The Santa Justa Elevator is the only one of Lisbon’s elevators configured vertically. Its function as a means of transport has declined to become an important tourist attraction. And we confirm that it is, essentially for the time it took us to make the line to enter the elevator and finally climb. Continue reading “The “Santa Justa” Elevator – Lisbon, Portugal”
The “Castelo dos Mouros” or Castle of the Moors was an experience when visiting Sintra, Portugal. Although some assume the challenge of climbing on foot, we preferred to ride the bus that took us straight to the castle. Why? The Castle of the Moors rises on one of the summits of the mountain range, specifically in the parish of São Pedro de Penaferrim in the village of Sintra, Portugal. Continue reading “Castle of the Moors – Sintra, Portugal”
High up in the Sierra de Sintra (Portugal), specifically on the Mount Pena, is one of the greatest exponents of 19th-century Romanticism, the colorful Pena National Palace. Before arriving in Sintra, we had an idea of what the palace was like, but nothing compares to being there and seeing it in all its splendor. Continue reading “Pena National Palace – Sintra, Portugal”
Surrounded by historic buildings such as the Palace of “Rajoy”, the Hostal de los Catholic Kings, the Saint Jerome’s School and the Cathedral of “Santiago de Compostela” is “Plaza del Obradoiro”, center and heart of this Galician town. Today, it is the place where pilgrims and tourists arrive, to celebrate the completed pilgramage, to reaffirm their faith or to simply contemplate and be a participant in everything that surrounds them and provokes their splendor. Continue reading ““Plaza del Obradoiro”, center and heart of Santiago de Compostela”
The proof of how destructive the 1755 earthquake was in Portugal is the Church or Convent of Carmo. Still in ruins, you can see the grandeur of what was the main Gothic church in Lisbon. Continue reading “The Church / Convent of Carmo – Lisbon, Portugal”
During the Middle Ages, it was in the square that was located in front of the south facade of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and the Cloister where the merchants met to sell their works made in silver. Hence the name Plaza de la Prateria or Platería; Silversmith’s Plaza. Continue reading “The Silversmith’s Plaza – Santiago de Compostela, Spain”
Facing towards the north facade of the Cathedral we will find the Plaza de la Inmaculada framed by the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario. It is also known as the “Plaza de la Azabachería”, because it was the home of workshops dedicated to jet carving for a long time. Continue reading “Plaza of the Immaculate – Santiago de Compostela, Spain”
Many have said that it is “The most beautiful bookstore in the world” and we can attest to it.
The Neo-Gothic building of 1906, which is the home to the Lello Bookstore in Porto, Portugal, receives thousands of visitors from all over the world every day, who, like us, do not miss the opportunity to have the unique experience of this fabulous space. Continue reading ““The most beautiful bookstore in the world””
When in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, one seldomly is able to witness that special moment one looks forward to, the botafumeiro in full action and movement. We managed to enter the Cathedral and participate in the Sunday Mass, especially dedicated to pilgrims. And yes, we were blessed to observe the whole process of putting the botafumeiro in motion. Continue reading “Replica of the “Botafumiero” – Santiago de Compostela, Spain”
The bishopric of the Bracara Augusta was founded in 388 by Paternus, its first bishop in which it was the parish of San Jose de San Lorenzo and San Juan de Souto. In 1071 it was declared an archdiocese and in 1112 the counts Henrique and Teresa donated the city to the archbishop, thus creating the first ecclesiastical fief of Braga that lasted until the 18th century. Continue reading “The Episcopal Palace – Braga, Portugal”