It has been restored. Ruins of the Convent of Carmo The ruins are located in the Largo do Carmo, near the elevator of Santa Justa. It is on top of a hill overlooking Rossio. This 14th - 15th century church was built by Nuno Álvares Pereira. It was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755 and never rebuilt. However the Gothic ruins are incredibly beautiful. The walls remain and the columns that supported the 3 naves; also the ogival arches, 2 lovely twinned windows and several tombs in the walls. It is the venue for concerts, especially classical music. Convent of Graça This convent has been classified as a National Monument and is located in the Largo da Graça, where there is a spectacular view of the city. It was founded in 1291, rebuilt in the 16th century and restored in the 18th century. The façade is composed of the façade of the church and the old gateway. There is a bell tower. The interior is 18th century Rococo and the ceilings are magnificently carved. Convent of Beato António (church and cloister; used for shows) Convent of Santos-o-Novo (17th century; was restored after the earthquake of 1755; square cloister with galleries and perfect round arches; the Chapels of Senhor dos Passos and Encarnação have wood carvings, tiles and statues; the church has tiles and paintings) Church of Santo António The money for the construction of this church was raised by the children of Lisbon during the feast days of St. Anthony in June. It was rebuilt in 1767 by the architect Mateus Vicente de Oliveira. It is a popular church as St. Anthony is the patron saint of the city. He is also known for his miracles and match-making. Every year on the 13th of June, his feast day, many marriages are performed in the





church. The interior is Neo-Classical and lined in marble. The sacristy is notable; it has metal decorations, carved wood and altarpieces. It is classified as a National Monument. Church-Monastery of São Vicente de Fora The first Romanesque Church of St. Vincent was built by King Afonso Henriques after the Reconquest of Lisbon from the Moors. It was on the very site where his troops were camped during the 12 week siege. The actual building is much later, built in 1582 during the reign of Philip II of Spain. Besides Filipe Terzi and Herrera, the architects Pedro Nunes Tinoco, João Nunes Tinoco, Leonardo Turriano and Baltasar Alves all collaborated. The building is balanced and harmonious and retains the old entrances, windows and niches. It had a large dome that collapsed during the earthquake of 1755. Church of Madre de Deus It is located in the Madredeus neighbourhood. It was founded in 1509 and has had several remodellings, especially after the earthquake of 1755. The Manueline side entrance is original. It has an 18th century single nave, lined in tiles; there are paintings in 1700s carved wood frames. The National Museum of Tiles is located next to the Church. Church of Santa Catarina It is located on Calçada do Combro and is also called the Church of São Paulo da Serra de Ossa. It was built in the 17th century but remodelled in the 18th century. The exterior has 3 arches and 2 bell towers flanking the curved pediment. The main altar is covered in gilt wood carvings. There are paintings in carved frames in the choir. The ceiling has magnificent relief works. There is a pipe organ. It has been classified as a National Monument. Church of São Roque The somewhat austere façade contrasts with the elaborately decorated interior. It is Baroque and faux. It is full of gilt wood carvings, tiles and marble and was built in the 16th century. The chapel of St. John the Baptist is worth mentioning; it was built in Italy at the order of King João V. It is a prime example of Italian art. Church of Conceição Velha The original church was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755 and King José ordered the new church built over the ruins. The 17th century side entrance, Manueline entrance, 2 Manueline windows, a bas relief of Our Lady and the Chapel of Santíssimo Sacramento (Blessed Sacrament) were preserved. The sculptures are notable. It is located on Rua da Alfândega and is classified as a National Monument. Church of São Sebastião da Pedreira (lots of Italian style gilt wood carvings; paintings; located in Largo de São Sebastião da Pedreira)





Church of Memória (in memory of the assassination attempt on King José in 1759; Italian style; an interesting dome; worked marble; painting by Pedro Alexandrino on the main altar) Church of Menino de Deus (built in 1711 by King João V; the paintings and ceiling are noteworthy) Chapel of São Jerónimo (16th century; square; Manueline main entrance; located on Rua Pero da Covilhã and classified as a National Monument) Chapel of Santo Amaro (dated 1549; round with a semicircular atrium lined in tiles; located on Alto de Santo Amaro and classified as a National Monument) Islamic Mosque (modern; near Praça de Espanha) National Palace of Ajuda It was the largest Royal Residence in Lisbon, though it has never been completed. Building started in 1795 and there have been several architects involved. It is Neo-Classical. There are 47 statues, all signed, by different Portuguese artists. The Museum encompasses all the living quarters of the Royal Family, including the Queen's Room, King's Room, Green Room, Ambassador's Room, Blue Room, among others. The King Luís Art Gallery is located in one of the wings and temporary exhibitions are held here. Foz Palace (begun in 1777 and completed one century later; designed by the architect Xavier Fabri; imposing building located in Praça dos Restauradores; Tourist Office) Palace of Marquês de Fronteira (17th century; enlarged and redecorated in the 18th century; lots of Portuguese and Dutch 1700s tiles; gardens with a magnificent gallery with statues; located in São Domingos de Benfica) Palace of the Counts of Farrobo (18th century; rebuilt in the 19th century; interesting gardens but were affected by the Zoo next door) House of Bicos It is located in the Campo das Cebolas and it is classified as a National Monument. It was built in 1523 by Brás de Albuquerque, son of Afonso de Albuquerque, the Vice-Roy of India. The house is also known as "casa dos diamantes" (House of Diamonds) and was badly damaged in the earthquake of 1755. It had to be abandoned until 1983 when it was restored for the exhibition "A Dinastia de Avis e a Europa" (Avis Dynasty and Europe). The exhibition was about 17th century Art, Science and Culture and took place in Lisbon. Bullfight Ring in Campo Pequeno (built in 1890; circular; built of brick with 4 towers toped with domes; Neo-Arab style building)





Estate of Azulejos (garden with magnificent tiles on the walls and columns; located in the Palace of Lumiar) Bridge over the Tejo (the sixth largest span in the world; was named Salazar Bridge but was changed after 1974 to Ponte 25 de Abril) Reservoir "Mãe d'Água" (located between Largo do Rato and Amoreiras; end of the Aqueduct of Águas Livres; lovely interior where exhibitions are held; terrace with magnificent view of Lisbon and open air restaurant) Aqueduct of Águas Livres (grandiose scheme of King João V; there are 35 arches over the Valley of Alcântara, going over the Avenida de Ceuta; extends from Carenque to Mãe d'Água) Praça do Comércio (in downtown Lisbon; square with one side open to the Tejo river; the buildings have 1700s towers; there is a statue of King José in the centre, sculpted by Machado de Castro; magnificent arch on Rua Augusta) Praça do Rossio or King Pedro IV (in the heart of Lisbon; 2 interesting fountains; Queen Maria II Theatre on one side; Rua Augusta, Rua dos Sapateiros and Rua do Ouro on the other) Praça da Figueira (parallel to Praça do Rossio; statue of King João I; lots of pigeons) Bairro Alto (typical neighbourhood located on the top of one of the 7 hills; steep, narrow streets; populated in the 16th century, the first neighbourhood to have a geometric design in contrast to Alfama, Castelo and Baixa (which was still Moorish at the time); the aristocracy and upper classes were very interested in this area with its lively night life; many bars and Fado Houses) Bairro de Alfama (very narrow streets and lanes; narrow buildings and many staircases; some Fado Houses; was an aristocratic neighbourhood in the 14th and 15th centuries) Bairro da Mouraria (narrow streets; old Moorish quarter; Fados; somewhat rundown) Bairro da Madragoa (known for its parades) Elevator of Santa Justa (built in 1902 by Gustave Eiffel; a calling card; goes from Rua do Ouro to Largo do Carmo; terrace with open air restaurant and a view over Lisbon) Funicular-tram of Glória (built in 1885; links Praça dos Restauradores to São Pedro de Alcântara and Bairro Alto - Western Area)





Funicular-tram of Lavra (built in 1884; links Anunciada and Forno do Torel lane - Eastern Area) Funicular-tram of Bica (built in 1882; from Rua de São Paulo to Largo de Calhariz - Southern Area) Eduardo VII Park (green area located between Rotunda do Marquês de Pombal and Campolide) Estufa Fria (cold greenhouse) (in the Eduardo VII Park; pleasant area with the exotic plants and water) Estrela Gardens (or Guerra Junqueiro Gardens; built after 1842; green space with lakes, a café with open air tables; children's playground; lots of different plants, peacocks and a sculpted tree trunk) Botanical Gardens (located in the Faculdade de Ciências, on Rua da Escola Politécnica) Campo Grande Gardens (lake with rental boats; children's playground, swimming pools, restaurant, Book Shop; in Campo Grande) Tapada das Necessidades (green space; near the Palace of Necessidades; a pavilion with a lovely view of the Tejo river where King Carlos liked to paint) Tapada da Ajuda (located near the Instituto Superior de Agronomia, in Ajuda; Pavilion where art auctions are held) Ecological Park of Monsanto (guided tours; observatory; butterfly centre; some deer; plant nurseries; aromatic plants; walks; picnic area; children's playground) Lookout point of São Pedro de Alcântara (view of Rossio, Castle of São Jorge and the Tejo river; small garden; located in Rua São Pedro de Alcântara) Lookout point of Santa Luzia (view of Alfama, Church of São Vicente de Fora and Tejo river; bars and open air restaurant; located in Portas do Sol) Lookout point of Graça (open air restaurant; view of the Castle, Rossio, Ruins of the Convent of Carmo and the river; located near the Church of Graça) Lookout point of Santa Catarina (view of the river; located near the statue of Adamastor, in Alto de Santa Catarina) Lookout point of Santa Justa (ample view of the city; located at the top of the Santa Justa Elevator)





National Museum of Ancient Art It is installed in the old 17th century Palace of the Counts of Alvor. It has a large collection of 15th to 18th century paintings: German, Spanish, Flemish, English and French. Also it has Sacred Art, Indo-Portuguese Art, sculptures, jewellery and ceramics. The altarpieces of São Vicente are here. It is located on Rua das Janelas Verdes, in Santos-o-Velho. Museum Centre of Modern Art (works of Portuguese sculptors and painters from 1910 today; in the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian) Calouste Gulbenkian Museum (Egyptian art; Greek and Roman coins; Chinese porcelain; carpets, glass and Islamic ceramics; European paintings from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 20th century; all were part of the private collection of Calouste Gulbenkian) National Museum of Archaeology (from Pre-History to the Roman Era) Archaeological Museum (Pre-Historic art; coins; ceramics; located in the ruins of the Convent of Carmo) Museum of the Geological and Mining Institute (geology; mineralogy; palaeontology and archaeology; on Rua da Academia das Ciências) Maritime Museum (Miniatures of boats; navigation instruments; maps and charts; located in a wing of the Monastery of Jerónimos, in Praça do Império) Museum of Water (history of water in Lisbon; photographs and documents; steam machines; in Rua do Alviela) Military Museum (built during the reign of King João V over the old Artillery Foundry; it was totally destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, only the entrance remained standing; old artillery pieces; light arms and mock ups of battles; located near Santa Apolónia) Chiado Museum (temporary exhibits; cafeteria and open air tables; on Rua Serpa Pinto) City Museum (history of Lisbon, from Pre-History to 1910; etchings, drawings, mock ups, documents; in Campo Grande) Science Museum (located on Rua da Escola Politécnica) Museum of Electricity (built in 1919; known as "Central Tejo"; machines used for the production of electricity; infrequent exhibitions; on Avenida de Brasília)





Antoniano Museum (paraments, pieces of jewellery, books and papers relating to the life of St. Anthony; located in Largo de Santo António) National Costume Museum (located in the Palace of Monteiro-Mor, in Largo Júlio de Castilho) National Museum of Theatre (history of Portuguese theatre; temporary exhibits; on Estrada do Lumiar) Museum of Music (located in the Metro Station of Alto dos Moinhos) National Museum of Tiles (both Portuguese and foreign tiles from the 15th century to today; located in the Church of Madre de Deus, on Rua Madre de Deus) National Coach Museum (coaches from the 16th century to the 19th century; Royal Family coaches and uniforms and costumes; one of the best in the world; located in Praça Afonso de Albuquerque) National Museum of Ethnology (several countries are represented; located on Avenida da Ilha da Madeira) National Museum of Natural History (fossils; etc.; on Rua da Escola Politécnica) Museum of Fundação Arpad Szenes - Vieira da Silva (paintings; in Praça das Amoreiras) Fundação Ricardo Espírito Santo Museum of Decorative Art (17th century Palace of Azurara; decorated as an 18th century aristocratic house with Portuguese furniture, ceramics, porcelain, jewellery, paintings and textiles; in Largo das Portas do Sol) Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro Museum (ceramics, paintings, drawings and caricatures by the artist; located in Campo Grande) Vasco da Gama Aquarium (many species of fish; located on Rua Direita, in Dafundo / Algés) Fernando Pessoa Museum (last residence of the poet; has recently been renovated; exhibition, visual aids and conference rooms; personal library of Fernando Pessoa; his private room is used for temporary exhibits; open air restaurant; in Campo de Ourique) Museum of Popular Art (ceramics, furniture, baskets and paintings from Minho to Algarve) Gulbenkian Planetarium (teaching sessions; children's areas; located in Praça do Império) National Theatre of Queen Maria II





It is located in Praça do Rossio and was built in 1842. It is Neo-Classical. It was rebuilt after a fire in 1964. It has an imposing façade and the porch with 6 Ionic columns which rotate. The columns come from the Convent of São Francisco da Cidade. The side façades have a terrace above. National Theatre of São Carlos It was built at the end of the 18th century, in 1792. The façade is plain but the interior is lavishly decorated. There are paintings by Wolkmar Machado, Manuel da Costa and Giovanni Appianni. It is the Opera House of Lisbon. Municipal Theatre of São Luís (located on Rua António Maria Cardoso) Trindade Theatre (located on Rua Nova da Trindade) Politeama Theatre (located on Rua Portas de Santo Antão) Aberto Theatre (located in Praça de Espanha) Cornucópia Theatre (located on Rua Tenente Raúl Cascais) Comuna - Teatro de Pesquisa (Experimental Theatre) (located in Praça de Espanha) O Bando Theatre (located on Rua Santo António à Estrela) Éden Theatre It was founded in 1937 and is located in Praça dos Restauradores. Cassiano Branco began the building but it was completed and modified by Florêncio Dias. It is an imposing building and the top part has an interesting bas relief. It was in a bad state of repair and was renovated without spoiling the façade. In 1996 it opened its entrances as an apartment hotel. Parque Mayer It is located in the centre of Lisbon next to Avenida da Liberdade. It is the venue of Portuguese reviews. There are also restaurants in the park. It used to be very popular and there is an in-house theatrical company but there is decreasing interest in reviews nowadays. Coliseu dos Recreios (Coliseum) (renovated in 1994; located on Rua Portas de Santo Antão) Cultural Centre of Belém (modern stone building; located in Praça do Império; different types of shows, conferences and exhibitions; restaurant and cafeteria; open air tables with a view of the river)





