My Region of Portugal

[omostra06]

Portugal is a lovely country with a rich diversity of scenery from mountains, forests, lakes and rivers, to plains and coastline with fantastic beaches, cities and historic villages.

Why not post some pictures of your region of Portugal or your favorite place to visit in Portugal, along with some info for others to enjoy.

[PETERFC]

Hi Derek and all

You know my feeling about Gois so when i get time i will post soem pictures i have taken. They are not on this machine so you will just have to wait.

Peterfc 666?

[omostra06]

The town of Tomar in central Portugal, situated about 100 kilometres from Lisbon Airport and the Spanish border, is the heart of the country and the soul of historic Portugal.



The original medieval town, which was born inside the walls of the castle which was built in 1160 by Gualdim Pais, the fourth master of the order of the Temple, are set out in a grid pattern.



The castle sits a top a hill dominating the skyline of Tomar and is visible from just about every location in the town. The town is steeped in history and there are visual references to it's Templar past just about everywhere you wander. Templar crosses are depicted in many of the marble cobbled paths and masons have left their marks in appreciation on some of the historic buildings - the original form of graffiti.





Originally designed as a monument symbolizing the Reconquest, the Convent of the Knights Templar of Tomar (transferred in 1344 to the Knights of the Order of Christ) came to symbolize just the opposite during the Manueline period – the opening up of Portugal to other civilizations. The Convent do Cristo in Tomar was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1983.


The castle of the Knights Templar of Tomar was built by Gualdim Pais, provincial Master of the Order of the Temple, around 1160. Later in that century, the castle was chosen as the headquarters of the order in Portugal.


The Pegões Aquaduct was constructed between 1593 and 1613 by order of King Filipe I of Portugal (Filipe II of Spain).
The monumental structure, which has 180 arches, stretches over six kilometres. Filipe Terzi began the work and Pedro Fernandes Torres completed it.

[omostra06]

The origins of Abrantes are evident from its strategic position where the Ribatejo, Alto Alentejo and Beira Baixa regions cross and blend with each other.



The city was founded in the 12th century to help defend conquered territories, though there had been settlements there from as early as 300bc.



Abrantes was awarded city status on 14th June 1916 and has flourished since then. A lively celebration is held each year to commemorate this city status, which is a public holiday.



The historic part of the city is a maze of sloping narrow, cobbled streets lined with whitewashed traditional houses and sun-drenched squares.

[omostra06]

Constância in central Portugal is a beautiful, sleepy town arranged like an amphitheatre and marks the point where the Rivers Zêzere and Tagus merge



The historic centre of the town is a maze of cobbled streets with lovingly restored white washed buildings inter spaced with shaded seating areas, fonts and public gardens. Alongside the River Zêzere there is an esplanade, shaded by mature poplar trees, with picnic areas.



Historically Constância is best known in Portugal for its association with Luis de Camões, the country’s national poet and explorer. Camões only lived in the village for several years, however this is something the townsfolk are fiercely proud of.



There are two parts to the town. The older, historic centre clings to the hillside leading down to the banks of the rivers Tagus and the Zêzere, while the new side of the village stands proud at the top of the hill.

[omostra06]

[nelinha]

Hi Omostra, beautiful photos and you are quite a fundi on Pt history. Anybody interested in info about Paredes de Coura? (north of Ponte de Lima, very cold, very mountaineous, no expats as far as I know). Nelinha

[PETERFC]

Hi All

Some of my favourite places in the Gois area.

Looking across the valley from Manjao




The road to Cavelhos where i walk for exercise 1.4 km each way





A view from Dave's house




A view of the River Ceira in Gois



Peterfc

[silvers]

Nazare and Sitio on the Silver coast.




The funicular railway from Nazare to Sitio


From Sitio looking down to Nazare


We work our girls hard here.


Nazare at sunset


And by night

[margesimpson]

hi All! Thank you for these fantastic pictures! Would you like to show something else? Pleaaaaaaaaaase!