Two days in Sintra (day 1)
We got a long weekend and we had a voucher for a one night stay in one of the Vila Galé Hotels, to use before 2012. So, we took that chance to visit Sintra (Portugal). On 7 October 2011, we…
Castle of the Moors (Sintra)
The “Castelo dos Mouros” (Castle of the Moors) is located in “Serra de Sintra” (Sintra Mountain), in Portugal. It is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. History The Castle of the Moors dates back to the Moorish occupation…
The fairytale Pena Palace in Portugal
The “Palácio Nacional da Pena” (Pena National Palace), a former Summer residence of the Portuguese Royal family, is the main landmark and tourist attraction in the picturesque Portuguese town of Sintra. It is considered one of the major expressions of…
Belém Tower (Portugal)
The “Torre de Belém” (Belém Tower) is located in the Belém district of Lisboa (Lisbon), in Portugal. It is classified as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO since 1983. History In order to enhance Lisbon’s defense, King João II,…
Exploring Lisbon in one weekend (Day 2)
After taking our breakfast at the hostel, we caught the bus to Belém district, where we spent the second day of our weekend. Taking advantage of the free entrance in several museums and monuments on Sundays morning, we visited the…
Exploring Lisbon in one weekend (Day 1)
For work reasons, I had to spend a weekend in Lisbon. Therefore, me and JB took that chance to visit it. On April 2rd 2011 JB caught the Intercity Train in Aveiro and, two and half hours later, we met…
Jerónimos Monastery (Portugal)
The “Mosteiro dos Jerónimos” (Jerónimos Monastery) is located in the Belém district of Lisboa (Lisbon), in Portugal. It is classified as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO since 1983. History In 1496, King Manuel I asked the Pope for…
National Coach Museum (Portugal)
The “Museu Nacional dos Coches” (National Coach Museum) is located in the Belém district of Lisboa (Lisbon), in Portugal. It is housed in the former Royal Riding School, a building that was part of the Royal Palace of Belém, nowadays…