One of the many squares in downtown Lisbon
A
Discover the old-fashioned charm of the Iberian Peninsula's best-ke
WRITTEN BY SY MANELLO
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PEARL MANELLO
varied flora and fauna, and delicious dining opportuni-
ties. Here, a point-by-point guide to getting the most
out of your visit:
A market stall in Bahalo Market in Opporto
Good day! — is not only a greeting in
Born dia!
Portugal; it is a prediction of your visit to this pictur-
esque country. Red-tiled roofs top whitewashed homes
to create picture-perfect villages scattered over mean-
dering coastlines. Breathtaking historical monuments
and medieval castles are abundant, and the country's
residents exude an ever- pleasant demeanor. The trav-
eler to Portugal will be treated to a diversity of sights,
—
• With Lisbon, the country's capital, as a starting
point, begin your visit in neighboring Sintra, a favorite
of Lord Byron's located between the mountains and the
coast. Declared a World Heritage City in 1995, it also is
home to a fully intact and furnished medieval castle.
• The Monastery of St. Jerome contains the tombs of
two kings and their wives. The beautiful cloisters are a
reminder of the monks who once lived there.
• From the Lisbon waterfront, one can see the mag-
nificent Discoverers' Memorial honoring Henry the
Navigator as well as the Bridge of the 25th of April,
which spans the Tagus River and is the third-longest
suspension bridge in Europe as well as the fifth longest
in the world.
• Heading north from Lisbon, make a stop in
Obidos, a walled city with quaint streets and shops.
In the neighboring city of Alcobaca, visit the longest
church in the country, the Santa Maria Monastery,
which houses the tombs of King Pedro I and his mis-
tress Ines de Castro. The countryside here is dotted
with cherry, apple, plum and peach trees. The stately
eucalyptus trees are used for paper and pulp, a big
industry in this area.
• In the city of Fatima, view the enthralling older
shrine — the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary
— as well as the new church.
• In the city of Tomar, see the Convent of Christ,
The Navigators Monument on the Duoro River in Lisbon
was the first official monument to be installed as part of
the 500th anniversary commemoration of Christopher
Columbus' first voyage to the New World in 1492.
which was the historic headquarters of the Knights
Templar (fans of The DaVinci Code will be especially
intrigued). The architecture dictated by King Manuel
is very detailed.
• North ofTomar are the Roman ruins of Conimbriga
from the fifth-century C.E. The mosaics are something
to see, and the museum there has many well-preserved
artifacts of jewelry and engraved stones.
• Northward, stop in Coimbra and visit the 700-year-
old university. Of particular note is the gilded baroque
library, established by King John III. Ever heard of bats
being used to control the insect and worm problem
plaguing ancient books? Be sure to ask a guide.