Valenca
Photo byBy hive mind
PhotoBy Mónica (Monguinhas)
The ancient little town of Valença do Minho lies on commanding heights above the left bank of the River Minho, Miño in Spanish, which here forms the frontier between Spain and Portugal (frontier crossing). Nowadays there is hardly any sense of the past rivalry between the two states and there is a lively cross border traffic between Valença do Minho and Tui on the other side of the river.
The Spaniards come to Valença do Minho chiefly to purchase cloth goods, especially terry toweling. The old core of Valença do Minho is enclosed by the ramparts of its massive walls. Although the town was always strongly fortified, the present Fortaleza, or fort, is 17th C., in the Vauban style.
From various points on the walls there are superb views over the "new" town, some way below, the Minho valley and the mountains of Galicia.
Narrow alleys between whitewashed house crisscross the old town, and this is where the textile shops can be found.
Buildings worth seeing are the Capela de Sao Sebastião, the late 13th C. Igreja de Santa Maria dos Anjos, and the Igreja Matriz, which was founded as a collegiate church by João I in about 1400.
More info: http://www.portugalvirtual.pt/
Viana Do Castelo
PhotoBy LUIS FELICIANO /SALUDOS CORDIALES
The City is still kept reasonably busy with its fishing industry and the new phenomena of tourism. A main feature of the City is the attractive main square that features both a 1553 water fountain and the Misericórdia house that was constructed in 1598. Close by is its 15th Century Cathedral that has a fortress-like feeling and graced with Gothic carved relief's of the apostles. In the square of São Domingos is the 16th Century church of the same name. The City Museum housed in a small Palace of Barbosa Maciel is also in the main square. It holds a variety of interesting fine items such as rare ceramics, furniture, paintings and archaeological finds from the area. In the northwest part of the City the 18th Century Chapel Nossa Senhora da Agonia plays an important part in its annual celebrations. A three-day festival drawing thousands of visitors is held in August each year to honour this image. Located on the high hill of Monte Santa Luzia is the modern unattractive basilica that dominates over the City. From this point there are magnificent views of the surroundings whilst slightly hidden in a wood close by is the remains of a Celtic-Iberian settlement that has been reconstructed with many small huts and paved streets.
The town of Viana do Castelo is famous for its decorative filigree jewellery which reflects back to the time of Moor occupation.
Info: http://www.portugal-info.net/
Alentejo
PhotoBy JRodrigues.
PhotoCreated by: Felicity and PhillipUpload by: Inland, the vast golden wheat fields undulate in the wind; along the coast, unspoilt beaches look rugged and unexplored.
The open, ample landscape is peppered with cork-oaks or olive trees that have withstood the ravages of time. Occasionally sturdy fortress walls rise up from hills, as at Marvão or Monsaraz, or you’ll see just a simple dolmen reminding you of the magic of the place. Atop small hills stand white one-storey farmsteads, while the castles are reminders of the battles and conquests that once took place here. The patios and gardens bear witness to the influence of the Arabs, who helped to shape the people and the nature.
In the Alentejo, the brute force of the land dictates the march of time.Perhaps this is why the region’s culture has its own particular character.All you need to do is visit Évora and discover its Roman roots and the delightful charm of its heritage to understand why the city has been classified as a world heritage site.
Info: http://www.visitportugal.com
turismo.alentejo@mail.telepac.pt
http://www.visitalentejo.com
Leiria
PhotoBy Miguel P
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Leiria Castle is the towns focus point, standing proud on the hill rising out of this graceful town. Rebuilt numerous times following Moorish attack, in times which saw this town mark the southern limits of the medieval Portuguese Kingdom, the well restored remains were mainly built in the 14th century as a summer residence for Dom Dinis and Queen Isabel of Aragon. Later King João I would add the Gothic features also seen today. Dom Dinis, the poet king, is further credited with the planting of the vast expanses of pine forest which blanket the surrounding area, known as the Pinhal do Rei. His motivation was twofold: to control the sands which moved evermore inland and to provide quality timber for the building of ships. These ships would in due course undertake the perilous journeys of discovery for which Portugal is famous.
In the much-loved cobbled centre of the town, arcaded buildings and archways share the streets with a 12th century church of São Pedro and a Cathedral which houses the local archaeological museum and some 17th century artwork around the altar. These ancient streets, and their central Rodrigues Lobo square, also house numerous shops selling the crafts for which the local area is famed, particularly glasswork. Factories in nearby Marinha Grande have been producing traditionally made crystal-ware for centuries and it remains one of Portugal’s main and most prestigious manufacturers of its kind.
More info: http://www.travel-in-portugal.com/
