Checking In…Pousada de Tavira (Portugal)

Located about 30 km. east of Faro, and an equal distance from the Spanish border, the town of Tavira is one of the many charming towns on the Algarve. This gem of a town has been influenced over the centuries by many civilizations, including the Phoenicians, the Romans and the Moors. It is located on the banks of the Ségua and Gilão Rivers, and is sometimes referred to as the town of churches, as it has a total of 21 churches, including the Church of Misericórdia that dates back to 1541.

In the heart of town you will find the Pousada de Tavira. The Pousada was formerly the Convent of St. Augustine, which was founded by King D. Sebastiao in 1569. The renovation restored the beauty of the traditional convent and its interior courtyard that is framed by stone archways.  Modern furnishings and amenities were added, along with an inviting outdoor pool. From this peaceful retreat visitors can easily explore the sites of this charming town, and beach lovers can catch a boat nearby that departs to the sandy beaches on the Island of Tavira.

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Next Stop…Estremoz, Portugal

Located in the Alentejo region about 170 km east of Lisbon is the town of Estremoz. The region is known for its vast rolling hills, cork production, and marble quarries, and Estremoz is the largest of the marble towns that dot this region.
 
Today the town is known for the charming clay figurines that are still handcrafted locally. You can shop for the figurines and other local earthenware pottery and cheeses at the Saturday market that is held in the Rossio Marquês de Pombal square.  It is one of the largest markets in Portugal. There is also a Rural Museum that displays archaeological finds and a unique collection of painted clay figures from the 17th and 18th Centuries.

The centerpiece of town is the 14th C. castle that was built by King Diniz for his beloved Queen, Saint Isabel. This royal palace has been converted into the Pousada Rainha Santa Isabel, which sits on a hilltop overlooking the town.

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Checking In...Pousada de Óbidos (Portugal)

Óbidos is an enchanting medieval walled city rich in history, and only a short drive (80 km) north of Lisbon. The charm and beauty of the town was so endearing that the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, presented the town as a gift to his wife, Queen Santa Isabel, in 1148. The white washed houses and stone streets offer visitors an exceptional "back in time" experience. Beyond its natural beauty, the town has a number of museums, and hosts several wonderful events such as Holy Week, the Ancient Music Festival in October, and the International Chocolate Festival in March.

In the fortified town of Óbidos is the 12th C. Castelo de Óbidos, which was the first historic monument to be converted into a Pousada in 1951. On July 7, 2007, it was selected as one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal. The 12th C. castle sits atop the charming town of Óbidos, with its winding, narrow stone streets. Entering through the Porta da Villa gate, guests are transported back to medieval times. Make sure you book your room early, as the hotel only has a total of 9 rooms (try and book the turret rooms).

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Checking In…Pousada de Viseu (Portugal)

The city of Viseu is located about 180 miles northeast of Lisbon. It is believed that the name of the city was derived from the Roman term "viso", which means good view, and you can still enjoy panoramic views from the city's highest point. Besides its cultural sites, Viseu is also known for the handicrafts that are produced by the local artisans, including quilts and carpets, pottery, and fine embroidery and lace.

When you're ready to take a break from the sightseeing and shopping, you can check into the recently opened Pousada de Viseu, located on a hill near the center of town. Housed in a building that was built in 1842, it formerly served as the São Teotónio Hospital. The architectural details of this classic building were painstakingly maintained and restored to showcase its original grandness. A glass ceiling has been installed over the inner courtyard that was once uncovered. Today the courtyard is a cozy lobby and meeting area for guests.

The 84 guest rooms are spacious, and include Standard rooms, larger Superior rooms, and spacious Suites that have a sitting area, and some offer a terrace. The Special Suites have a living room, separate bedroom, and a large wrap-around terrace.

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Checking In…Pousada de Alvito – Castelo de Alvito (Portugal)

The town of Alvito is nestled in the Alentejo region, about 178 km southeast of Lisbon. Alvito received its feudal rights in 1280, and grew to a total of 1,700 inhabitants by the early 16th C. It was around this time that the Castle of Alvito was rebuilt, using a combination of Manueline (Portuguese late Gothic) and Mudéjar (Arab-influenced) styles that are typical of the region.

The Castle of Alvito was converted into a hotel in 1993 and today welcomes visitors as part of the Pousadas group. The hotel offers Standard rooms, larger Superior rooms, and one Suite. The Suite dates back to the 15th C. and used to be the Queen’s suite.

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Checking In…Pousada de Estremoz – Rainha Santa Isabel, Estremoz (Portugal)

Located in the Alentejo region about 170 km east of Lisbon is the town of Estremoz. The region is known for its vast rolling hills, cork production, and marble quarries, and Estremoz is the largest of the marble towns that dot this region.

The centerpiece of town is the 14th C. castle that was built by King Diniz for his beloved Queen, Saint Isabel. This royal palace has been converted into the Pousada Rainha Santa Isabel, which sits on a hilltop overlooking the town. There are a total of 33 rooms, consisting of 29 Standard rooms, 3 larger Superior rooms, and 1 spacious Suite with a living room and separate bedroom. All rooms are uniquely decorated, and many have four-poster beds and handmade local rugs.

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Next Stop...Guimarães (Portugal)

The picturesque medieval town of Guimarães is located about 30 miles northeast of Porto, in the heart of the Minho region. It is the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, and was the country's first capital. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and will be the European Capital of Culture in 2012.

On a hilltop just outside of town is a 12th C. Augustinian monastery that was built by Teresa, the mother of Afonso Henriques. There is also a Manueline church that still offers Mass on Sunday, along with extensive grounds and beautifully maintained gardens.

Today the monastery welcomes guests as the Pousada de Guimarães, Santa Marinha. It is one of the most impressive hotels in the Pousadas group, and was awarded the coveted Europa Nostra prize for its renovation and restoration. The Pousada has 49 rooms and 2 suites that are outfitted in traditional Portuguese style and have been equipped with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy the views of the city below from the beautiful outdoor swimming pool and gardens that surround the hotel.

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Next Stop...Queluz (Portugal)

 

 

 

Only 20 minutes northwest of Lisbon is the town of Queluz. It makes a perfect day trip out of Lisbon and is easily accessed by car, train or bus. When you arrive, head straight for the Queluz Palace.

In the early 1800s the town's proximity to Lisbon and pristine country setting made it the perfect location for the royal family's estate and hunting lodge. In the latter part of the century the country estate was converted into a grander Summer Palace by the Infante Dom Pedro, and was the home of Queen Maria I during her reign. Today the Summer Palace and its gardens remain one of the finest examples of late 18th C. Portuguese architecture; it is often referred to as the "Portuguese Versailles." For more information on the Palace click here

If you would like to experience what it was like to stay in one of these fine buildings firsthand, you now can, as one of the buildings on the palace grounds once used by the Royal Guard of the Court is now a hotel - the Pousada de Queluz (Dona Maria I). For more information on the Pousada click here

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Next Stop...Palmela (Portugal)

 

 

 

 

Located just 20 minutes southeast of Lisbon, Palmela is perhaps best known for the 12th C. fortress perched on a hilltop at an altitude of 1,200 meters, at the edge of the Arrábida mountain range. From its hilltop location you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding farmlands and vineyards, the Sado estuary, and even Lisbon to the north.

Palmela is also an important wine growing region, producing table wines and a fortified wine called Muscatel of Setúbal. If you visit at the beginning of September, don’t miss the grape harvest festival that takes place, offering processions, performances, and the release of bulls.

The 12th C. fortress has been converted into the Pousada de Palmela, so you can see what it’s like to stay in a castle.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.