In 1377, King Fernando ordered the construction of the first church to house the sacred image and accommodate the large number of pilgrims visiting Our Lady of Nazaré. It was later expanded and improved during the reigns of King João I, King João II, and King Manuel. The building is dominated by two tall bell towers with spires in the Baroque style, preceded by a wide arcaded gallery, commissioned by King Manuel to house the pilgrims. The entire building bears witness to the major renovation of the late 17th century (1680-1691). The interior has a single nave, covered with 17th-century …

Known in the Middle Ages as the Campo do Olival (olive grove), its name is due to the bishop’s ropery, who was installed there in the XV century. In 1611, the former Campo was converted into an Alameda (lane) and, in 1865, by the hand of the German Emile David, the garden was born. In the following century, and after the cyclone’s devastation in 1941, it was replanted. With rare plants around a lake, several statues, benches and bandstand, this garden was characterized by a traditional XIX century city garden atmosphere. It was considered a Botanic garden, for the variety …

The set of the house and garden is one of the most expressive of Portuguese art from the romantic and naturalist period. The gardens, recovered in 1992, English style from the XIX century, have an exotic and romantic atmosphere with a lake and a bandstand. It also has sculptures by Portuguese artists of that time such as Bordalo Pinheiro or Columbano. Dated from 1849, the farm is also called "Quinta do Beau-Séjour". Inside is worthy of notice the decoration at the dinning room made by the brothers of Bordalo Pinheiro, working under the painter Francisco Vilaça. Enjoy the luxurious stucco …

Silves Castle is the largest in the Algarve and one of the most notable works of military architecture bequeathed by the Arabs. The structure was composed of several elements: the citadel, the Almedina walls, the Curaçao, the Arrabalde walls, and several moats. The walls are shaped like an irregular polygon, consisting of eleven rectangular towers. The citadel is the most important area, where two cisterns from the original period and the well, called the Moorish Cisterna, can be seen. Archaeological excavations have uncovered a Muslim dwelling, called the "Palácio das Varandas," the residence of the city's lord. The mixture of …

The Rio Maior Salt Pans Ecomuseum is located about 3 km from the city center and nestled in a valley at the foot of the Serra dos Candeeiros, in the heart of the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park. Classified as a Property of Public Interest since December 1997, these salt pans are the only inland salt pans in Portugal. The first reference to their existence dates back to 1177, but rock salt is thought to have been used since prehistoric times. Surrounded by vineyards and farmland, they are considered a natural wonder, as the sea is 30 km …

In this arqueossítio, situated in one of the oldest of the old medieval village arteries, is the longest sequence of human occupation of the city of Porto. The Archeological excavations made it possible to observe, in a thickness of more than three feet deep, 20 archaeological layers, which included architectural ruins and objects since the IV-III centuries BC until the present times. Here were first identified with security, traces of the castro proto-history that was at the origin of the urban center, as well as the medieval and Roman occupations that you succeeded. The remains of dwellings and streets from …

Located to the southwest of Bragançaand belonging to the Ancient Massif of Trás-os-Montes, this is a branch of the Montesinho mountain. It is 12.5 km long and 10 km wide and has its highest pont at 1319 metres. On the top, we find the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Serra, a privileged belvedere. On its slopes several small rivers are born that have several fish species such as the common trout, the barbel and the eel among others. The fauna is impressively diverse and one should note the presence of wolves, foxes, boars, wild cats several birds and amphibuous. …

The first documented references to this temple date back to 1177, when Vela Rodrigues, heir of Egas Moniz and Teresa Afonso, donated his property in Lousada to the Monastery of Salvador de Paço de Sousa. Later, the church's patron saint is documented in 1218 and in the Inquiries of 1258. Despite these references, the current building is of more recent design, possessing quite late elements from the end of the 13th century and even the 14th century. Having undergone renovations in the Modern Era, it retains the nave and the western façade of Romanesque characteristics, attesting to the persistence of …

Mountain Hotel built from scratch, fully integrated in the landscape, living in harmony with nature, the H2otel is located in Unhais da Serra, near the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. It has 90 rooms, of which 17 are suites and duplex suites, very spacious and with a very sober decoration. The restaurant and bar, in addition to good food, have a privileged view, in which stands out the glacier Alforta. The Spa, now transformed into Mountain SPA Aquadome, offer a wide range of treatments. The hotel has an area of congresses and meetings with several rooms adaptable to the type …

Tucked away in a valley not far from Funchal, on a large property in Camara De Lobos, this hotel combines friendly service with a tranquil setting. Housed in a beautifully restored former mansion, Quinta Jardim da Serra impresses with its modern design and large garden. Taste home-made brandy at the bar or rest on a sun lounger next to the indoor pool. The hotel offers a shuttle service from and to Funchal, ensuring you a truly hassle-free stay. Other useful services include car rental, laundry and an on-site ATM. Make use of the free wireless internet and stay in contact …