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Although train and bus travel is quite easy and
reasonably priced as are organized tours, we decided to
rent a car to more easily access some of the
towns and villages in Central Portugal. This allowed us
to see a number of scenic treasures as we crossed
between Lisbon and Porto.
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Dozens
of walled towns and villages are scattered through the central
region with most towns having some sort of ancient fortification
encircling the white-washed homes. |
In Óbidos, the intact medieval
ramparts offer a view of red-tiled roofs and the surrounding
countryside.
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Along the narrow lanes, splashes of colour are visible against
the white-stuccoed walls.
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The villages offer a slow pace and an intimate ambience to
balance the intensity of the religious pilgrimage sites of
Fatima, Batahla and Alcobaça.
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In Óbidos, as elsewhere, local
commerce relies on tourist interest in ceramic handicrafts and
local foods, wines and cherry liqueur. |
More tourists are discovering the Silver Coast region of
Portugal which rivals the Algarve for its wide beaches,
bargain-hunting markets and historical interest.
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Nazaré is one of the most popular seaside
resorts on the Silver Coast, known for its high surf that
attracts international competitions.
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A promenade along the beachfront attracts pedestrians as the
sun sets over the ocean. |
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A funicular takes passengers up the cliff face to the village of
Sitio above Nazaré, where most of
the local fishing families reside. |
Sitio's church, rebuilt in 1377 has a long history as a
pilgrimage site and as the place where all fishermen lost at sea
are mourned.
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The Mosteiro de
Alcobaça, the largest church in
Portugal, was founded in 1153 to give thanks for victory over
the Moors at Santarém. |
In the transept lie the tombs of Dom Pedro and his lover Inês
de Castro. Ines was murdered by order of Pedro's father, the
events of which nearly started a civil war. |
The central nave has the soaring columns and clean lines of
classic Gothic architecture.
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