Caixa Geral de Depósitos (huge modern building; headquarters of the Bank; auditoria, Video room; halls and exhibitions) Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian (besides the museums, there are auditoria for shows; a library and a pleasant garden with an open air theatre for the summer events) Amoreiras Shopping Centre (the best known one in the city; located in Torres das Amoreiras; designed by the architect Tomás Taveira) Olivais Shopping Centre (the newest; located in Olivais) Libersil Shopping Centre (located on Avenida da Liberdade) Monumental Shopping Centre (located in the old Monumental Theatre, which has been rebuilt; in Praça Duque de Saldanha) Feira Popular de Lisboa (Amusement Park) (rides; booths; Phantom Train; Horror House; music; cotton candy; pop corn and several restaurants; open till 02:00; in Campo Grande) Lisbon Zoo (more than 370 specimens; Seal and Dolphin shows) MARVÃO Marvão is built on a hill, more than 800 meters high, in the perfumed Serra de São Mamede mountains. From the top, one can see the pastoral valley of Aramenha and the green and ochre coloured moors. Its foundation is pre Roman but it really developed under Moorish domination. The Moorish chief was Marvam. It was conquered by King Afonso Henriques in 1166. King Dinis built the elegant castle and King João IV built the extensive walls that crown the hill. The houses are white washed with Gothic stone work, precious wrought iron verandas and flowering window boxes. It was the scene of many battles. It sided with the Master of Avis during the dynastic crisis of 1383-85. During the War of Restoration it fought with Valência de Alcântara for 20 years. It suffered the French invasions and the Liberal Wars of Patuleia. Marvão deserves its peace and beauty. Fairs and Feasts MARVÃO

Nossa Senhora da Estrela (September) Feast of Castanheiro and Chestnut Fair (November) Feast of Senhora da Alegria (15 August) - Alegrete





Feast of São Marcos (25 April) - Santo António das Areias Sports Hunting: rabbit, hare and partridge (October to December) MARVÃO Castle of Marvão King Dinis built the castle at the very north end of the town of Marvão. The walls and turret sit on top of an impressive hill. The dungeon looms over all and has some of the best views in Portugal. The fortress faces south and there are narrow little roads running down to the walls, built by King João IV. During the War of Restoration, the castle played an important role in defending Portuguese nationalism. It was the first line of defence against the Castilian invasions. Church of Santa Maria (13th and 14th century; altar dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary; with tiles of the 18th century; Municipal Museum located here) Church of Santiago (ogival granite entrance; tiles; Renaissance tabernacle with paintings on wood) Church of Espírito Santo (latter part of the 16th century; Renaissance granite entrance) Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (altarpiece of white and black marble) Casa dos Governadores(Governors House) (with King Manuel First's escutcheon and skeleton spheres; 17th century verandas of wrought iron; located in the Rua do Espírito Santo) Praça do Pelourinho (square with pillory on top of 4 steps; octagonal shaft with a pyramid on top; from which there are 4 stone arms and 4 iron ones) Fountain (Baroque) Rua do Espírito Santo (where the Casa dos Governadores, Church of Espírito Santo, the fountain and several Medieval houses with Gothic entrances are located) Municipal Museum (sacred statues; archaeology; ethnography; arms; ancient inscriptions; located within the Church of Santa Maria) Outskirts





Convent of Nossa Senhora da Estrela (15th century; has a vault and lined in 18th century tiles; Manueline marble cross in front of the main entrance; located on the road to the town) Village of Escusa (famous for its many lime kilns; considered the whitest and purest in Alto Alentejo) Areias (panoramic views of the Sever river valley and 4 prehistoric Cromlechs) Vale da Aramenha (pleasant place; inhabited since prehistory) MELGAÇO

It is a city today, around the castle built in 1170 by King Afonso Henriques. The Minho river runs past it. It is the chief town of the county. It still has the narrow Medieval streets with cobblestones. The walls and roofs and castle have a patina of age. The modern town has grown outside the walls; it has wide streets, avenues and a large square. The Spa, 4 kilometres away, is also part of Melgaço. It is located in a green valley with a brook running down the middle of a wooded park. The visitor should also taste the famous smoked ham - Bife à Melgaço. Fairs and Feasts MELGAÇO

Feasts of Paderne (August) County Feasts (2nd Sunday of August) Feasts of Nossa Senhora do Rosário (September) MELGAÇO Castle It was built in 1170 by King Afonso Henriques. It is circular which is unusual in Portugal. The large towers defended the fortress. The central dungeon has a balcony and was difficult for the enemy to take. It has 3 courtyards and 2 entrances of different sizes. The larger entrance opens onto the courtyard with the cistern, which led to the Governor's house. The other entrance was secondary. The walls protecting the town were built in 1263 by King Afonso III. Only a few stretches remain. Castle neighbourhood (Medieval; narrow streets)





Parish Church (12th century; Romanesque; interesting high relief on the entrance) Chapel of São Julião do Cruzeiro (small; possibly 14th century; with an arch and window on the façade; a carved cross in front) Praça da República (this square is the heart of the town; surrounded by typical houses) Museum of Castro Laboreiro (Sacred Art and ethnography) Outskirts Church of Nossa Senhora da Orada (1245; there are stone statues full of symbolism outside; in the north entrance there is a statue of a monster with the body of a vulture and head of a woman arguing with another monster, a mixture of an eagle and griffin and there is the tree of life between the 2) Church of Chaviães (Romanesque; good example; the entrance has 2 series of columns, topped with capitals supporting an abutment) Parish Church of Paços (Romanesque; on a green hilltop in front of Galicia) Church of the Monastery of Paderne (12th century; much remodelled; still has some important and original traces; in the shape of a Latin cross; the main entrance has 3 series of slim columns and decorations; the main chapel is rectangular; painted wooden ceiling and Baroque wood carvings on the altar) Church of the old Monastery of Fiães (Romanesque; there are 4 large butresses in front; 3 niches with statues of Our Lady; St. Bento and St. Bernard; the entrance has 4 painted archivolts; the interior was restored in the 17th century; still has Romanesque capitals and a vault on 2 series of arches in the main chapel) Road between Melgaço and Castro Laboreiro MONÇÃO

Monção is a rural town surrounded by green fields and vineyards. It is the land of freemen since the 13th century. It is a land of warriors; the memory of Deu-la-Deu attests to this. The majority of the people are small land holders and the Alvarinho wine is king. The town is located on the left bank of the Minho river in front of Salvaterra, a village in Galicia. Due to the proximity of Castile, King Dinis built the Castle of Monção with a dungeon, surrounding walls and a subterranean passage down to the river's edge. No longer engaged in battles with the Spaniards, the town today is peaceful. One can eat good kid and





drink the divine Alvarinho wine (Sub-Region Demarcated) and attend the curious Festa da Coca which is celebrated each year. Monção is in the county of Viana do Castelo. Fairs and Feasts MONÇÃO Feast of Coca This feast probably dates back to the 16th century and is celebrated on Corpus Christi day. There is a procession where all 32 parishes take part with their crosses and pendants. At the end the people meet in Praça Deu-la-Deu (square) to watch a duel between good and evil. These are represented by St. George and the dragon. St. George, the patron saint of the Kingdom is mounted on a horse and meets a monstrous green dragon built with an open mouth and has agility. The people are impartial and watch the battle carefully and will applaud and root for either opponent, whoever shows bravery or a good move. Needless to say, Good triumphs and the duel ends when St. George cuts off an ear of the "Coca", synonymous with hate, rage and evil in the North. Feasts of Nossa Senhora das Dores (4th Sunday of August) Religious Festival of Nossa Senhora da Cabaça (Tuesday of Easter) Religious Festival of Nossa Senhora do Bonfim (July) Sports Fishing: trout, rock bass and mullet - Gadanha and Mouro rivers MONÇÃO Fortress (only one line of walls remains; however one can still visualise the old grandiose fortress; National Monument) Porta de Salvaterra (the only entrance to the fortress remaining) Convent and Chapel of Capuchos (valuable paintings and furniture in the sacristy) Parish Church (founded in the reign of King Dinis - 13th century; Romanesque entrance; tumular chapel of Deuladeu Martins; a gilded silver monstrance weighing 13 kilograms; National Monument) Chapel of Misericórdia (18th century; Baroque; main altar with valuable gilt wood carvings; statues of Our Lady and Our Lord)





Praça Deu-la-Deu (square; houses with iron balconies and protruding eaves; on the south is the Chapel of Misericórdia and on the north, the monument to Deu-la-Deu) Praça da República (18th century square) Rua Direita (the main street has an old stone house dated 1593; opens into Praça Deu-la-Deu) Lookout point of Nerys (view over the Minho river and Galicia) Outskirts Palace of Brejoeira This sumptuous palace is located in the parish of Pinheiros, 6 kilometres from Monção. It is a good example of the aristocratic houses in Portugal. It is surrounded by green woods and enchanting gardens with magnolias and camellias. It was built by Luís Pereira Velho de Moscoso and took 28 years to complete. It is Neo-Classical, has 4 façades with towers at each corner. The rooms are luxurious with valuable paintings and frescoes and is well decorated. There is a splendid chapel. In the past the house was the centre of a vast estate. Today the large area is used to cultivate grapes for the Alvarinho wine. It is one of the most prestigious of the Portuguese green wines of the region. It also produces an "aguardente bagaceira" (brandy). It was in this palace that in 1950 Oliveira Salazar met with General Franco, the Head of the Spanish Government. Permission by previous arrangement is needed to visit this magnificent manor house. Monastery of Longos Vales (12th century; belonged to the Cruzios priests; has a notable Romanesque church) Bridge over the Mouro river (Roman) - Rio de Mouro "Cordanhas" (old stone houses with thatched roofs) - Santo António dos Poldros Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Milagres (built by the Pereira de Castro family to fulfil a promise; has Holy Relics and a statue of Our Lady) - Lugar dos Milagres Castle of Lapela (also known as the Tower of Lapela; a strong fortress built by King Afonso Henriques next to the left bank of the Minho river; only the tower remains as it was demolished by King João V for the stones to repair the fortress of Monção) ÓBIDOS





It is located on the road between Peniche and Caldas da Rainha. Óbidos is a Medieval walled town where time has passed it by. Within the extensive walls there are narrow cobbled streets, houses painted white with blue or yellow trim, flower boxes and old lamp lights. It has been well preserved, TV antennas and telephone wires are all underground to maintain the Medieval atmosphere. There are many churches and chapels among the houses. Several had to be restored after the earthquake of 1755. The Parish Church of Santa Maria is notable and pays homage to the famous local artist - Josefa d'Óbidos. The castle is located at the highest point. Today it is a "Pousada". Some say that the sea reached the castle wall and that there used to be bronze rings and stones with holes that were used to anchor boats. These have never been found but there are many marine fossils in this area. Fairs and Feasts ÓBIDOS

Feast of Nossa Senhora da Graça (2 February) Feast of São Pedro (29 June) Festival of Ancient Music (October) Religious Festival of Santo Antão or "Feast of chouriço" (17 January) Procession of Passos (Palm Sunday) Procession of Bonfires The event occurs on the 13th of April. After a hiatus of 32 years, the procession began again this year. It is rather curious, all the lights in the town are turned off and the people wear hoods and carry a torch. Fair of Santa Cruz (3 May) Fair of Santa Iria (20 October) Sports Water sports - Óbidos Lagoon ÓBIDOS Castle and Walls They are built on top of a hill and surround a town of white houses. To enter the town there are 4 entrances and 2 drawbridges. The Portas da Vila is dog legged and has a niche with





17th century tiles. The others are: Portas da Senhora da Graça or do Vale; Porta da Talhada, Porta da Cerca and the Drawbridges of Jogo da Bola and Poço. In the 18th century the Portas da Senhora da Graça and Portas da Vila had little chapels in them. There is a large plain behind the castle, dotted with hills that extend to the Óbidos lagoon. Some say that there used to be bronze rings and stones with holes in the walls where boats could tie up. However none have been found but there are many maritime fossils in the area. The castle housed Romans, Celts, Visigoths, Alains and Moors until King Afonso Henriques conquered it. King Sancho I built the west walls and the Facho tower which still has Roman stones. King Dinis repaired the walls and castle. It was rebuilt by King Manuel I but both the walls and castle were destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. The Direcção Geral dos Monumentos Nacionais restored the castle and it is now a "Pousada". It has a lovely white façade with Manueline entrances and twinned windows on the upper floor, overlooking the inner ward. Several Queens fell in love with the castle. Queen Urraca, wife of King Afonso II, called it "the town of Portuguese Queens". When King Dinis married Queen Isabel, he gave her Óbidos and it became part of the Queen's Household until 1834. Queen Leonor, wife of King João II, retreated here when her only son died (she was the founder of the Misericórdias). Walled town with typical streets (white washed houses trimmed in blue and yellow; window boxes of flowers; old street lights and uneven cobble stones) Rua Direita (famous street where there are crafts shops and bars) Church of Santa Maria It is located in the main square of the town. It was built over a Mosque which had been a Visigothic church in turn. It has been remodelled several times. There is a beautiful entrance in the façade but the interior has the treasures, i.e. the 17th century paintings of Josefa d'Óbidos and Baltazar Gomes. It has 3 naves and the walls are lined in 17th century tiles. The tomb of João de Noronha is a prime example of Portuguese Renaissance Art. Church of São Tiago (built in 1186; destroyed in the earthquake of 1755; today it is the Municipal Auditorium; located on Rua Direita next to the Porta da Cerca entrance) Church of Misericórdia (1498; second oldest Misericórdia church in Portugal, after Lisbon; Baroque entrance; 17th century tiles; 17th century Portuguese porcelain statue of the Virgin) Church of São Pedro (rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755; altar of gilt wood carvings and 17th century painting; tomb of Josefa d'Óbidos) Chapel of São Martinho (1320; Gothic)





Pillory (Manueline style; Queen Leonor's personal emblem) Municipal Museum (painting of Josefa d'Óbidos, paintings, Sacred Art, archaeology and arms of the Peninsular War) Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Carmo (temple dedicated to Jupiter; rebuilt in Romanesque-Gothic; Gothic entrance) Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Monserrate (Baroque entrance; Hispano-Arab tiles and 17th century tiles) Sanctuary of Senhor Jesus da Pedra It is a curious hexagonal 18th century building which has never been completed. It is located outside the walls on the road from Óbidos to Caldas da Rainha. It is lined in white stone and has a cross also of white stone. At the front, there is an 18th century fountain. Typical Bars (Biquinha and Toupeiro are the most famous) Aqueduct (16th century; paid for by D. Catarina; 3 km of arches) Outskirts Chapel of Santo Antão (located on top of a hill behind the Castle; a religious festival is held here on 16 January; it is customary to eat grilled "chouriço") House of Gaeiras (interesting architecture; produces wine) Óbidos Lagoon It is located 20 kilometres from town. One has to take the road to Peniche and turn right at Amoreira. After a few curves and passing Vau there is a panoramic view of sand spits and 2 branches of water and the Foz do Arelho (mouth of the Arelho river) on the other side. The wild sea water fills the lagoon via a narrow strait. The fishermen used to say that there were Tritons here. The lagoon is good for water sports and clamming. PALMELA

It is located on a hill in the Arrábida mountains, between the Sado river and the Tejo river. From the top of the castle there is a vast panoramic view of the mountains, rivers and sea and one never loses sight of the valley of Barris. It is a good place for walks. The valley is within the Nature Park of Arrábida. Sheep graze in fertile fields, whose milk is used to produce the real Azeitão cheese. The climate and soil are also good for wine.





Man has inhabited this area, from the mid Palaeolithic Age. King Afonso Henriques conquered the castle and gave it a charter in 1185. King Dinis elevated Palmela to a town in 1323. The county was dissolved in 1855 and restored in 1926 until today. Palmela has a lot to offer: monuments, scenery and during the summer months - bright starlit nights. In July and August one can enjoy them from the Cine-Teatro terrace, from the Largo José Maria dos Santos and from the castle Fairs and Feasts PALMELA Grape Harvest Feasts (September) Religious Festival of Nossa Senhora da Escudeira (August) May Fair (2nd Sunday of May) Feasts of Todos os Santos (November) - Quinta do Anjo Festival da Quinta do Anjo (April; cheese, bread and wine) - Quinta do Anjo Sports Pools (Municipal Pool of Palmela) Golf - Algeruz (Clube de Golfe do Montado) Hunting - Herdade de Rio Frio (rabbit, hare, pigeon, snipe and duck) - Palace of Rio Frio (rabbit, hare, pigeon, snipe and duck) Bicycle tours (route: Pinhal Novo, Rio Frio, Poceirão, Águas de Moura, Bairro Margaça, Poceirão, Lau, Palhota, Pinhal Novo) BTT - All terrain bicycle tours (route: Palmela, Vale de Barris) PALMELA Castle of Palmela The castle looms above on a high hill (240 meters) in the Arrábida mountains. From the castle one has a panoramic view of the sea, the Sado peninsula and from Sines to Sintra. There are no moats but there are 3 walls built around 3 enclosures. The inner wall dates to the 12th and 13th centuries and has round towers. The second, stronger wall was built around the inner ward, the Convent and Church of Santiago and is probably 15th century.





The 3rd outer line of walls is 17th century and has bastions and revelins which were added during the War of Restoration. The dungeon was either built or reinforced in the 14th century. There is a cistern on the ground floor and Garcia de Menezes, Bishop of Évora was held prisoner here. He was one of the main instigators in a conspiracy against King João II. Every year City Hall holds concerts here in the castle in summer. A far cry from the tumult when King Afonso Henriques conquered the castle in 1148. There are no references to the castle prior to this date so we do not know if the castle was built or rebuilt by the Moors. We do know that the castle was bequeathed to the Order of Santiago de Espada. It became the headquarters of the Order in 1210. In 1380, when Constable Nuno Álvares Pereira returned victorious from the Battle of Atoleiros, he rested in Palmela and lit huge bonfires to alert the Master of Avis of his proximity. The Master of Avis was in Lisbon and under siege by the Spanish. During the reign of King João I the castle was remodelled, especially the dungeon. He also built the convent within the walls. The Order of Santiago moved in permanently in 1443. The castle was somewhat affected by the earthquake of 1755. Brito Capelo the explorer of the American Continent was born here. It was restored in 1945. The convent was turned into a "Pousada" in the 1960s. Church of Santiago It is part of the castle and dates to 1480. It is late Gothic with a tall choir and a vault with Manueline traces. It has 3 naves, the middle nave is wider and taller. There is a Gothic altarpiece with a scene of St. James fighting the Moors. The tiles are 17th century or early 18th century. The main chapel is lined in 17th century tiles with the Order's insignias. Ruins of the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo This church used to be the Parish Church of Palmela. It is located within the fortified walls and is in total ruin. It was probably founded in the 12th century and rebuilt during the Renaissance Era. One can still see a Renaissance Funeral Chapel and vestiges of 17th century tiles. The legs of the Convent's Refectory tables, vestiges of the Manueline vault, the base of the dungeon and a entrance remain. Parish Church of São Pedro (16th century; 17th century entrance; 2 bell towers in the façade; classic Basilica shape; interesting interior lined with 1700s tiles and Tuscan columns; located in Largo do Município) Church of Misericórdia (17th century; 17th century tiles on the walls; main altar of carved wood; located in Largo do Duque de Palmela) Paços do Concelho (Town Hall) (17th century; main room with frescoes; paintings of kings from Count D. Henrique to King Manuel I) Pillory (1645; topped with an iron cross) Fountain (18th century)





Outskirts Neolithic Tombs (dated 2,000 to 4,000 BCE; carved in the rocks; 4 to 5 meters in diameter) - Quinta do Anjo Centro Fortuna Artes e Ofícios (Centre for Ceramics) - Quinta do Anjo Windmills - Louro Mountain (impressive view of Palmela, Valley of Barris and the plains extending to the Tejo river; country lanes) Panoramic View (of the plains extending to Setúbal; country lanes for walks) - São Luís mountain Estate of Rio Frio (wild cattle and horses) PENICHE

Peniche was an island but with the passing of time it has silted up to become a peninsula. Population began in the time of King Afonso Henriques. He bequeathed the Estate of Touguia to a crusader. The port of Atouguia da Baleia was in front of the island of Peniche. It is full of stories and the sea. The Legend of "Friends of Peniche" is unforgettable. The marina is the venue for the shuttling of fishing boats and the fishermen live off the catch they sell. The vigilant fort is now a museum. Every year, a flotilla of decorated boats sails past the fort at night to celebrate the most popular feast in Peniche, that of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem. The beaches of Peniche and surrounding areas should be enjoyed during sunlight, from the fine sand of Baleal to the therapeutic sand of Consolação. A trip to - Cabo Carvoeiro - or to the Berlenga islands should not be missed. Fairs and Feasts PENICHE Feast of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem (1st weekend in August; a night procession of decorated boats with floats and fireworks) Pilgrimages to Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (3rd Sunday of October) Sardine Festival (June / July) Monthly Market (last Thursday of the month)





Feast of Nossa Senhora da Assunção (15 August; traditional games such as "jogo da rata" and "vacada") - Atouguia da Baleia Fair of São Leonardo (6 November; dried fruit market) - Atouguia da Baleia Sports Diving Surfing Windsurfing Body-board Jet-ski and water scooters Regular Boat Service to Berlenga Island (Cabo Avelar Pessoa Boat leaves the Peniche Marina) Organised Cruises to the Island (Berlenga TurPesca; Viamar) Swimming Pools (Sportágua, Ténisplash) Horseback riding - Quinta das Tripas / Atouguia da Baleia (A Coutada) Mini-golf - Consolação (Ténisplash) Golf (under construction) - Consolação PENICHE Fort of Peniche Due to the constant raids on the Port of Peniche by corsairs, King Manuel I had the castle/fortress built. King João III built the castle and bastion and King Sebastian completed the building in 1570. During the 60 years of Spanish Occupation, it was transformed into a veritable military fortress. It is star shaped and has polygonal bastions. There are 4 entrances in the walls: Cabanas, Nova, Ponta and Peniche de Cima. There are batteries and round sentry boxes on the walls. There is a triangular revelin facing inland to protect the entrance. There are 2 walls on the north and bastions on the east and west and several rectangular buildings and jails. Many people were held prisoner here. The sentry tower, the battlements and bunkers all attest to the importance of this strategic post. King José's Secretary of the Navy died here. During





the Liberal Wars, Peniche was damaged and some lost their lives here. In 1836 a fire destroyed the Governor's Palace which was never rebuilt. The powder magazine blew up the same year. At the beginning of this century hundreds of South African Boers were refugees here, after the English Victory in South Africa. There were German prisoners of war during WW I, and during 1930 to 1974 political opponents of the New State were also held here. After 1975 a few families from Portuguese Africa were housed here. It became a wonderful museum in 1984. Peniche Marina (where the fishermen have their nets; the boat for Berlenga leaves from here; Tourist spot; Pole fishing) Open Air Restaurants in Praça Jacob (the main square) Church of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda (1700s tiles; near the entrance into town) Church of Misericórdia (paintings) Church of São Pedro Beach of Peniche de Cima Beach of Molhe Leste Beach of Super Tubos (for surfing) Outskirts Papoa (magnificent rocks with view of the sea) Cape Carvoeiro Cape Carvoeiro is the second westernmost cape in Europe, after Cabo da Roca. The rocks are knife-like, worn down by the sea and erosion. There are several caves and foot paths that seem to disappear over cliffs. The foot paths are: Carreiro de Joanes, Carreiro do Inferno and Paços de D. Leonor (which has an overhang above the water). There is the cave of Furninha, among others. At the very top of the cape there is a restaurant with a large veranda which has a magnificent view of the coast and the Berlenga islands. Nearby is a curious formation of rocks called the Nau dos Corvos (Sailing Ship of Crows). Sanctuary of Senhora dos Remédios (lovely 1700s tiles; has one nave only; spacious churchyard; place of pilgrimage) - Cabo Carvoeiro Fort of São João Baptista - Berlenga





The fort reminds us of past times. It is located on the edenic Berlenga island. Some say that there used to be a monastery here of the Order of St. Jerome. The monks would offer assistance to any sailors passing through. Due to the constant attacks by pirates they begged Queen Catarina to transfer them to Óbidos. King João IV built the fortress in 1651. In 1662 there was a garrison of 28 soldiers under Corporal António Avelar Pessoa when it was attacked by a Spanish squadron. Not having gained any advantage, the Spanish were preparing to withdraw on the 3rd day when a traitor swam out to the Spanish ships and told them that there was no more powder in the fort. The Spanish attacked again and took the fort and imprisoned the defenders. Corporal Avelar Pessoa died on board a Spanish ship while being transported to Spain. He became a hero and his name lives on. One of the ferries shuttling between Peniche and Berlenga bears his name. The fort became a "pousada" until the Revolution of 25 de Abril 1974. The fort has been restored and is maintained by the "Amigos das Berlengas" Association. It is run as an inn and is a lovely place to spend a night. Nature Park of Ilha Berlenga Beach and island of Baleal (Raúl Brandão describes it as "the most beautiful beach in Portugal"; the sandy strait used to be submerged in high tides, turning Baleal into a veritable island; today there is a narrow road to it) Beach of Consolação (sought after because of the medical benefits of the rocks) Church of São Leonardo - Atouguia da Baleia It is the Parish Church of the town and is located in the main square. It is easy to miss. It has a Romanesque-Gothic entrance with Romanesque capitals. It has 3 naves, the middle one is outstanding. There are ogival arches and columns with cubed capitals where there are fantastic animals, human heads, rope, etc. In one of the side chapels there are 17th century tiles and in another there is a 14th century bas relief. The baptismal font is 1562. Fountain of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Gothic; in the main square) - Atouguia da Baleia PONTE DA BARCA

Ponte da Barca is located on the left bank of the Lima river, 39 kilometres from Viana do Castelo. It owes its name to the barge ("barca") that crossed the river until the end of the 15th century. Besides carrying cargo the barges carried pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. The bridge ("ponte") substituted the Medieval barges and the name of the town honours both. It was the birthplace of the poets Diogo Bernardes and Friar Agostinho da Cruz. It has existed since 1120 and during the Middle Ages was integrated with Terra da Nóbrega. In the 16th it received a charter and was selected chief town in the County of Nóbrega. Two centuries later Ponte da Barca was a prosperous town of merchants and farmers. It is a picture of granite houses and palaces surrounded by green.





Fairs and Feasts PONTE DA BARCA Religious Festival of São Bartolomeu (August) Annual Fair (22nd December) Sports Fishing: trout, salmon, barbel, eel and lamprey in the Lima river Hunting: rabbit and partridge PONTE DA BARCA Church of Misericórdia It was rebuilt in 1822 to 1844, but maintains the Rococo façade of the 18th century. There is a Neo-Classical veranda across the façade. The interior is Neo-Classical and the gem is the wooden carvings of the Last Supper on the front of the main altar. There are Art Nouveau tiles in the apse. Pillory (Manueline) Chapel of Santo António (late 17th century; a sheltering porch in front) Paços do Concelho (18th century Town Hall) Bridge (15th century; 200 meters long, 10 large arches, 8 original ones from the 1500s) Covered market It was built in 1752 and resembles a porch. Places were rented out to the hawkers. It is rectangular, has 3 arches on the East and 7 on the West and one on each short side. There are no entrances, which allows for easy access. Today it is under reconstruction. Garden of Poetas (on both sides of the Lima river) Outskirts Manor house of Abreu Lima (18th century; replaced the old Medieval palace) - Paço Vedro de Magalhães





House of Quintela (18th century Manor house; there is a square Medieval tower behind it) - Nogueira House of Agrela (U shaped; windows with 18th century pediments; being restored) - Nogueira Romanesque Church of Bravães (13th century; valuable entrance - the oldest in Portugal; Gothic rose window) Parish Church of Vila Nova de Muía (12th - 13th century; Romanesque; used to be part of the Monastery of the Canons of St. Augustine) PONTE DE LIMA

Ponte de Lima is Minho personified, with its natural beauty and rustic air. It is located in the middle of the Ribeira do Lima valley, 23 kilometres from Viana do Castelo. It is full of history and was on the military road from Braga to Tui. It belonged to the diocese of Tui (Spain) until the time of King Afonso Henriques. Queen Teresa gave it its first charter in 1125 and established a fair to encourage population and economic growth. Later in the 14th century, King Pedro I fortified the town. During King Fernando's reign it was the most secure defensive position of the North of Portugal. It is a stately and legendary town. In the Middle Ages it was a fortified town with walls 600 meters long, 10 towers, 2 turrets and 6 entrances. The old roads have houses of granite, Baroque, neo-classical and 1800s façades and renowned religious buildings. In 1995 Ponte da Lima won the European Grand Prize of Tourism and Environment. Fairs and Feasts PONTE DE LIMA

Feiras Novas (New Fairs) (September) The "old fair" was held every fortnight in Ponte de Lima since 1125. The "new fair" was established in 1826, together with the foundation of the cult of Nossa Senhora das Dores. After the harvests in September, usually on the 3rd weekend, there are 3 days and nights of feasts, fair and open air parties. Ponte de Lima receives thousands of visitors. There are livestock contests, the running of the "garranos" (wild horses), parades, music, festivals, folk dancing and it ends with the majestic procession of Nossa Senhora das Dores on a Monday. This festival ends the cycle of religious festivals of Alto Minho. Fair every fortnight (Mondays) Sports Fishing: trout in the Lima river





Horseback riding (Hipódromo de Ponte de Lima - Tel (058) 762784) Golf - Alfornelos (Club de Golfe de Ponte de Lima - Tel (058) 743414/5) PONTE DE LIMA Palace of the Marqueses The palace dates back to the 15th century and was the old Governor's house in the castle, which overlooks the town. The façade is Manueline and the palace was enlarged later on. It belongs to the Viscount of Vila Nova de Cerveira. Medieval bridge It is Romanesque and is said to have been built by King Pedro I but no document exists to confirm this. King Manuel I fortified it and there were 2 towers at each end that were demolished in 1868. It is 277 meters long and 4 meters wide. It has 16 ogival arches and 14 rounded ones. Roman bridge (five arches remain; was part of the Roman military road from Braga to Tuy) Museum of Terceiros / Limiano Institute (monumental buildings; composed of the Chapel of Santo António dos Frades; the Baroque Church of the 3rd Order of St. Francis; permanent exhibition of Sacred Art, archaeology and tiles) Houses of Rótulas (18th century house; screened balconies where the women sat in privacy) Av. D. Luis Filipe (on the river bank) Outskirts Manor House of Bertiandos Manor House (17th - 18th century; two buildings next to a 1500s tower; one of the most beautiful Manor Houses in Portugual) - Bertiandos Palace of Calheiros (founded in the 14th century; the current building is dated 1700; the surrounding gardens have a view of the Lima river) Convent of Refóios- Refóios de Cima The current building is the result of reconstruction's from the 16th to 18th centuries. It was founded in 1120. It was the mother house of the Crúzios, a religious order with vast holdings in the region. Today the College of Agriculture of Ponte de Lima is installed here. It still has the imposing cloisters, a tiled chapel and a Renaissance altarpiece on the main altar. There are tiles in the huge convent kitchens.





