Despite its integration into the Cistercian Order, the life of this monastery was turbulent and short. During his visit in 1553, the Abbot of Clairvaux found it in a state of complete neglect and poverty, which is why it was secularized in 1560, becoming a parish church. What we see today in Ermelo is a beautiful Romanesque church adapted to the life of a small parish, first in the 16th century and again in the 18th century. Of the nave that stood to the south, only the beautiful triumphal arch remains, now open to the sky outside. The monastery's dependencies …

Considered one of the largest mining operations in the Roman world, the Tresminas mine began during the reign of Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD) and continued until the time of Septimius Severus. It was likely carried out using an open-pit system, creating the large craters that still bear witness to the human effort in the landscape today. A complex system of galleries was opened across the vein for the transport, disposal, and treatment of the minerals, which remains open to visitors. The Archaeological Park has viewpoints overlooking the mining pits, interpretive panels, signposted walking trails, and picnic areas. Visits …

Stately residence dating from the 18TH century, an interesting architectural ensemble of Baroque style, typically Minho. This beautiful palatial residence, although privately owned, well worth a visit, at least to the outside. Through the iron gate you can see the pretty walled courtyard where stands out the upper gallery alpendrada. In the courtyard in front of the gate there is a fountain lined with tiles and the original Sundial. off the patio, front part to the majestic gate, deserves attention an interesting Baroque fountain, transferred from the Franciscan convent of São Paio of Mount for this site in 1899, and …

Located three kilometers from the city center, this palace is situated within a large estate. Built in the mid-18th century, it is attributed by some authors to the architect Nicolau Nasoni, mainly due to the exuberant Baroque style of its main facade. It is one of the few noble palaces that has remained in the possession of the original family to this day. Part of the house is open to the public through guided tours, presenting itself as an authentic house museum. During the visit, one can explore the main hall, the library (with a copy of the first edition …

Located west of Lisbon, it belongs to the sedimentary fringe of Estremadura. It is 10 kilometers long, 5 kilometers wide and 30 kilometers in perimeter, reaching its maximum altitude (540 meters) at Cruz Alta. Integrated into the Sintra/Cascais Natural Park, it is divided into two landscapes: one is the extensive agricultural area north of Colares that encompasses the São João das Lampas plateau, the other is the coastal strip between the mouth of the Falcão River and the Citadel of Cascais, ending at Cabo da Roca. Presenting magnificent natural beauty, due to the variety of vegetation, paths and lakes, it …

In historic Walks, log in at Stanford's restaurant. Made in the image and measure of its owner, Himani Rodrigues, the restaurant is a part of stories. A new House, with decor and ambiance, it has a markedly cultural roster of impressive entries where punctuate the sausages and fritters, regional fishes of horta, the Fava Beans with chorizo and fried egg with bread fried in olive oil. Sea bass with rice to Uncle Blowtorch (the sailor), cod with corn bread-or Gratin-ham, red beans and rice of duck to the former are references on the menu, without forgetting of course the delicious …

Recipe: Start by chopping the crystallized fruits, softening them with a glass of Port Wine, and the dried fruits (pine nuts, walnuts, raisins). Dissolve the yeast in a cup of flour and a decilitre of water. Mix 150 grams of margarine and a lot of sugar and the zest of a lemon and an orange. Add yeast and four eggs to the mix, along with the remaining flour sifted with a dessert spoon of salt. Sprinkle with flour, knead well and let sit (until the dough doubles in volume). On a tray greased with lard, place the dough and a …

The São Vicente Thermal Baths, located in Penafiel, next to the Douro River, boast some of the most sulphurous waters in Europe, making them a unique destination for those seeking to combine health and well-being. Here, you can enjoy the therapeutic properties of the thermal water, revitalize your mind and body through the dynamic pool, or simply relax and find harmony and balance in the spa. All this is set within a magnificent wooded and verdant park, with centuries-old trees, where you will find the best-preserved Roman Baths in the country, whose origins date back to 315 AD, as well …

The Arrábida Natural Park encompasses a series of landforms that form the Arrábida mountain range. This park was created with the aim of preserving the natural, socio-cultural, economic, and historical values ​​of the region. The natural and scenic importance of this area is enormous, due to its rare natural characteristics and scarce human development. At first glance, it seems like a wall over the Atlantic – the Alto dos Píncaros, at the top of the Serra do Risco, at 400 meters altitude, drops abruptly into the Atlantic – but the Arrábida Natural Park hides a multiplicity of morphologies that make …

Recent historical research has brought to light new facts about Croft Port Wine Lodges. The earliest evidence of the company's activity back to the year 1588 confirming thus the Croft as the oldest house producer still in operation. The Croft family played a prominent role in the Port Wine industry and raised the Croft the distinction position that still holds today. Its cellars are open all year round and offer one of the most genuine and traditional visits to the world of Port wine. In addition to a test basis three special category Port wines (€ 5 per person), you …