The historical center of Lisbon has a very interesting and sometimes challenging topography. There are seven hills, with one of them in the center, with a gentle slope towards the Tagus River. If we imagine it in an aerial view, that central strip is the flattest, as if it were a river that makes its way among the other hills. It is the Baixa neighborhood and although the hills that surround it are very steep, it did not stop the urban expansion on the slopes.
The earthquake of 1755 caused a great deal of damage in Lisbon, Portugal, and the “Baixa” neighborhood was completely destroyed. Much of the damage was caused by a tsunami that surged with the earthquake. Thanks to the reconstruction plans promoted by the Marquis of Pombal, the “Baixa” would be transformed and revitalized. Continue reading “Praça do Comércio – Lisbon, Portugal”
The Igreja de São Marcos in Braga, Portugal, really is a set called the Hospital and the Church of San Marcos. The same was an architectural project by Carlos Amarante and is from the 18th Century. Prior to the construction of this complex, there was a hostel and convent of the Order of the Templars, built on an old hermitage in honor of the saint.
Founded during the 12th century, the “Sé do Porto” (the Cathedral) in Portugal, is located on the highest point of the city, a perfect place to contemplate the Douro River, the Vila Nova de Gaia and the city of Porto. This cathedral is known by several names, all in honor of the Marian cult; Church of “Santa Maria do Porto”, “Nossa Senhora do Porto da Eterna Salvação” and “Nossa Senhora da Vandoma”.
The city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, is full of religious buildings of great importance, primarily for being one of the most important pilgrimage centers for the Catholic faith. The Monastery of San Martin Pinario is the largest monastery in all of Galicia. However, its origin is much more humble.
Continue reading “Monastery of San Martin Pinario – Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain”
The Brazilian António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro, known as “Monteiro dos milhões” (Monteiro, the millionaire) is responsible and was the conceptual creator of what is now called the “Quinta de Regaleira”, in Sintra, Portugal, a name that, when loosely translated means “the estate of the good life”.
Continue reading “La Quinta de Regaleira – Sintra, Portugal”
The Tower of “São Pedro dos Cleros”, known as the “Torre dos Cleros”, is located above the old town of Porto. This tower comes to complete the “Igreja do São Pedro dos Cleros”, both symbols of the northern city on the banks of the Douro River.
Continue reading ““Igreja and Torre do São Pedro dos Cleros” – Porto, Portugal”
Upon arriving to Tomar, on Gen. Bernardo Faria Avenue and a few steps from the train and bus terminal, you will find the “Igreja y Convento de São Francisco” or the Church and Convent of Saint Francis.
Continue reading “Church and Convent of Saint Francis / Matchbox Museum – Thomar, Portugal”
Just outside the city walls of Braga is the home of the Portuguese nobility, “Palacio dos Biscainhos”. The construction of this palace is given thanks to the interest of Dr. Constantino Ribeiro do Lago, Templar of the Order of Christ. The name of the palace comes from the workers who built it that were from Bizkaia, which we know today as “Viscaya” (Biscay). Its construction was completed in the seventeenth century.
Continue reading ““Palacio dos Biscainhos” – Braga, Portugal”
On the outskirts of the old walled city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, specifically on a plot of land known as “Val de Deus”, then owned by the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario, Saint Francis of Assisi visualized the construction of a convent and church that later would bear his name.
Continue reading “Convent of Saint Francis of “Valdediós” – Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain”