The clouds caught up with us today as we departed Porto and headed south along the western coast with stops to experience Portugal's rich monumental, artistic and archaeological heritage, 13 of whom have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Two and a half hours out of Porto we arrived in Obidos, a postcard-like fortified city founded by the Moors in the 8th century. A silting of the bay deprived this city of its coastal location and, today it is 10km inland. It's still a beautiful medieval town and we loved exploring its narrow, winding streets.
Especially lovely were the walls of the Praca de Santa Maria church which were covered in beautiful blue tiles depicting large plant motifs. Unfortunately, photos were not allowed inside.
We are becoming spoiled with all the special meals we've had at the posadas. Climbing these steps we entered the Posada de Obidos another gourmet lunch. Not surprising, my appetite appeared as the tantalizing aromas filled the dining room.. .We all loved this small posada situated totally within the old castle which was a wedding present from a 15th century king to his bride. No wall can be moved within these historic structures so the posada retained the feel of the original castle. The photos depict the entrance, the tower suite and the dining room.. The entire experience from dining to a tour of the unique bedrooms and views of the town from windows in the thick stone walls was something straight out of King Arthur.
Leaving Obidos we were feeling very mellow from the delicious food and wine and certainly would have enjoyed a nap. Who am I kidding???
Next stop was the quaint and aristocratic town of Sintra whose most famous resident was Lord Byron, the English poet. For 6 centuries it has served as a summer residence of Portugal's kings and is still a favorite of Lisbon's wealthy. It's a must for any visitor to the area not only because of the history but also the beauty of the mountain scenery. Time did not permit a tour of the Vila Palace, the best preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it's definitely on my bucket list when I return The town was lovely, and I enjoyed walking the narrow streets and sipping a capuccino as the sun set on another wonderful day in Portugal.
Tomorrow we check out of the Pousada Dona Maria I and drive to the Alentejo Region near Lisbon.
Linda
Next stop was the quaint and aristocratic town of Sintra whose most famous resident was Lord Byron, the English poet. For 6 centuries it has served as a summer residence of Portugal's kings and is still a favorite of Lisbon's wealthy. It's a must for any visitor to the area not only because of the history but also the beauty of the mountain scenery. Time did not permit a tour of the Vila Palace, the best preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it's definitely on my bucket list when I return The town was lovely, and I enjoyed walking the narrow streets and sipping a capuccino as the sun set on another wonderful day in Portugal.
Tomorrow we check out of the Pousada Dona Maria I and drive to the Alentejo Region near Lisbon.
Linda
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