Hilltop fort of Santo Estevão (Roman and Greek vestiges; the artefacts are in the Museum of Terceiros) - Facha Mills on the surrounding brooks Lookout point of Santo Ovídio (252 meters high) Hill of Santa Maria Madalena (a leafy park on the top) PORTIMÃO

Portimão has always been an attractive place to live in. It is located near the sea coast and the Arade river. When Silves was the Moorish capital, Portimão served as its port. King Afonso V elevated it to a town and called it Vila Nova de Portimão and began building the walls. New buildings had to be constructed after the 1755 earthquake and they were in the Pombaline style. There are a few left. Portimão developed and in the 1940s was a large fishing and canning centre. From the 1960s it became a tourist attraction and its beaches are full of "outsiders". Praia da Rocha inow the best known beach in Portugal. Fairs and Feasts PORTIMÃO

Feast of Santa Catarina (3 and 4 June) City Feast (11 December) August Fair (first Monday of August) Fair of São Martinho (11 November) Feast of São José de Alcalar (6 and 7 May) - Mexilhoeira Grande Feast of São João (24 and 25 June) - Mexilhoeira Grande Open Fair (17 March) - Alvor Annual Fair (8 to 15 September) - Odeáxere "Chaminé d'Ouro" Festival of children's songs (June)





"Port-Arte"- International Exhibition of Plastic Arts in Portimão (August-September) Finish of the National Festival of Folk Dancing (September) - Praia da Rocha Sports Horseback riding - Vale de Ferro (M. Grande) Hunting - Herdade do Morgado do Reguengo (partridge, wild rabbit, hare, fox, pheasant, deer, fallow deer) - Quinta da Perdiz (partridge, duck, hare, fox) Golf Sailing (Associação Naval Infante of Sagres ) Boats (Capitania do Porto de Portimão) PORTIMÃO Walls / Arch of São José The walls were built during the reign of King Afonso V and restored in 1616. They are built in small stretches, like a saw tooth, encircling an area of 6 ½ hectares. This was the most efficient defence against piracy which was frequent for a long time. Paços do Concelho (Town Hall) (18th century; rooms decorated with stucco; blue and white tiles on the staircases; frescoes; Neo-Classical and Baroque façade) Bivar Palace It was built at the end of the 18th century. It is mostly Neo-Classical with some Baroque touches. It has simple lines and 4 stone pillars in front; the pediment has the coat of arms of the Castelo Branco family. Small Palace of Sárreas Gárfeas It was built at the end of the 18th century over another palace. In 1915 the Town Council was installed here. It is mainly Neo-Classical with some Baroque touches. One of the windows has interesting wrought iron works on it. Church / Jesuit College of São Francisco de Xavier





The church dates to 1660 and was the largest in Algarve. The façade is divided in 3 parts. There is the marble tomb of the founder and a statue of Our Lady of Piedade. The college is: "a grand building which can be seen from far away and looms over the small houses". It is the most imposing building in Portimão. It is a simple and harmonious, aesthetic building. Parish Church The original church is from the 16th century but had to be rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. There are 3 naves and 7 chapels, plus 3 more at the head. The main chapel has a Baroque altarpiece of gilt chestnut wood carvings. The Manueline entrance is very valuable; it has columns of red sandstone from Silves. There are 18th century tile panels. Ruins of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Esperança (Convent of São Francisco) The Convent dates to 1530 and is composed of 3 parts: church, cloister and outbuildings. The church is the oldest part of the Convent and is somewhat simple. There is a Manueline entrance, which is probably original. The cloister is simply magnificent. Diogo Gonçalves Museum (Portuguese artists; contemporary art) Municipal Museum The future museum will be installed in the old cannery, "Feu Hermanos". The museum will have artefacts from the Arade river, the boatyards and canneries. A future project will be about the history of the town. There will be models of galleons, Caíques (fishing boats), trawlers and other kinds of boats that plied the Arade river. One of the priorities of City Hall is to improve the riverside area. São Lucas Gallery (paintings by Júlio Amaro) Gallery of Portimão (paintings by Picasso, Vieira da Silva, Paula Rego, among others) Largo 1º de Dezembro (benches with tiles depicting History of Portugal) Riverside area of the fishing port (Largo Francisco Maurício, Rua Serpa Pinto, Rua de Santa Isabel - where there are 18th century houses and Art Nouveau Houses) Train station (built in 1915; Art Nouveau tiles) Outskirts Roman ruins of Abicada - Figueira Tombs of Alcalar - Alcalar





The tombs date back to 2000 and 1600 BCE. They are located 5 kilometres from Mexilhoeira Grande. The old settlement was located on a strategic hill for the defence of the populace. The necropolis has 12 sepulchres - a Megalithic chamber and a dome with side niches. Recent excavations in Monte Canelas found burial sites with bones in a foetal position. Lookout point of Quinta da Rocha (marsh; where the river used to flow) - Alvor Castle or Fort - Alvor The vestiges of the castle are located in Vila Velha over an old Lusitanian hilltop fort near a port of some significance. In the 5th century BCE, the Carthaginians captured the fort and General Hannibal founded Portus Annibalis. In 716 the Moors occupied the fortress and called it Albur. In 1300 King Dinis restored the Medieval castle. King Manuel I, in 1505, gave the town a charter. King João II died in the fort. Chapels of São João and São Pedro (Moorish origin; restored in 1889) - Alvor Parish Church (16th century; Manueline entrances; 3 naves; red sandstone from Silves; 18th century tiles in the main chapel; 5 altars) - Alvor Alvor Estuary Fortress of Santa Catarina de Ribamar - Praia da Rocha This fortress was built during the reign of Philip III, over the site of the Chapel of Santa Catarina. The original Gothic entrance still stands. It was built on the bank of the Arade river and there was a fierce debate on which side should the fortress be built. The 1755 earthquake destroyed much of the fortress, which had to be rebuilt. The walls were reinforced and new exterior walls were built. Fortress of São João - Ferragudo The fortress dates back to 1643. Only some vestiges remain. It used to have: "a firing curtain facing inland with an entrance in the middle of two bastions". During the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries the fortress together with the Fortress of Santa Catarina de Ribamar formed an efficient defence; as they were located on both banks of the Arade river. The fort was deactivated in the 19th century. Lighthouse of Ponta do Altar (lookout point; view of Portimão) - Ferragudo Typical fishermen's village (on the left bank of the Arade river; interesting view of the Portimão bay) - Ferragudo





Parish Church (16th century; Manueline side entrance; Renaissance arches in the main Chapel of Santíssimo) - Mexilhoeira Grande Ruins of Fort of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação (rebuilt in the 18th century; the chapel has a statue of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação; also a cistern) - Carvoeiro Algar Seco (rocky formations; the Boneca cave has a "window") - Carvoeiro Old chimneys - Estômbar The value of the chimney depended on the amount of time it took to build it. These chimneys can be found all over Algarve, some have more decorations than others. The decorated motifs are Moorish in origin. They have slits, lacy works, small clock towers or houses. Many houses had 2 chimneys, a simple one in the "oven room" and a more ornamental one used only for feast days. Parish Church (16th century; 3 naves separated by columns; 18th century tiles; 16th and 17th century wooden statues) - Estômbar. Sítio das Fontes (picnic area; restored mill; sea swallows and kingfisher can be seen) - Estômbar Leixão da Gaivota (islet; the white heron, sea crow, gulls and others nest here) - Foz do Arade Beaches Praia da Rocha Praia do Carvoeiro Praia do Vau Praia dos Três Irmãos Praia do Alvor Praia Grande PORTO

Men settled here by the Douro River a long time ago. The Romans called it Portus Cale from which Portugal is derived. It was during the Middle Ages that this city grew, on the north banks. Today some of the old neighbourhoods can still be seen. The famous Port wine was sailed down the river from the Alto Douro. The climate and soil are well suited





for vineyards and in the 18th century the Real Companhia Vinícola do Douro was formed. This association helped in the agricultural, commercial and industrial development. Porto became prosperous which in turn led to the cultural and artistic development. Some of the great structures/buildings can found here: the iron bridges, the Torre dos Clérigos (tower), the Sé Catedral (Cathedral), and the São Bento Railway Station among others. Many notable Portuguese are from Porto: Almeida Garrett, Raúl Brandão, Ramalho Ortigão among others. Fairs and Feasts PORTO Páscoa no Porto Easter in Porto (April, Queima de Judas) Feast of São Bartolomeu (last Sunday in August) Feast of Santa Clara do Bonfim(1st Sunday in September) On the first Sunday of September many pilgrims come to the parish church of Bonfim. They come to fulfil promises made to Saint Clare. From Saturday to Sunday night there is a never ending stream of pilgrims. Outside the Church there is an open air fair. City Feasts of São João do Porto (24th of June) During the month of June Portugal celebrates the feast days of the Popular Saints. In Porto it is Saint John and his feast day is June 24. The streets are decorated several days in advance; there are also pots of basil, leeks and posies of fragrant flowers. At sunset the populace take to the street for partying during the night. São Miguel Fair (walnuts, pine nuts and dried fruit) Arts and Crafts Fair (daily) Vandoma Fair - 2nd hand goods (Saturdays) Fantasporto - International Cinema Festival in February - the most popular festival in Portugal. New techniques and new producers and directors. Intercéltico Festival of Porto (April) International Puppet Festival in Porto (May) Book Fair (May) European Jazz Festival in Porto (May)





F.I.T.E.I. (International Festival of Iberian Theatre) - (June) Rhythms - World Festival (June) International Festival of Folk Dancing in Porto (June) Week of Baroque Music (July) International Cartoons (September) International Contest of Music in the City of Porto (October) Contemporary Art in Porto (October) International Festival of Iberian Music (November) European Cinema Week (November) Arts and Crafts Fair in Porto (December) Market of Bees (24th of July) - Sobrado Grape Fair (September) - Vila Cova de Lixa Sports Tennis (Club de Ténis da Foz) Golf Swimming (Piscina Municipal, Piscina da Campanhã, Clube Fluvial Portuense) Cruises on the Douro River PORTO Sé Cathedral of Porto The cathedral was built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style. The first mass was celebrated in 1120. There have been several remodellings resulting in a curious mixture of different styles. The tower dates from the 16th century, the rose windows from the 14th century. In the 18th century a gallery designed by Nazoni was added and has 1700s tiles. The cathedral has 3 naves; Gothic arches and a granite vault, sectioned in arcs. Over the main altar is a cylindrical vault of granite and marble, with recessed panels. The altar is of worked silver, which took a hundred years to make. There is a large collection of





reliquaries and statues. The 2 outstanding ones are: the statue of Custódia de D. Diogo de Sousa and Our Lady of the Assumption. Church and Tower of Clérigos The church dates from the 18th century in Portuguese Baroque style. The architect was Nicolau Nazoni. It has only one nave formed in an ellipse. The main altar is rectangular and has an altarpiece of coloured marble. This allowed for more space in the presbytery. The altars are of carved wood in the Rococo-Baroque style. The stone tower is 75.6 meters high and has a beautiful view of the city. Nossa Senhora da Boa Hora de Fradelos Chapel This chapel was built in 1893, over the site of an old hospice. The hospice is mentioned in the 11th century. The chapel has tiles depicting the life of Saint Therese of Liseux, made by Jorge Colaço. The main altar is covered in gilt wooden carving; the stained glass windows and statues are interesting. The chapel is located in the middle of the city at the crossroads of Rua de Sá da Bandeira and Guedes de Azevedo, where people can go for some quiet time. Cedofeita Church (12th century; Romanesque; the oldest church in Porto) S. Francisco Convent Church (14th and 15th centuries; Gothic; used to belong to the old Franciscan Convent which was destroyed in 1832, lined with gilt wooden carvings, Baroque and Rococo) Santa Clara Church (15th century; Renaissance church with a Baroque convent, there are gilt carved wood altarpieces, statues of Saint John the Baptist and the Immaculate Conception and a panel by Joaquim Rafael) Misericórdia Church (16th century; 1700s façade, Baroque, designed by Nazoni) S. Bento Church (17th century; in the Parish of Vitória) Carmo Church (18th century; Rocaille style; the side façade is covered in tiles of 1912) Carmelite Church (17th century; mixed styles - Classical and Baroque, belonged to the Discalced Carmelites) São Bento da Vitória Church (17th century; was the church of the old Benedictine Monastery, there are panels depicting the life of Saint Benedict inside) São Pedro de Miragaia Church (18th century; has a choir, main altar and Flemish stucco of the "Pentecostes" school)





Bonfim Church (19th century; the Feast of Santa Clara do Bonfim is celebrated here on the first Sunday of September) S. Nicolau Church (18th century; it is the Parish Church; Classical and Baroque styles) Lapa Church (18th century; Neo-Classical, has 2 tall towers flanking the façade, Camilo Castelo Branco and Ferreira Borges, among others, are buried in the cemetery; there is a mausoleum in the main altar that contains the heart of King Pedro IV) Grilos Church (17th century; Baroque; 18th century altarpiece is a wooden sculpture depicting the Presentation of Jesus to the Temple) "Infante" House (tradition says that Prince Henry was born here. It was the Customs House from the 14th century to the 19th century; it was restored in the 20th century) Ramalde House (this manor house was renovated and is the venue for cultural events) Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange) The building was erected in the 19th century by the Associação Comercial do Porto (Chamber of Commerce). At the entrance way is the Patio of Nations. The building is Neo-Classical and has several rooms. The most impressive is the Gold Room, lined in stucco and covered in gold; the General Assembly Room with the walls and ceiling decorated in panels and golden ornaments; also the Arab Room, copied from the Alhambra Palace. Freixo Palace (designed by the Italian architect Nazoni) Paços do Concelho (Old Town Hall) - 20th century; there is a statue of Almeida Garrett in front) Episcopal Palace (18th century; there used to be a monastery here, there is a fabulous staircase, the windows on the main floor are decorated) Queijo Castle (17th century; its real name is Forte de São Francisco Xavier; it is called "Queijo (cheese)" because it is built on a rock that resembles a cheese, there is a museum of military armaments from the Overseas Wars) São João da Foz Fort (16th century; belongs to the Instituto de Defesa Nacional; it was built by Queen Catarina during the Spanish Dominion; there used to be a Benedictine Hospice and chapel here.) São Miguel Lighthouse (16th century; built by Miguel da Silva, Bishop of Viseu, São João da Foz Fort also came under the Bishop's jurisdiction) "Fernandine" Walls (14th century; built by King Fernando; it replaced the Swavian wall)





