Portugal-Lisbon, Porto and pilgrimage sites
A view from one of the scenic side streets in Porto with a view toward the water.
One of Porto’s greatest features is the beautiful water views from every vantage point. You can also enjoy a gondola ride in Porto.
Though vastly different, Lisbon and Porto offered us a way to experience the ancient history and culture of Portugal. Visits to Fatima and Santiago de Compostela revealed Portugal and Spain’s Catholic heritage.
This stunning 170 foot tall monument was designed to commemorate the Age of Discoveries and pays tribute to famous Portugese explorers including Vasco de Gama, Ferdinand Magellan and Christopher Columbus. Who knew they were Portugese? And yes, it was a very windy day.
The Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) was built between 1514 and 1520 and was classified as a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO. It is also important to note that you can enjoy wine with a view while visiting the Tower of Belem.
Fado is the musical expression of Lisbon and Portugal. We were privileged to enjoy a performance with top artists at Casa de Linhares where it originated in the Alfama neighborhood in Lisbon. This melancholic and nostalgic music performance is a must do in Portugal.
While in Portugal you must try the Pasteis de Belem, often imitated, but never replicated. Yum!
The various monasteries we visited were architectural masterpieces dating back to as early as the 1400s. This exquisite monastery is the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitoria.
Jeronimo’s monastery in Lisbon is a UNESCO site, and Vasco da Gama is buried here. This photo and the prior one will give you an idea of the monstrous size of these gothic structures.
Terry was getting dehydrated from all of the sightseeing. So, we stopped for a wee bit of Port.
Speaking of Port, we had a port tasting experience in Sintra with Professor of Port, Paulo Cruz at Bar Do Binho (7th generation port shop). Our tasting included vintage ports from 1880, 1927, 1952, 1963 and 1977. The 1927 was a V.O.W.(Very Old White) port. We liked it best, and we could relate to its characteristics (V.O.W.).
Fun fact, the bottle on the top shelf within the cabinet (far left) is from 1776, and is the port that George Washington shipped a case of to Mt. Vernon to share with the troops.
Back to sightseeing…
Bertrand Chiado is the world’s oldest operating library, founded in 1732. It was one of 3 fascinating libraries we toured in Portugal.
The oldest library in Portugal, the Joanina Library (1717) at the University of Coimbra is rumored to have inspired J.K. Rowling. Pictures cannot do justice to this exquisite baroque library with stunning architecture, rich decorations and an impressive historical collection.
Stacy and Terry were stunned at the scale and majesty of Fatima which closely resembles St. Peter’s square in size and design. This was a very special place to visit.
Our trip to Portugal was designed by Wine Tourism in Portugal and showcased the finest wines and restaurants in the country. We were treated like royalty and relished many delectable works of art.
Our visit to Santiago de Compostela left us with an indelible memory. While attending mass, we were astounded to experience the operation of the ‘Botafumeiro’, usually reserved for religious holidays or special occasions.
The current ‘Botafumeiro’ dates back to 1851, weighs 140 lbs, and is 5 feet high. Eight men are required to operate the ‘Botafumeiro’.
After being filled with incense and coal , the ‘Botafumeiro’ is tied to a rope by the altar and is set in motion with great precision, forming an impressive 213 foot arched trajectory along the cathedral. In only 1.5 minutes, it reaches 42 miles per hour.
Terry accurately recreated the historical event in Evora, when the military junta ordered the removal of all religious artifacts.
Time for a trivia question. Is this San Francisco or Lisbon? The religious tower in the background will give you a clue. If you said Lisbon, you are correct.
Portugal is a fascinating mix of historical and modern. It has done a wonderful job preserving old structures, celebrating its unique history and welcoming an influx of tourism with warm and welcoming hospitality.
Porto at night from our hotel room balcony.
