Footprints along the Algarve
At the Mediterranean in Portugal, lies the Algarve, one of the prime sun destinations in Europe. The cool waters bring relief from the fierce heat.
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December 14, 2009
Footprints along the Algarve
September 9, 2009
Cabo St. Vincent, Portugal
Cabo St. Vincent, Portugal
Cape St. Vincent is the southwestern most point of Portugal. The Lighthouse that is there was built on the ruins of a 16th century Franciscan monastery. Henry the Navigator had a villa nearby. All of the buildings in the area were destroyed by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.
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September 5, 2009
Silves, Portugal
Silves, Portugal
Silves, located in the Algarve region of Portugal, has been an important center of the region throughout its history. It was especially so when it was under the control of the Moors in the Eleventh century, when it was considered the most important city in the Iberian peninsula.
In 1755 much of thew city was destroyed by the Lisbon earthquake although much of the 1000 year old castle remains to dominate over the city. There is a medieval bridge which is said to have a Roman foundation. The image of it below was used for a program shown on Discovery.
Medieval Bridge
Of interest is the Cruz de Portugal, or Stone Cross of Portugal, which is a beautifully carved limestone cross with a Pieta scene on one side and Christ on the other. It is said to date from the 15th century although its origins are a mystery.
Cruz de Portugal
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September 4, 2009
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, the Capital of Portugal, is a magnificent city, very beautiful with its red roofs and golden brick. It is a very old city going back over 3000 years.
Overlooking the city is the Castle of St. George (photo below) which dates from the second century and has served as residence for the Portuguese Royal Family.
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September 2, 2009
The Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve is the name of the southern most region of Portugal. It borders on the Mediterranean and has some amazing beaches. It is one of the main tourist destinations in Portugal and in high season, the population of the area can double.
The area has been occupied and controlled by many peoples including the Phoenician, Cathaginians, Romans, and for may centuries, the Moors.
The area was heavily damaged by the 1755 Lisbon Eart5hquack which caused a tsunami to hit the coastal towns.
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August 30, 2009
Cascais, Portugal
Cascais, Portugal
About30 kilometers west of Lisbon is the town of Cascais, a popular tourist destination on the cost. The whole coastal area is well worth exploring.
It gained fame in the 1800s when it was used as a resort by the Royal family of Portugal.
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January 29, 2009
Sintra, Portugal
Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is a town north of Lisbon, which contains a number of beautiful historic buildings including the summer residence of the Kings of Portugal called the Palacio National, and the Pena Palace.
It is very attractive to tourists and has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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January 28, 2009
Cabo da roca, Portugal
Cabo da roca, Portugal
Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of both Portugal and Europe. It is a wild scenic spot with a picturesque lighthouse which was completed in 1772. It is about an hours drive from Lisbon.
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