Relação Jail (south of the Jardim da Cordoaria) São Bento Railroad Station (early 20th century; located in the old Convent of Avé-Maria; the vestibule is lined in blue and white tiles depicting the evolution of transportation) Santo António Hospital (18th century; Neo-Classical) Majestic Café (19th century; recently renovated, meeting place of the famous and intellectual; located downtown) Baixa, Boavista, Cedofeita (excellent shopping area from famous brand name stores to sidewalk vendors, there is a Flower Fair and Bird Fair in the Praça da Liberdade) Serralves House (the Museum of Modern Art is located here, has some contemporary art; live concerts, theatre, exhibitions and conferences are held here; there are inviting gardens surrounding the house) Romântico Museum (on Rua de Entre Quintas; it recreates the homes of the upper classes of the 19th century, lots of furniture and the room where King Carlos Alberto of Sardinia died) Soares dos Reis Museum Fundação Eugénio António de Almeida Museum (located in the home of the founder, decorated with 17th and 18th century French furniture, a collection of porcelains and clocks) Military Museum (WW I uniforms, helmets, armaments and toy soldiers) Tram/Street Car Museum (on the Alameda Basílio Teles; large selection of different trams/street cars from horse drawn trams to modern ones) Guerra Junqueiro Museum (18th century; Baroque; has his collection of art; furniture, paintings and silverware) Historical and Ethnographic Museum (memorabilia, toys, traditional games and old costumes) Carlos Alberto Auditorium (for classical music concerts) Public Library (17th century; located in the old Convent of Santo António da Cidade) São João Theatre (recently restored)





Sá da Bandeira Theatre Rivoli Theatre (located in downtown Baixa; only the façade remains, currently undergoing restoration) António Carneiro Workshop and House (collection of his own works, paintings and sculptures) Coliseum of Porto (one of the main halls for entertainment) City Park São Roque Park Palácio de Cristal Gardens (the old palace was substituted by the new Rosa Mota- Pavilion, the gardens reflect the tastes of the 19th century) Passeio Alegre Gardens (City Hall had the gardens built in 1861, the fishermen used to call It the "seawall" of the Douro; they used to mend their nets here, has miniature golf) Cordoaria Gardens (inaugurated in 1866; the Palácio da Justiça is on the westside and on the south the Cadeia da Relação jail; there are plane trees and some oddly shaped trees) S. Lázaro Gardens (in the Santo Ildefonso Parish; in 1832 King Pedro IV gave it the name São Lázaro (Saint Lazarus) because he is also the patron saint of the hospital) Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace) (inaugurated in 1865 with the "Portuguese International Exhibition"; today only the gardens and façade remain) Queen Maria II Bridge (inaugurated in 1843; later on traffic crossed over via the King Luís I bridge) King Luís I Bridge Queen Maria Pia Bridge (also known as the Eiffel bridge, inaugurated in 1877, for more than a century it was an important crossing, the trains from Lisbon crossed here until 1991, until the new São João bridge was built, designed by Edgar Cardoso) Vitória Neighbourhood (there are some vestiges of the old Jewish Quarter) Sé Neighbourhood (small houses along narrow streets extending from King Luís I bridge to the Ribeira river bank)





Barredo Neighbourhood (this picturesque river bank area is undergoing renovations) Carmelitas Neighbourhood (in a central part of the city where the São Bento Station, the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange) and the convent are located. The convent belonged to the deactivated Order of São José and Santa Teresa of the Discalced Carmelites. It is a commercial area with storehouses, book shops and cafés) MiraGaia (a typical neighbourhood with arches and fabulous granite work) Foz do Douro (it used to be the fishing port and fishermen's neighbourhood, it is one of the prettiest zones in the city and has bars, discotheques, cafés and restaurants) Ferreira Borges Market (also known as the Fruit Market; made of wrought iron and is an important cultural centre) Bolhão Market (a 3 storied building, one of the largest and busiest markets in Portugal, sells everything) Ribeira The riverside was solely a commercial area in the 14th century. The arrival of boats created great activity. In 1325 the Customs House was built to inspect the merchandise. The Royal Family would come here and it is said that Prince Henry was born here. The view of the Douro river is quite spectacular. There are still Medieval and Gothic houses to be seen here. Night and day there is constant activity. The restaurants, bistros, bars and open air terraces follow one another and are full of people. This is a meeting place for friends. Barcos rabelos (boats) Boat trips on the Douro River (interesting scenery) Luz Beach Ingleses Beach (Englishmen's Beach; on the strip of sand hidden by rocks) Virtudes Lookout Point (view of the river, very popular place to visit in the 17th and 18th centuries) Bom Sucesso Shopping Centre (located in Bom Sucesso Market; 3 floors of shops, 10 floors for offices, parking lot and cinemas) Brazília Shopping Centre (located in the Boa Vista Rotunda; 3 floors of shops, cinema, parking lot and discotheque)





Dallas Shopping Centre (Avenida da Boa Vista; several floors of shops and services, parking lot and discotheque) Península Shopping Centre (2 floors of shops, 3 floors for parking, 2 entrances) Outskirts Moreira Church (16th century; located within the Convent of the Augustinians and the Monastery House) - Moreira Parish Church of Águas Santas (12th century; Romanesque; there is a cemetery where Soares dos Reis is buried) ¾ Maia Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe Chapel - Águas Santas Leça do Bailio Monastery (10th - 12th centuries; both church and monastery are Gothic) Roman Bridge over the Leça River (Roman; has 3 arches) - Ponte de Pedra Porto Wine Cellars - Vila Nova de Gaia "Pedras da audiência" (stone tables and benches were criminals were judged, they were located in the centre of the village or in church yards) - Maia Abel Salazar Museum (19th century; under the auspices of the Abel Salazar Foundation; has 2000 pieces, paintings, ceramics and metal work, sculptures of wood works) - São Mamede de Infesta Zoo (many different animals) - Maia Municipal Biological Park - Avintes Villa Beatriz - Ermesinde Railroad Bridge, Minho Line- Ermesinde Gaia Shopping Centre (recently opened; largest centre in the north, has 4 entrances, 9 cinemas) - Vila Nova de Gaia SÃO MIGUEL

São Miguel is the largest island in the archipelago of the Azores. It belongs to the Eastern Group along with Santa Maria. It has an area of 759.41 kilometres square in the





middle of the Atlantic. It has 2 massive volcanoes separated by a ridge of small hills. The mild climate produces a lush vegetation. Population began in 1444, under the leadership of Gonçalo Velho, Knight of the Order of Christ. It developed rapidly due to its location between Europe, America and Africa and the production of wheat. It is the political centre of the region. The main campus of the University of the Azores (created in 1975) is in Ponta Delgada. The city was already an important port in the 16th century. Fishermen were attracted here by the sandy beaches. In 1832, a Liberal Army sailed from the Capital of São Miguel to the mainland. After the siege of Porto the Carta Constitucional was proclaimed and the daughter of King Pedro IV became Queen Maria II. There were over 3000 men from São Miguel in the Liberal Army. Today São Miguel is a progressive island with old manor houses and churches. It has wonderful landscapes especially the Lagoa das Sete Cidades (lake). It is also home to the bulldog of São Miguel. Fairs and Feasts PONTA DELGADA

Feast days of Senhor Santo Cristo (5th Sunday after Easter) The devotion to Senhor Santo Cristo (Holy Church) began in the 17th century when fame of the miracles wrought spread over the islands. The statue is in the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Esperança. Since that time there is a procession in Ponta Delgada which brings thousands of people from the other islands as well as the immigrants. The city streets are decorated with arches, lights and flowers. The feast begins with the blessing of the bread and meat to be distributed to the poor. Then there is the procession on Sunday; there is an open air party at night, fireworks and dozens of bands. Feast days of the Holy Spirit (April to June) The Order of the Holy Spirit was founded by Queen Saint Isabel to do charitable work among the poor and sick. The first ceremony began in 1296 in Alenquer and 2 centuries later the tradition was brought to the Azores. It is an important tradition and devotion in the islands. The ceremonies occur on Sundays during April to June. Each village and each island developed different rites; but they all have the same basic one: the crowning of an Emperor. This is followed by the crown being exhibited on a throne built in the house of the Master of Ceremonies for 8 days. At the end, bread, meat and wine are distributed to the needy. In the rural areas there is a tourada à corda (bull fight with a roped bull), which is lead by Fools/Jesters and has lively music and song. Religious Festivals (during Lent) Procession of Senhor dos Enfermos (1st Sunday after Easter) - Furnas





Procession of São Miguel or the worker (May) - Vila Franca do Campo Popular Feast of São João - Vila Franca do Campo Feast of Bom Jesus da Pedra (August) - Vila Franca do Campo Jousts (29 July) - Ribeira Seca Sports Swimming: natural pools and beaches Golf Skeet shooting, target shooting and archery (Clube desportivo de tiro de São Miguel) Horseback riding - Ponta Delgada (Centro Hípico de Ponta Delgada) - Ribeira Grande (Centro Hípico Solecrinas) Horse rides Boat trips to the Islet of Vila Franca during Summer Fishing: * - Lake of Furnas (trout, perch, carp and red fish) - Lake of Sete Cidades (pike, perch and carp) - Lake of Fogo (trout and carp) - Lakes of Rasa and São Brás (bass) - Streams of Praia, Alegria, Bispos, Faial da Terra, Guilherme, Machado, Caldeirões, Salga, Carneiros, Limos and Grande (trout) - Pontas de Feteiras, Ferraria, Mosteiros, Ponta da Bretanha, Porto dos Capelas, Poços de São Vicente, Rabo de Peixe, Ponta and Porto do Ribeira de Nordeste, Água Retorta and Faial da Terra (sea bream, conger eel, monk fish, long beak fish, needle fish, anchovy, mullet and moray) * (a Fishing License is needed and may be obtained in Direcção de Serviços Florestais) Big Game Fishing (Pescatur) Diving: Ponta da Galera and Islet of Vila Franca Tel (Thomas and Elke Wilde) Sailing, rowing and Windsurfing (Clube Naval de Ponta Delgada) Walking tours:





- from Algarvia to Pico da Vara - from Furnas to Ribeira Quente - from Ribeira Quente to Povoação or Lagoa das Furnas - from Água d'Alto to Água de Pau mountain - from Relva to Rocha da Relva PONTA DELGADA Parish Church of São Sebastião (16th century; built over an older chapel; has Manueline and Baroque entrances; an apse; the main chapel has altars of gilt wood carvings; 17th century Brazilian furniture; has 4th century English religious implements) Convent of Nossa Senhora da Esperança The convent has an interesting cloister. The church has a main chapel with gilt wood carvings and 1700s tiles. The poet Antero de Quental committed suicide here in 1891. Church of São José (17th century; 17th and 18th century statues; some Hispanic-American; Portuguese and Dutch tiles; side chapels with Baroque furniture) Church of Todos os Santos (17th century; belongs to the Jesuit College; majestic and palatial; Baroque) Church of São Pedro (17th - 18th century; interesting façade; there is a view of the port from the churchyard; has one nave and painted ceilings; statues and reliquaries of the 16th , 17th and 18th centuries) Church and Retreat House of Santa Bárbara (interesting monastery; has altar of carved wood and a painted altarpiece of St. Joseph") Chapel and Retreat House of Sant'Ana (17th and 18th century Baroque) Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (part of the old convent; has a 17th century Baroque façade and painted altars) Fort of São Brás (Renaissance; building begun in 1552 as a defence against Corsairs; remodelled and enlarged in the 19th century) Redoubt and Chapel of Mãe de Deus (remains of walls, bastions and bunkers; it is a lookout point over the city; on 1 January 1944 the battery fired on General Eisenhower's plane by accident) Portas da Cidade (18th century; curiously constructed entrances to the city; today a calling card)





Palace of Fonte Bela (19th century; grandiose; frescoes on walls and ceiling; it is a school today) Palace of Sant'Ana This large 19th century palace is the headquarters for the Presidency of the Regional Government of the Azores. There are paintings of the visit of King Carlos in 1901. It also has 18th and 19th century furniture and tiles taken from old churches on the island. The dining room has magnificent wood carvings. Paços do Concelho (Town Hall) (17th - 18th century; Baroque; bell tower with a 16th century bell, gift of King João III) House of Carlos Bicudo (17th century; a good example of island Baroque) Carlos Machado Museum The museum is installed in the Convent of Santo André. It has a collection of paintings, particularly those of the Master Sardoal (14th century); sculptures, engraving and tiles. It has an interesting ethnographic section of daily life in the Azores; plus collections of zoology, mineralogy, botany and toys. Historic Centre (narrow road with 17th to 19th century houses)

Marina Pool of São Pedro (Natural pool in Ponta Delgada) Recreational Centre of Pinhal da Paz It has an area of 49 hectares. It is also known as the Mata das Criações. It is also an unforgettable colourful sign when the flowers are in bloom. There are rows of azaleas that border the paths for a total of 15 kilometres between Ponta Delgada and Fajã de Cima. Praia do Areal Grande (beach) and Praia do Areal Pequeno (beach) (located in São Roque, near Ponta Delgada; equipped) Lagoa Church of Santo António (18th century; Baroque; used to be part of the Franciscan Convent) Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário (16th century; enlarged in the 18th century; has some outstanding 18th century statues by Machado Castro) Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (15th century; has Hispano-Arabic tiles)





Ceramic Factory (19th century; produces some beautiful pieces) Pineapple Green Houses (has perfumed fruit all year round) Baixa da Areia (cozy natural pool near the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Cabo de Finisterra)

Água de Pau Church of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos (16th century; has the Cross of Christ on the façade) Typical roads (narrow roads with 18th century houses; like the old Portuguese towns) Caloura Convent of Caloura The convent dates back to the 16th century but the Baroque façade is 17th century. It is one of the most architecturally beautiful buildings of the island. The church has a collection of rare tiles and an altarpiece with curious angels. The devotion to Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (Christ of Miracles) came about when Pope Paul III gave the statue in 1530. The convent is privately owned and can be visited only by special permission. Fort of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (17th century; built to defend the port) Porto de Pesca (picturesque fishing port) Natural pool (above the pier) Lookout point of Pico da Barrosa and Pico do Pisão Praia de Água de Alto and Praia Ribeira Chã (beaches located between Caloura and Vila Franca do Campo; near some small villages) Vila Franca do Campo Church of São Miguel (15th century; has 3 naves; basalt façade and tower; Gothic entrance; main altar of gilt wood carvings; basalt baptismal fonts) Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz (a Marian Sanctuary; located on top of a hill with a panoramic view) Church of São Pedro (18th century; built over a Gothic chapel; Baroque façade; 1500s statue of St. Peter in Ançã stone)





Church of Santo André (16th and 17th century; 2 naves with an altar of carved wood; panelled ceiling) Convent and Chapel of São Francisco (16th century; remodelled and enlarged in the 18th century; the main altar has gilt wood carvings and statues of St. Anthony; St. Lucia and Christ) Ethnographic Museum (the pottery section is noteworthy and reflects the traditions of this town) Pineapple Green Houses (produces fruit all year) Pottery (several potteries that produce traditional pieces and bowls and miniatures) Islet of Vila Franca The islet is located in front of town and is one of the most attractive islets off the coast of São Miguel. The rocks are formed by the sea and wind into curious shapes and forms a perfectly circular pool. Water sports are practised here. To preserve it the islet is now a Nature Reserve. Lake of Congro (small lake a few kilometres out of town) Furnas Vale das Furnas (a lovely place located in an enormous crater with flowers and vegetation, including tropical ones; crossed by a warm water stream and cold water streams; with water mills) Lagoa das Furnas (tranquil lake; the Gothic Chapel José do Canto is reflected in the water; the banks are full of fumeroles where the famous cozido das Furnas (boiled meats and vegetables) are cooked) Calderas (volcanic formations with geysers of boiling water; the mud is used for medicinal purposes; the Caldera of Pero Botelho is the most spectacular) Park Terra Nostra (full of romantic walkways with exotic flowers, trees, lakes, swimming pool with thermal water) Lookout point of Pico do Ferro and Salto do Cavalo (views of the valley and waterfalls) Ribeira Quente Praia do Fogo (sandy beach near a fishing village) Povoação Chapel of Santa Bárbara (oldest chapel in São Miguel; 15th century)





Matriz Velha (located by the beach where the first colonists arrived; has an interesting façade) Traditional Architecture (19th and 20th century) Nordeste Church of São Jorge (15th century; restored in the 18th century; 3 naves; altars of carved wood; statues from the old Franciscan Convent) Bridge of Sete Arcos (built in 1883; Romanesque in style; the largest and prettiest in São Miguel) Paços do Concelho (Town Hall) (1800s building) Ethnographic Museum (interesting collection of local articles) Casa de Trabalho de Nordeste (workshop where local art and professions are taught; especially embroidery and weaving) Nordeste Landscape São Pedro Nordestinho Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Pranto (500 years old; legend says that the Virgin appeared to a shepherd and announced a plague) Gorreana and Porto Formoso Tea plantations (introduced in the 19th century; lovely green bushes) Praia dos Minhos (sand and calm waters; near a village)

Ribeira Grande Church of Nossa Senhora da Estrela This parish church was consecrated in 1517 and dedicated to the Purification of the Virgin. It has 3 naves. The Chapel of Santos Reis Magos (3 Magi) and the Chapel of the Santíssimo are noteworthy. The first chapel has paintings. The Sacred Art treasures are found in the Sacristy. There is a 16th century Flemish triptych painted on wood. In a showcase in the choir, there are figurines made of bread depicting scenes of both the Old and New Testaments. These were made by Margarida do Apocalipse, a Clarisian nun in the 19th century. Convent and Church of São Francisco (17th century; 17th and 18th century statues and relics)





Church of Espírito Santo (17th century; most impressive Baroque church in Azores) Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (18th century; has a main chapel of carved wood) Paços do Concelho (Town Hall) (16th and 17th century; typical local architecture; has a collection of pictures of Heads of State from Queen Maria II to current; there is a 16th century Manueline window) Ethnographic Museum (some basalt articles; local lore) Manor Houses (17th and 18th century decorated façades; windows of volcanic stones) Chapels of Santo André and of Santa Luzia (Baroque and local styles) Porto de Santa Iria (port where one can rent a boat to visit the caves of Cintrão) Calderas (fumeroles, trees and houses; Caldeira Velha is a small lake of hot water and worth a visit) Vale das Lombadas (spring of mineral water; located within a Nature Reserve) Lake of Fogo (enormous lake in an extinct volcano; very beautiful and tranquil; access via the Grande Santa Cruz stream) Ribeira Seca Church of São Pedro (16th century; rebuilt in the 18th century; has a valuable 1500s statue of St. Peter) Fountain (16th century; only thing left of a village destroyed in a volcanic eruption in 1563) Mosteiros Natural pool (located in a pretty setting of sand and rocks; near the islet of Mosteiros and Pico das Caraminhas where there still is some original vegetation) Sete Cidades Lakes of Sete Cidades These 2 unforgettable lakes are located in the immense crater. The crater has a perimeter of 12 kilometres. It is full of trees and flowers. Legend says the lakes were made by the tears of a princess and a shepherd who were in love with each other but were unfulfilled. One had green eyes and the other blue. The twin lakes are blue and green in perpetual memory of the crossed lovers. The village of Sete Cidades is located in the centre of the crater. The whole area is a Protected Area. Parish Church (19th century; Neo-Gothic)





Lookout point of Vista do Rei (named after the visit of King Carlos in 1901) Pico do Carvão (with views of the sea and island; near the lakes of Carvão, Canário and Rasa) PICO

The island of Pico grew around a volcano and belongs to the Central Group. It has an area of 447 kilometres square and is the second largest island of the Azores. Population began in 1460 by people from the north of Portugal. At first the people grew cereals and mustard plant used in dyes that was exported to Flanders. They quickly switched to wine and fishing. The dry sunny climate is good and after back breaking labour the lava was turned into fruit orchards and Pico became the Orchard of the Azores. Work on land and on sea grew. And as it happened on the other islands the American whalers arrived in the 18th century and lured the men off the island. For many years whaling was an important source of money. In 1894 the first Azorean canoe was made in Lajes do Pico. This canoe is attractive because of its elegance, lightness and strength and is part of this volcanic island's history. Fairs and Feasts PICO

Feast days of the Holy Spirit Feast of Santa Maria Madalena (July) - Madalena Feast of the Whalers (last Sunday in August) - Lajes do Pico Feast of Bom Jesus (August) - São Mateus Harvest festivals (September) Sports Golf (Jogar Golf - Tel (092) 672035) Fishing Diving Mountain Climbing and spelunking (Grupo de Espeleologia do Pico - Tel (092) 622894)





Whale watching - from May to September (Espaço Talassa - Tel (092) 672617) Hunting: rabbit, snipe, quail and ring dove PICO Church of Santa Maria Madalena (17th century; the façade was totally remodelled in the 19th century; the most important church in Pico; has altars of gilt wood carvings and some lovely statues) - Madalena Paços do Concelho (Town Hall) (17th century; there is the Royal coat of arms in stone on the façade, flanked by 2 ravens) - Madalena Wine Museum (located in the Old Carmelite Convent) - Madalena Maroiços (small pyramids of volcanic stone, facing the sea and built in tiers; they were probably built by the early colonists while clearing the fields for planting) - Concelho de Madalena Natural pool - Areia Larga Church of São Roque (18th century; has a main altar of gilt wood carvings; a wooden stand with inlaid ivory; a silver lamp given by King João V and 2 16th century statues of São Roque and an 18th century statue of St. Ann) - São Roque do Pico Convent and Church of São Pedro de Alcântara (18th century; Baroque; an interesting façade with arches and a bell tower) - São Roque do Pico Whale Factory (old equipment and implements for processing whales) - São Roque do Pico Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (17th and 18th century; was built over a 15th century chapel; it belonged to the old Franciscan Convent; the façade is of worked stone and City Hall is located here) - Lajes do Pico Chapel of São Pedro (the oldest church on the island; built by the colonists in 1460; it had a thatched roof until 1677; located near the sea) - Lajes do Pico Scrimshaw Museum - Lajes do Pico This Scrimshaw Museum in Lajes do Pico is unique in Portugal. It is located in the old Casa dos Botes and has hundreds of whale bone and whole teeth scrimshaw. Some of the articles were used in fishing and whaling. It has also many English and American books; and copies of logs from the old sailing ships. There is a whaling canoe and the first motor launch used in whaling.





Natural tidal pool - Lajes do Pico Church of Santo Amaro (mid 18th century; with a tower and battlements) - Santo Amaro Church of São Sebastião (19th century; built over a 16th century chapel; the main altar is of gilt wood carvings; there is an excellent panoramic view of the coast and sea from the courtyard) - Calheta do Nesquim SANTARÉM

Santarém is the capital of Ribatejo and is located amidst fertile fields. Agriculture and cattle breeding are its main resources. It has been inhabited since the Neolithic Era. The Romans conquered Santarém and changed the name to Scalabis Castrum. In the 7th century the people began to call the settlement Santa Irene or Santa Iria. The Moors took it in the 8th century. King Afonso Henriques conquered it in 1147 and gave it a charter in 1179. It was here that King Pedro I had the murderers of Inês de Castro executed. King João II was acclaimed King here in 1477. In the 16th century, after the Battle of Alcácer Quibir, Santarém was the last town to cede to Spanish Occupation and the first to rise up in 1640 in the War of Restoration. Santarém was elevated to a city in 1869. It is the Gothic Capital of Portugal and its grand monuments attest to its History and mystique. Fairs and Feasts SANTARÉM

Fair of Santíssimo Milagre (April) National Agricultural Fair / Fair of Ribatejo (June) National Food Festival (October) "Lusoflora" Flower Fair (week of Bom Pastor/Good Shepherd) Sports Tennis and Minigolf (City Hall of Santarém) Horseback riding Sky-diving and ultra light planes (Pára Club de Santarém) Hunting: - Quinta de Vale de Lobos (partridge, turtle dove, thrush, quail, pheasant, hare, rabbit) SANTARÉM





Church of Marvila After King Afonso Henriques conquered Santarém the church was built by the Templars in the mid 12th century. It has been remodelled since. There is a magnificent Manueline entrance on the façade. The interior is lined with 1600s tiles. Church of Santa Maria de Alcáçova (12th century; rebuilt in the 14th century; porch; 3 naves with Tuscan columns; main altar has wood carvings; near the Portas do Sol) Church of São João de Alporão (Romanesque-Gothic; 1400s tomb of Duarte de Menezes; Marvila Parish) Church of the Jesus Cristo Hospital (18th century; blue and white tiles depicting the life of St. Francis of Assisi; Jesuit cloister; 1500s stone altarpiece of the Last Supper) Church of Santíssimo Milagre (14th century; has been remodelled several times; Renaissance interior; 16th century tiles) Church of São Francisco This church dates back to the reign of King Sancho II (1242). It has a Romanesque entrance and 3 naves. The central nave has a magnificent 14th century choir, but opens on the cloister via a Renaissance door. The church is considered to be truly Gothic. Church of Santa Clara It was built in the 13th century during the reign of King Afonso III. It has been remodelled several times and the original building is much changed. It has a Gothic façade with a beautiful rose window. There are 17th century frescoes and tiles inside. Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Monte (13th century; abandoned in 1292 when the hospital moved; restored in the 16th century in Renaissance style; in Salvador Parish) Church of Graça This precious church was built in 1380. There is a flaming Gothic rose window carved out of a single piece of stone. There are 3 naves and a Gothic tomb inside. There are several Renaissance tombs. Pedro Álvares Cabral, the discoverer of Brazil, is buried in a plain grave. Church of São Nicolau (has the 1360 tomb of Fernão Roiz Redondo; an oratory with a Manueline crucifix) Church of the Seminary The old Royal College of Nossa Senhora da Conceição of 1676 is located in the square of the Marquês Sá da Bandeira. The church was bequeathed to the Company of Jesus by King João VI and is located next to the college. It is 40 meters long and 16 meters wide and





functions as the Cathedral today. It has an imposing Baroque façade. It has a 17th century ceiling with excellent frescoes; also inlaid marble altars with gilt wood carvings. Church of Santa Cruz (13th century; Gothic naves, a pulpit with a veranda; remodelled in 1681; in Ribeira de Santarém Parish) Church of Santa Iria da Ribeira (Medieval; remodelled in the 16th and 18th centuries; ceramics, 1600s Moorish style tiles) Memória de Santa Iria (a metal covered statue in the water of the Tejo river; marks the spot where the martyred saint was found in a sarcophagus) Fountain (18th century; a Rocaill centre niche and the Royal Coat of Arms; located in Ribeira de Santarém) Fountain of Figueiras (Medieval; abuts the Wall; has a porch with ogival arches and crenellations; Royal Coat of Arms and the city's Coat of Arms; located in Marvila Parish) Portas do Sol (old entrance to the city) The Portas do Sol (an entrance in the old walls) opens onto a lovely garden. It has the best lookout point in Santarém over the Tejo river. Excavations of a Phoenician dye works is currently being undertaken within the gardens. Tower of Cabaças (a curious construction; could have been adapted from a tower in the Medieval Walls; on the top is an iron and ceramic structure that enhanced the sound of the bells) Museum/Library of Anselmo Braamcamp Freire Archaeological Museum of São João Alporão (impressive collection of Roman and Moorish artifacts; installed in a 13th century Romanesque-Gothic church) Outskirts Sandy fields Convent of Almoster This 13th century Gothic building has been remodelled several times. it used to belong to the Cistercian monks. It has a 14th century cloister. The church has a Gothic entrance, with an interior lined in 17th century tiles. There is a magnificent wood carving in the main chapel, also paintings, frescoes, side altars and superb sculptures. National Horse Farm of Fonte Boa (quality horses) - Vale de Santarém





Praia de Caneiras (typical village on the river banks; surrounded by lovely countryside) - Caneiras Estate of Vale de Lobos (the historian Alexandre Herculano lived here) - Azóia de Baixo Medieval Castle - Alcanede The Moorish castle is built on a high hill and faces east. It was enlarged in the 12th century. Over the main entrance is a curious heraldic tablet with 3 castles and an eagle. There is a cistern inside the castle. Salt pans of Rio Maior Nature Reserve of Boquilobo marsh SEIA

The Moors conquered it in 715. Ordonho II took it from them in 985 for the Christians but lost it soon after. In 1037 Fernando Magno conquered it but he too lost it. Finally in 1132 King Afonso Henriques conquered it once and for all and gave it a charter in 1136 under the name Civitasem Sennam. This charter was confirmed in 1188. King Afonso II gave it a charter in 1217 and King Manuel I in 1510. King Afonso Henriques built a castle but not even ruins are left. It is presumed it was built on the site where the Parish Church stands. The castle was proof of the military importance of Seia, which was agricultural. This lasted during the Middle Ages. King Manuel I elevated Seia to a county, reinforced the walls and built several churches. In the 18th century it became a textile centre and the town grew and prospered. There are still some Baroque façades from this era. It has been a city since 1986 and depends on agriculture, sheep, farming and textiles. It is also the main access to the Estrela mountains. Fairs and Feasts SEIA

Religious Festival of Sagrado Coração de Jesus (3 July) Religious Festival of Senhor dos Milagres (14 and 15 August) Religious Festival of Senhora do Espigueiro (8 September) Queijo da Serra Fair (Saturday of Carnival) Sports





Mountain climbing and scaling (Clube Nacional de Montanhismo) - Covão do Curral & Covão Grande Animal and Bird Watching (boar, hawk, ring dove, woodpecker, starling) contact Nature Park of Estrela mountains) - Mata de coníferas / Vale do Rossim Plant Viewing (lichens, grasses, bell flower, carnivorous plants) contact Nature Park of Estrela mountain) - Covão do Curral Skiing Snow-board Fishing: trout - Alva river SEIA Chapel of São Pedro It was founded in the 13th century and has a Romanesque entrance. The nave was rebuilt in 1542 and has a vault with a Manueline Cross of Christ in the centre. The front of the main altar has Hispano-Arab tiles. House of Obras (18th century; Pombaline architecture; the old Manor house of the

Albuquerques; was the Headquarters for Wellington in the last Napoleonic invasion; the City Hall is installed her now) Church of Misericórdia (built in 1773; late Baroque façade; a lovely 16th century statue of St. Peter in multicoloured stone) Manor house of the Botelhos (granite buildings with 3 Manueline windows, the centre one is twinned; the ceilings are of wood) Chapel of Santa Rita (used to be part of the Manor house of Santa Rita, an 18th century Baroque building) Municipal Museum of Seia (coins) Serra da Estrela Dog Outskirts Cabeça da Velha (an enormous rock shaped like a head) - near São Romão Fraga da Varanda (panoramic view)





Hilltop fort of São Romão (3 walls around a granite Tor (rock castle)) - São Romão, 4 km from Seia Senhora do Desterro (1,070 meters high; near 7 others; there is a Baroque chapel of Nossa Senhora do Desterro; panoramic view of the Alva valley) - Lapa dos Dinheiros Ponte da Caniça (panoramic view) - Lapa dos Dinheiros Lookout point of Carvalhal (panoramic view) - EN 231 Loriga valley (panoramic view of the granite formations of Penha dos Abutres (1,819 meters high), Penha do Gato (1,768 meters high), the waterfall of Loriga; the slate houses of the villages of Cabeça, Casal de Rei and Muro) Loriga, Piódão and Alvoco streams (full of trout) - Vide Alvoco valley (where owls, starlings, weasels and genets live) Village of Santa Marinha There used to be a hilltop fort here but it was abandoned after a plague of grasshoppers. There are some old houses with lovely gargoyles and entrances. The 17th century Casa do Casal (house of the couple) is notable. But the 17th century church is more grandiose. It used to be a prosperous town but today it is an isolated village in the mountains. Chapel of Senhora do Espinheiro (14th century; of indeterminate architecture; altarpiece of gilt wood carvings, an unusual statue of the Child Jesus in uniform; panoramic view) - Sabugueiro area

SETÚBAL

The Sado river empties at the city of Setúbal. From the Fortress of São Filipe, on the top of a hill, there is a magnificent view of the river and the beautiful Tróia peninsula. Setúbal has been a fish salting centre since the 1st century. After the Moorish invasions in the 4th century, it declined and the sands moved in. When Palmela was conquered from the Moors and handed over to the Order of Santiago de Espada, Setúbal was repopulated. In the 14th century the first line of walls was constructed but only parts remain. The town really developed during the Age of Discoveries. King Afonso V sailed from the port of Setúbal in 1458 for Morocco where he conquered Alcácer Ceguer. In 1580 Setúbal sided with António, the Prior of Crato, to no avail. Two years later King Philip II of Spain visited Setúbal and built the fort. Setúbal was the most important commercial and industrial centre in the 19th century and was elevated to a city in 1860. In 1920 it became the District Capital.





Fairs and Feasts SETÚBAL Fair of Santiago (July / August; fair and exhibition of local agriculture, industry and business; crafts, folk dancing and bull fights) Sadina Week Feasts (September) Feast of Espírito Santo (1st weekend of November) - Vila Nogueira de Azeitão Market (1st Sunday of each month) - Vila Nogueira de Azeitão Sports Fishing - Beach of Figueirinha and Beach of Galapos Windsurfing - Beach of Figueirinha and Beach of Galapos Sailing - Beach of Figueirinha Jogging paths - between Gâmbia and Pontal de Musgos / Nature Park of the Sado Estuary Cruises on the yacht, Setúbal (Clube Naval de Setúbal) SETÚBAL Fortress of São Filipe When King Philip II of Spain visited in 1582 it was obvious that a second fortress was needed to supplement the Fortress of Santiago do Outão. It was Filipe Terzi who designed and built the fortress which was completed in 1600. The bastion is star shaped with 6 points which is very effective for defence. The walls are slanted and there is a second line of walls and a large moat. Today the fortress is a "Pousada". The Chapel of the Fort is worth visiting but the calling card is the wonderful view over the Sado river and the Tróia peninsula. Chapel of the Fort It is located within the Fortress of S. Filipe. It is a wonderful chapel, totally lined from ceiling to floor with 18th century blue and white tiles depicting the life of St. Philip. The panels have the date of 1734 and the signature of Policarpo de Oliveira Bernardes, a master tile maker. Lookout point of Porta do Sol (magnificent view of the Tróia peninsula)





Church of Jesus It is the most noteworthy monument of the city. It is part of the convent that was initiated in the 15th century by Justa Rodrigues Pereira, the nurse of King Manuel I. It marks the beginning of the Manueline style in Portugal. The stone for the Manueline entrances, window arches and the ribs of the vaults come from the Arrábida mountains. The convent belonged to the Franciscan nuns who were cloistered and would attend mass from the high choir. It has beautiful columns. There used to be a Renaissance painted altarpiece in the main altar. Today it is in the Museum of Setúbal which is installed in the convent itself. The main chapel is very interesting as it is lined in framed green and white tiles. The Renaissance paintings of the altarpiece are in gilt carved wood frames. The Museum has the largest collection of 1500s paintings in Portugal. Church of Santa Maria da Graça or Cathedral It was founded in the 13th century and used to be a small Renaissance-Gothic chapel. It was totally rebuilt in the 16th century in the Classic style. The façade is a copy. It has 3 naves on columns, frescoes and 17th and 18th century altarpieces. The side walls are covered in 18th century blue and white tiles. Church of São Julião (rebuilt during the Manueline era and again after the earthquake of 1755; 18th century wood carvings and tiles; Baroque statues and jewellery; 16th century panel) House of the Confraternity of Corpo Santo It is located in front of the Cathedral. It was a Confraternity of seamen. There is an impressive chapel lined in Portuguese gilt wood carvings. The walls are lined in tiles with depictions of daily life. The "Salão Nobre" (hall) has a painted vault. Church of Grilos (beautiful Neo-Classical tiles depicting the life of St. Augustine; near Largo Quebedo-Palhais) Old salting pans (open, in the Tourist Office) House of Bocage (the poet was born here in 1765; the Municipal Gallery of Visual Arts and the Bocageana Library are installed here) Avenida Luísa Todi (the largest avenue in Setúbal with gardens along its entire length) Bonfim Park (green space in the centre of the city) Docks of Setúbal (the ferry-boat for Tróia is here) Setúbal Museum of Work (industrial ethnography and archaeology; especially the canning industry)





Outskirts Tróia Peninsula (beach and lots of hotels) Nature Park of Serra da Arrábida Convent of Arrábida It is located on one of the hills in the Arrábida mountains. It has a magnificent view of the sea. It was founded in 1542 by Franciscan friars with the help of the 1st Duke of Aveiro. It is composed of small buildings that fit into the surrounding scenery. There are several chapels where the monks used to live. There is a church and cells. The convent belongs to the Fundação Oriente that restored it. It may be visited by appointment. Beach of Figueirinha (protected by Arrábida mountain; magnificent sandy beach with clear water) Beach of Galapos (located beside Praia da Figueirinha; water sports and underwater fishing) Portinho da Arrábida (small bay located in the Arrábida mountain; restaurants; boats anchored in the water; Pedra da Anixa, a small island is in front; very popular with underwater fishermen; clear water) Lapa de Santa Margarida (Palaeolithic cave located 400 meters from Portinho da Arrábida; can be reached by steps) - Portinho da Arrábida Palace of the Dukes of Aveiro (built in 1520-23; pure Renaissance, the first in Portugal; the largest Palace south of the Tejo) - Vila Nogueira de Azeitão Wine cellars and Museum of José Maria da Fonseca - Vila Nogueira de Azeitão Wine cellars of José Maria da Fonseca-International Wines - Vila Nogueira de Azeitão Palace and Estate of Bacalhoa (15th century military headquarters; used to belong to Afonso Brás de Albuquerque, son of the Vice-Roy of India, Afonso de Albuquerque) - Vila Fresca de Azeitão Estate of Torres (16th century house; today it functions as an Inn; lovely gardens) - Vila Fresca de Azeitão Nature Park of the Sado Estuary





VALENÇA

From the Romans there is a stone marker indicating the Roman road between Braga and Tui. From King Sancho I it received its first charter and King Afonso II confirmed the charter. It used to be called "Contrasta" because it was opposite the frontier from Tui. Today it is called Valença and it played a part in the Wars of Restoration, the Napoleonic invasions and the Liberal Wars in the 1800s. It is a Medieval world within the old fortress of Valença. There are narrow little streets and small houses and colourful shops as Valença is one of the largest commercial centres of Minho. Fairs and Feasts VALENÇA Religious Festival of Nossa Senhora da Assunção (15 August) Religious Festival of Nossa Senhora do Amparo (1st Sunday after 15 August) Sports Water sports in Foz do Sabor (some sail boats and boats) Fishing - Foz do Sabor VALENÇA Fortress of Valença It was built in the 17th century and rivalled Elvas and Almeida in importance. It was designed by the architect Vaubun and is composed of 2 polygons and moats of different depths and widths. The two inner wards are connected by the "Portas do Meio" (Middle Entrance) and has 12 bastions, 3 revelins and from its long and irregular walls there are 2 views alike. Due to its proximity to Spain, the fortress of Valença was the key to the Portuguese defence in Minho. In the 18th century there was a permanent garrison to protect the frontier. Parish Church (12th century, Romanesque) Church of Santo Estevão It was built in the 13th century but nothing remains of the early church. It was remodelled in 1792 with the help of Queen Maria I. It has a Renaissance façade flanked by 4 pillars. It has 3 naves and has 2 relics that are part of the Heritage of Valença. There are 6 16th century representations of St. Stephen; a 1500s painting of the Virgin and a Bishop's throne in oak which is an unusual example of Gothic-Moorish style of the 15th century.





Chapel of Misericórdia (18th century; a sculpture of the Lord by Master Teixeira Lopes) Chapel of Bom Jesus (old military chapel) House of Eirado (1400s; lovely sculpted window) Portas do Meio (entrance via a tunnel in the castle) Tower of Silva (old manor house of the Silvas; an old wealthy Galician family from the time of the birth of Portugal) International Valença-Tuy bridge (both for trains and cars; designed by the Spanish Engineer Pelayo Mancelo Y Agreda, who was inspired by Eiffel; inaugurated on 25th March 1886) Rua Direita (the main street used to go from the entrance of the town to the castle's courtyard; has typical houses with coats of arms) Outskirts Benedictine Convent (13th century; the church was remodelled in the 16th and 17th centuries; a very good example of Portuguese Romanesque) - Ganfei Romanesque Church of São Fins Friestas (11th - 12th century; has only one high and narrow nave; one of the few Romanesque buildings in Portugal that has not been remodelled) Monte de Faro (5 Kms away) VIANA DO CASTELO

It is the capital of the district and is known as the "The Princess of Minho". It extends from the sea to the Lima river and has the Santa Luzia Hill on the North. King Afonso III granted it a charter in 1258. It was a fishing village. He built a tower at the mouth of the river to protect the village from pirates from Galicia and North Africa. From fishing Viana expanded to maritime commerce with Northern Europe and later with Brazil. It became one of the busiest ports in Portugal. It is also closely linked with the Age of Discoveries via a native son, Gonçalo Velho, one of the first navigators of Prince Henry, who was given the task of populating the Azores Islands. Also Fernão Martins who headed an expedition to Africa under the orders of King João II. Viana was elevated to a city in 1847 as a reward for the loyalty of the Commander of the Castle, by Queen Maria II. Viana had been besieged by the forces of the Count of Antas,





who rose against the Cabrais during the Patuleia Civil War. The Commander went to Lisbon and gave the key of the castle to the royal sovereign. She elevated Viana to a city and changed its name from Viana da Foz do Lima to Viana do Castelo. Today, its is a progressive city. Its economy is based on naval industry, commercial fishing, cellulose and food industries and recently tourism. Fairs and Feasts VIANA DO CASTELO Weekly Fair (Fridays) Feasts of Senhora da Agonia - includes the costume feast (August) This occurs on the Sunday afternoon during the Religious Festival of Nossa Senhora da Agonia. A large and grand parade with hundreds of participants from all the local parishes join in and all dress in local costumes. The Minho costume is the loveliest in the country: the skirt is made up of coloured stripes, red, white, black, blue and green. The apron is embroidered and the pocket is decorated with a motif of love or friendship. The blouse has lace at the collar and cuffs. Over the black vest a coloured kerchief is worn and lots of gold necklaces and pendants. They also wear a garishly coloured kerchief on the head and black patent leather clogs, with white embroidery. All kinds of costumes are worn: party dress, wedding dress, work clothes, mourning, fishing, forest clearing clothes; harvest clothes, etc. It is quite a spectacle. Feast of Roses (2nd Sunday in May; parade with baskets of flowers weighing 80 kilograms each, representing Monuments or Personalities) - Vila Franca Auto de Floripes (theatre - 5th August) - Lugar das Neves Sports Sailing (Clube Naútico de Viana - Tel (058) 27652) Surfing at Mariana beach (Federação de Surf - Tel (058) 823736; Surf Club - Tel (058) 828527) Water skiing - Praia da Mariana Tennis (Clube de Ténis de Viana - Tel (058) 823044) VIANA DO CASTELO

Cathedral of Viana do Castelo





It was built in the 15th century and enlarged in the 16th century. It has been remodelled several times along the years, the latest in the last century when it was covered in painted cement. It is Romanesque and Gothic. There are archivolts with the Apostles at the entrance. There is a 17th century baptismal font and above it a wood relief (painted and gilded) of the Baptism of Christ. In the Chapel of Sra. da Consolação there is a large and valuable 16th century painting on wood. In the Chapel of the Mareantes (seafarers) there is a miniature galleon, an offering of a Viennese seaman, sent from Hamburg in the 17th century. On the right, in the Chapel of Santíssimo, there is a curious entrance, thought to be the work of the stone mason, João Lopes-o-Moço. Parish Church (15th century; flanked by two towers; the entrance has a representation of Jesus) Church of Misericórdia It is 16th century and has a 3 storied carved veranda from 1589. The carvings seem to have been inspired by Nordic sculptures and it is unique for that time. The church was remodelled in the 18th century. There are several valuable altarpieces of gilt wood carvings and tiles. Church of São Domingos (16th century; built by Bartolomeu dos Mártires, archbishop of Braga; the interior is quite notable; 17th and 18th century altarpieces) Church of Santo António (stone sculptures on the façade; there are statues of Black Saints that are said to be the Patron Saints of Slaves) Church of Senhora da Agonia (18th century; Rocaille; gilt wood carvings) Church of Malheiras (Baroque) Church of Almas (18th century; modest church; next to the 1646 Cross of Boa Lembrança) Church of Carmo (18th century; in the shape of a Latin cross; Baroque and Rocaille wood carvings) Convent of São Bento (16th century; remodelled in the 18th century; still has the 1549 entrance; 1700s Baroque altarpieces; ceiling painted with scenes of the life of São Bento) Convent of Santa Ana It was first built in the 16th century and remodelled in the 17th and 18th centuries. The altarpieces of gilt wood carvings, sculptures, tiles and the painted ceiling are the result of this remodelling. The current façade is the result of the remodelling in the last century. Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Candeias (17th century; dedicated to the patron saint of tailors)





Seminary of the Missões do Espírito Santo (old Ursaline Convent; the church was consecrated in 1730; there are three niches with the martyrs of Viana: Saturnino, Teófilo and Revocata) Old Hospital (founded in the 15th century by João Pais, to shelter pilgrims) House of Pêro Galego (the sculpted galleon indicates that this is the house of a mariner) House of Lunas (1500s; built by the physician of Prince Pedro; late Renaissance decorations) House of João Velho (1400s; João Velho was a squire who in the 15th century headed a movement to prevent Viana being handed over to a lord who was not the regent) House of Agorretas (19th century; Neo-Manueline) House of Praça (Baroque with a Rocaille chapel; unique) House of "dízima" (tithes) or "pescado" (fish catch) (16th century; where the tithe for the catch was paid to the Marquis of Viana) House of Pimenta da Gama (18th century; classic doors, windows and interior) House of Costa Barros (Manueline windows and doors; one window in particular is noteworthy) Palace of Melo Alvim (15th century; Manueline; one of the more interesting ones in the city) Palace of the Counts of Carreira (16th and 18th centuries; Manueline façade; today it is the Town Council) Palace of Sá Sotto Mayor (Renaissance façade) Praça da República (square with impressive buildings; the old City Hall; the House of Misericórdia and the 16th century fountain) Viana Bridge (metal; built according to Gustave Eiffel) Railway station (19th century; designed by Alfredo Soares)





Sá de Miranda Theatre (designed by the architect José Geraldo Sardinha; painted by João Baptista do Rio; curtain by Manini and the painter Hércole Lambertini; inaugurated in 1885) Dantas pastry shop (the best art-deco in the city) Viela da Água (typical narrow street in Ribeira) Rua do Loureiro (a nice street with fishermen's houses) Rua da Bandeira (17th and 18th century manor houses) Municipal Museum (18th century blue crockery; Viana porcelains; 17th and 18th century furniture) Outskirts Temple of Santa Luzia (imitation of the Sacré Coeur in Paris; designed by Ventura Terra) - Monte de Santa Luzia Chapel of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim (the façade is like an altarpiece; next to the highway) - Carreço Church of Montaria (valuable wood carvings and tiles) Convent of Carvoeiro (17th century majestic church; valuable wood carvings) Cross of Portuzelo (King João V style) VILA REAL

Vila Real is the capital of Trás-os-Montes province. It has several centuries of history. It was already inhabited in the Palaeolithic Age, followed by the Celts, Romans, Barbarians and Moors. The Romans left the rupestrian Santuário de Panóias. During the 12th century plans for populating Vila Real were carried out. In the 13th century King Dinis founded Vila Real de Panóias that gave rise to the city of today. There are churches and convents of different eras and styles. The famous architect Nicolau Nazoni was here and left his mark on the façade of the Church of the Clérigos and also designed the beautiful Baroque manor house, Casa de Mateus. There are other manor houses in this city, so much so it was known as the "Court of Trás-os-Montes". Besides being the capital of the important wine producing province of Trás-os-Montes, there are things to see on the outskirts. Vilarinho da Samardã, a small charming village where Camilo Castelo Branco spent his early years and the only happy ones of his life is a





such a place. There are Bisalhães and Vilar de Nantes where black clay pottery is made. The women of Agarez produce hand made linen. Feasts and Fairs VILA REAL Procession of "Corpus Christi" (Corpus Christi Day) Feast of Santo António and Livestock Fair (13 June) Fair of São Pedro or Pucarinhos (27 to 29 June; where crockery and linens are sold) Performances by groups of "cabeçudos"(huge heads) worn on the shoulders and "gigantones"(giant figures) (especially during the Summer) Sports Swimming pool and minigolf (Complexo de lazer de Codessais) Hunting: rabbit, hare and partridge (Clube de Caçadores de Vila Real) Mountain climbing (INATEL) Walking tours (INATEL) VILA REAL Cathedral or Church of São Domingos It is part of the Convent of São Domingos and was built in the 15th century. It was remodelled in the 17th century. It is Gothic with 3 naves that end in the chapel in the apse. There are tombs on the side walls, whose inscriptions are badly worn down. There is a granite cross in the church yard dated 1594. In 1922 this church was designated as a Cathedral. Today it is classified as a National Monument. Church of Clérigos or Capela Nova (New Chapel) Nicolau Nazoni designed this church and work began in 1639. It soon became an important place of worship. The grandeur of the ornaments and vestments and religious fervour earned it the nickname of "Cathedral of Vila Real" and "Monte de Ouro (hill of gold)". There is a lovely Baroque façade topped by 3 statues - St. Peter in the middle and one angel on each side. There is a lovely Renaissance altarpiece. Church of São Pedro





It was built in the 18th century by the Abbot of Mouçós, Pedro de Castro and that is why the church was called São Pedro in honour of its founder. It is Baroque and has an elegant façade with 2 towers. The main chapel is covered in tiles and the ceiling is of gilt wood carvings. There is a valuable lamp as well as ornaments and vestments. Church of Misericórdia It was founded in 1532 by Pedro de Castro. It has undergone various renovations. Some say it used to be a Jewish synagogue. José Custódio is buried here and the people call him a "sainted soldier". He was accidentally shot in 1813 and since then the people have venerated him. It is a spacious and sturdy church. There are 7 oil paintings on the walls. Church of São Dinis King Dinis had this church built when he founded the town and it belonged to the Royal Patronage. He was a frequent church goer and had his coat of arms engraved on the arch of the main chapel. It was the only Parish Church for a long time. It was too small by the time of King Afonso V who had it enlarged. The architecture is quite plain and simple. Chapel of Calvário It was built on a hill overlooking the city by the Abbot of Mouçós, Pedro de Castro, in 1680. It underwent renovations in 1694. In 1740 it was enlarged by the Third Order of Franciscans. There is a vault suspended over 3 arches. There is a statue of Christ on Calvary, sculpted by Francisco Taveira Pinto of Vila Real. Every year in July this statue is taken out into the streets on a float driven by local cabinet makers. Chapel of São Brás It is the headquarters of the Squires of São Bráz. It is very old, probably 13th century. It abuts the Church of São Dinis (13th century). There is the tomb of the Espadeiro (swordsman) who fought along with King Afonso Henriques. Chapel of Santo António It was built in 1535, by the Squire of Mateus, Luiz de Sousa Botelho. The walls are lined with tiles and there are magnificent paintings on the ceilings. There is a porch and 8 granite columns at the entrance. Chapel of São Lázaro (decorated in tiles; panelled ceiling depicting scenes of St. Lazarus) Pillory (restored in 1935; a good example, a granite cage on a square column) House of Brocas (Camilo Castelo Branco lived here for a time; there is a commemorative plaque) House of Diogo Cão (Medieval; exterior stone staircase over an arcade; it is thought that Diogo Cão was born here)





House of the Marqueses de Vila Real or House of Arco (twinned Manueline windows; abandoned since the tragic dissolution of the house in 1641; in an advanced state of disrepair) House of Correias de Mesquita (16th century angled window) "Parque Florestal"(park) Lookout point of Meia-Laranja (view over the river) Escarpments of the Corgo river (lovely views between the cliffs; Lookout point over the Corgo and Cabrum rivers; the first hydroelectric power plant in Portugal, built in 1894) "Vila Velha" (old part of the city) Outskirts House of Mateus It is located 5 kilometres from Vila Real. The exact date of construction is unknown; it is known that by 1760 the foundations and walls were completed. It belongs to the Counts of Vila Real. It is considered to be one of the loveliest manor houses of Trás-os-Montes and all of Portugal. It was designed by Nicolau Nazoni. It was built by António José Botelho Mourão, grandfather of José Maria de Sousa Botelho e Vasconcelos, Squire of Mateus and Ambassador to France. It is filled with beautiful furniture. The ceiling and pelmets are of carved oak. In 1971 the Casa de Mateus became a private foundation directed by the family. They organise music courses, exhibitions of art, concerts, conferences and the King Dinis literary prize. There is a notable library and museum within the manor house and chapel (1750). In front there is a reflecting pool with a sculpture in the centre. The famous "Mateus Rosé" wine is produced here. Sanctuary of Panóias (Rupestrian; a Roman temple dedicated to the god "Serápis", of oriental origin, granite rocks that the Romans turned into altars for sacrifices and ceremonies) Roman bridge of Piscais over the Corgo river (13th century; with 3 arches) Marão mountain (some call it the "gateway" to Trás-os-Montes; the highest point is 1415 meters high and is called "Senhora da Serra" after the small and crude chapel here) Nature Park of Alvão and typical villages Waterfall of Fisgas de Ermelo





Quintela tower (14th century; the venue of some of the Camilo Castelo Branco novels) - Vila Marim Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe (15th century; small Gothic building; the main chapel is carved from the rocks; has an active religious history) - Ponte Vilarinho da Samardã village (granite houses, a little chapel, the threshing floors and the "canastros"(typical granaries) House of Camilo Castelo Branco - Vilarinho da Samardã Fojo do Lobo (lovely views) - Vilarinho da Samardã VISEU

The history of Viseu is quite unknown due to lack of historical data and lack of interest in archaeology that might bring some knowledge. It is known that it received a charter from Princess Teresa in 1123. From the 14th to 16th centuries Viseu developed largely due to a Jewish community. In 1472 the city walls were built, without battlements or towers. The city had already overrun the walls by the reign of King João III (16th century). It had a group artistic community, there was an art school (Grão Vasco was an alumnus) and many monuments were built at this time also. From the 17th century to the middle of the 19th century many more palaces and churches were built, turning Viseu into a princely Baroque town. It incurred much damage during the French Invasions and also during the Liberal War. Today Viseu is expanding and has many new roads due to the central location in the Beira plateau. Viseu belongs to the region of Beira Interior and Beira Litoral, whose capital is Coimbra. Fairs and Feasts VISEU The Singing of Janeiras "Janeiras" are traditional songs sung in January, Christmas and the day of the Maji/12th night. In Passos de Silgueiros it is traditional for choruses from different villages to come together and have a songfest. City Feasts (13 June) Fair of São Mateus This fair dates back to the Middle Ages. It occurs in Viseu from 24 August to 24 September. It is very diverse, has pigs, wines, local arts and crafts, and all manner of merchandise and goods. There is folk dancing, exhibitions, cinema festivals, sporting events and others. It is an important event in the city.





Food Week (March) National Old Car Rally (May) Painting Exhibition (June) Jousting - Vildemoinhos Sports Fishing: - trout, boce and gold fish in the Vouga River - boce, barbel, gold fish, eels in the Dão river Tennis (Parque do Fontelo e Parque da Cidade) VISEU Cathedral It is a 13th - 14th century Gothic building. It has 2 towers on either side of the main façade. One is Romanesque/Gothic and the other is from the 17th century. The main façade is a copy of the original Manueline one that was destroyed in 1635. The interior is large and "hall" like, has 3 naves, one transept and dividing arches on top of thick pillars, whose bases are Manueline. They were modified in the 17th century. There are 17th and 18th century altarpieces of gilt wood carvings. There is a 14th century statue of the patron saint on the main altar. There are 2 statues on the side altars, one of Saint Peter and the other of Saint John. The sacristy was tiled in 1574 and remodelled in the 18th century. Church of Misericórdia This 17th century church is located in front of the Cathedral. It has a Rococo façade and the granite has a sheen to it. The 19th century interior is Neo-Classical and has an arch dividing the nave from the main chapel. There are 3 altarpieces, on the main and side altars, painted in white and gold. There is an 18th century statue of Our Lady of Mercy with 2 kneeling supplicants at her feet, seated on a throne on the main altarpiece. The Baroque organ was destroyed in a fire but the bench is now in the nave. Church of the Terceiros de São Francisco This imposing church is located on the south side of Praça da República (Rossio). It is 18th century Baroque and has the emblem of the Order over the main entrance. The altarpieces are Rococo and of wood, painted to look like other more expensive materials and decorated in gilt. The blue and white tiles blend well with the coloured





altarpieces and pulpits in "lapis lazuli". There is an excellent 18th century organ in the choir. Cloister (16th century; there is a Romanesque - Gothic entrance leading to the lower cloister; of the 4 chapels remaining, the Chapel of Santos Brancos from 1567 is noteworthy; 18th century tiles) Conciliar Seminary (18th century; a fire in 1841 destroyed it; the current building is 19th century and houses now an Artillery Barracks; there is the coat of arms of Júlio Francisco de Oliveira on the façade of the church) Grão Vasco Museum The museum was created in 1916 and given the name of Grão Vasco, a very famous painter of Viseu. Its first director was Francisco de Almeida Moreira. It moved into the Paço dos Três Escalões in 1923. It is located on the north end of the Sé square. There is an excellent collection of Sacred Art, Portuguese paintings of the 16th, 19th and 20th centuries, Nature paintings of the 19th and 20th centuries, Roman, Gothic and Baroque sculptures, porcelains from China and Vista Alegre) and furniture that belonged to the elegant aristocrats and clergymen. Museum of Sacred Art from the Cathedral/Treasures of the Cathedral (located in Casa de São Teotónio; vestments, church vessels, etc.) Almeida Moreira Museum (residence of the first director of the Grão Vasco Museum and donated by him to the Viseu Municipality; furniture, ceramics, paintings, pewter) Gate of Cavaleiros or Arco (located in one of the segments of the old wall; there is an 18th century canopied niche of Senhora da Graça) Porta do Soar de Cima or Arco dos Melos (National Monument; there are 2 latin inscriptions on the outside; one from the time of King Afonso V and the other from the middle of the 17th century; there is a coat of arms of Portugal) Praça da República (square) Praça da República is also called Rossio. It is a mishmash of elegant buildings, linden trees and a busy thoroughfare. The Church of Terceiros de São Francisco is on the south; there is a tiled mural on the east by Joaquim Lopes. It is connected to Largo Major Teles by the Jardim das Mães (gardens) full of sculptures by O. Ferreira. The Paços do Concelho (Town Hall) building is on the west which has an excellent atrium and small garden dedicated to the poet, Tomás Ribeiro. Between the church of the Terceiros and the Alves Matins Secondary School is the Aquilino Ribeiro City Park. It has lovely trees, lawns and flower beds, lakes and a bust of João de Barros. It also has the little chapel of Nossa Senhora da Vitória and a Children's Library.





Rivers: Dão and Vouga Outskirts Azenha Bridge (18th century; crosses the Paiva river) - on the road between Vildemoinhos and Torredeita Cava de Viriato (dates back to the Bruto Calaico campaign in 138 BCE; the largest pre Roman ruins; National Monument; in an octagonal shape with a long perimeter; with a sculture of Viriato) - São José Mamaltar de Vale de Fachas (National Monument) - Travassós de Cima Fojo Cromlech (National Monument; with wall paintings) - Couto de Cima Lapa do Repilau (National Monument) Monte de Santa Luzia (the loveliest lookout point in Viseu; there are vestiges of a Neolithic fortress with walls, foundations, ceramic shards and many hand mills) Monte da Senhora do "Crasto" (small chapel; on an old hilltop fort) - Orgens Moorish Castle (ruins of a hilltop fort and graves carved in the rocks) - Vila Chã de Sá Fontelo Park - on the east of Viseu Leaving Viseu and going east one encounters an old arch, separated from the walls. Through the arch one arrives at the Fontelo Palace (the old Episcopal Palace). There is a large wooded area where the camping ground and a sports complex are located. It has the Municipal Stadium, skating rink, tennis courts, swimming pools and a gymnasium. Condes de Anadia Palace - Mangualde This 17th century palace is located in Mangualde and used to be called the Pais de Amaral Manor House. It is one of the most elegant houses in Beira and has been classified as a National Monument. The southern façade is excellent. The furniture, 17th and 19th century paintings are considered an important collection. Ínsua Manor House - Penalva do Castelo The town of Castendo, in Ínsua (a parish of Penalva do Castelo) is the headquarters of the county. The most important monument of the town is the Ínsua House. It was built in the 18th century and is considered one of the most beautiful manor houses in Beira. It has a garden on 2 levels, a large farm, woods and the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora de Lourdes.





Documents

ALCOCHETE The town of Alcochete is locate4d on the South bank